The Great Exchange

Sermon Scripture:  ​Philippians 3:1-7

​1.  Rejoice in the Lord, not in yourself! Verse 1

• Not a new idea!
• Worth repeating!
• It is a safeguard for you!

2.  Guard against legalistic religious leaders and do not follow after them! Verse 2

• Dogs, evildoers, mutilators of the flesh
• Legalists: People who offered the Law as the way to living righteous lives after salvation. Dietary laws of Judaism and circumcision were encouraged. 
• Licentious: People who believed that Christians could live as the pagans after accepting Christ.

3.  Worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ instead of your own accomplishments and zeal as the mark of     
     following Jesus! Verse 3

• Circumcision is the mark of the Jew as God’s people.
• Circumcision is now replaced by the Holy Spirit empowered service!
• Service alone is not the key!
• Passion alone is not the key!
• Christ’s spirit enlivens your service!

4.  Exchange your self-confidence for Christ’s competence! Verses 4-7

• Boast in Christ
• No confidence in the flesh!
• If anyone could, Paul could!
• Circumcised on 8th day!
• Israel
• Tribe of Benjamin
• Respected
• Pharisee: Accomplished!
• Zealous in persecuting the church!
• Law based righteousness: Faultless!

So What?

• Everything that was to my credit is now a loss for the sake of Christ!!!!
• Repent of self-sufficiency!
• Surrender to Christ and serve Him in faith!
• Guard your heart from the influence of dogs and evildoers!