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The battle of legalism (Philippians 3:1-11)

Mark BarnesMark Barnes, June 7, 2009
Part of the Philippians series, preached at a Sunday Morning service

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https://www.bethel-clydach.co.uk/sermons/?show&file_name=2009-06-07-am.mp3 Download
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« The garden of Gethsemane Deserted by all Walking with God »

Philippians 3:1–11 (Listen)

3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

(ESV)

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Jack’s story

“I realised that I had been born a sinner, and going to church did not make you a Christian”

But there is such a thing as backsliding and sadly like the prodigal son we can wander away and our love for God can grow cold… During all our time away from God, we had found no peace or joy. You cannot love the world and God. But we are ever amazed at God’s great love, that like the prodigal, he welcomed us home when we confessed our sins – like the Bible says, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Read more of Jack’s story
Finding faith
We love sharing our faith with others, but we also know from our own experience that many people need time and space to think through the message of the Bible for themselves. So if you want to explore what Christianity offers, we think you'll find Bethel a great place to do that. If you want to just listen, that's fine. If you've got questions, we'll do our best to help. If you've problems that no-one else seems to be able to help with — perhaps a bereavement, family crisis, or spiralling debts — then you'll find Bethel a place where you can not only get emotional and practical support, but spiritual help, too.
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