Verse by Verse Devotional on Philippians by Pastor Jack #140

Beware of the Mutilation!

3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.

The Greek word translated "false circumcision" in the NASB is a take-off of the word for circumcision (KATATOME instead of PERITOME). The word for circumcision mean to cut around. This word means to cut into pieces or mutilate.

This third warning (especially in light of v.3) is clearly a reference to the fact that the Judaizers were insisting that Gentile Christians get circumcised in order to be fully acceptable to God. Paul uses this strong language to deride their teaching. He does a similar thing in Gal.5:12, where he wishes the Judaizers would castrate themselves.

The Judaizer heresy that Paul resisted so adamantly is no longer with us today. But there are other heresies just as pernicious. And we must not be squeamish about confronting them and warning God’s people against them just as Paul did here. We must not do so lightly, of course, lest we falsely accuse. But the notion that Christian love necessitates toleration of all views is hogwash. True Christian love is zealous to protect God’s precious little children from spiritual predators. Christian love, then, is not afraid to warn the people of God regarding insidious heresies in language that reflects the potential danger.

The people of God have an enemy who is bent on their destruction. "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1Pet.5:8) One of Satan’s devices is counterfeit gospels and counterfeit Christs.

Perversion of the truth of the gospel is a very serious thing because it sends people to hell. How can any loving person be soft on something which brings about eternal damnation? We must not be afraid to reflect this danger in the way we speak.

Thank You, Lord, that You love Your people so much that You hate those who seek to destroy them. Thank You that You are so concerned about us leaving the path of life that You have sent urgent warnings about those who might seek to lead us astray. What a loving God You are! Help me to love Your people too. Help me to be willing to fight for their souls. Help me to be willing to risk approval in the eyes of men in order to tell people what they need to hear. Help me to be willing to risk everything in order to wage battle on behalf of Your sheep.