What is True Circumcision?

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. 

To write again about this is no trouble for me and is protection for you.

Watch out for 'dogs,' watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh- although I once had confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:1-4a

The exhortation to rejoice seems out of place. Perhaps it comes as the finish for the last verse in chapter two which speaks about Epaphroditus who had been healed from a serious illness.

Nevertheless, it is good to rejoice. In season and out. Rejoicing is something we can do even in pain and difficulty. In fact it lifts the heaviness from our shoulders. An attitude of thanksgiving is better than one of complaining. Worship opens the heavens and allows the Kingdom of God to be established on earth.

Paul then talks about dogs. This term was usually used in reference to Gentiles but here it refers to the people who could not accept that salvation did not require a cost. They insisted in the new believers, even Gentiles, becoming circumcised. These are they that mutilate the flesh and are workers of evil.

Paul then tells us what the true circumcision looks like. These are they:

They serve by the Spirit of God, not under compulsion

They boast only in Christ Jesus, not man, nor the keeping of law

They do not put their confidence in the flesh, instead they trust and rely on the Lord.

Paul goes on the say, if anyone should boast, he should. In fact there was a time he did, but since he met Christ everything changed.

There is nothing I can do to save myself. No amount of works will make Him love me more. I cannot manipulate Him. He finished it all. He loves me with all that He has and had. I am complete in Him. I cannot improve on a completed,mfinished work. When Jesus breathed His last He said, "It is finished!" 

It is finished folks! Finished! Amen!