One of Paul's favorite symbols

This week we continue our expository look at Philippians with chapter 3. There, Paul uses one of his favorite metaphors again, circumcision. That's not the first time he talked about it, in fact it's a big part of the book of Romans as well.

The rite of circumcision was important in the Jewish culture, of which Paul was a member. But Paul often referred to it for what it was — an outward symbol. What is far more important is what's inside.

Consider this passage from Romans 2:25-59, "“Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.”

Paul concludes this chapter in Romans by emphasizing what it means to be a person of faith. He says it’s good to follow the law and to follow Jewish customs, but that alone is not enough. It’s not about the outward professions, it’s about the inward conditions. It’s not about being circumcised; it’s about circumcising our hearts, so to speak. Working to earn the praise and attention of men does not matter; worshipping and obeying God is what matters. Truly embracing salvation isn’t about following a code of conduct, it’s about changing the condition of our hearts. Following the letter of the laws of the land doesn’t make one a patriot, it’s a love of country that comes from within. Similarly, following the law offers no benefit if it doesn’t take root in your heart.

That is the point he's going for in Philippians 3 as well. Following the laws and customs are good, but only if you're doing it for the right reasons. It's our motivations that lead to our destruction and our motivations that reveal the desires of our heart. Paul uses circumcision, again, to show that, once, he was on a path that was considered righteous. He followed the law and was a ranking member of that society, but that isn't what matters from an eternal standpoint.

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3:7-9.

Paul's challenge stands for us today. There are plenty of rules and rituals that have become a part of Christianity, but none of that matters if you're heart's desire isn't focused on what's important. So when you pray, when you study, when you go to church on Sundays, ask yourself why you're doing it? If it isn't to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, what's the point?