In Philippians Chapter 3, Paul writes:
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
Paul speaks of his responsibility to safeguard those whom he is called to minister to. Each of us is accountable and responsible for our teaching in regard to Spiritual matters. Each time we minister, are we exalting Christ or focusing on other topics of little consequence to our salvation or wellbeing? Our goal must be to safeguard the flock as a shepherd would.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
Paul appears to reference Psalm 22:16. Dogs unjustly accuse, spread lies, and attack the righteous. The evil workers focus on tearing down and attacking whereas Paul places his ministry on worshipping GOD in the Spirit and rejoicing in Christ Jesus:
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
He acknowledges his credentials but then places them in perspective:
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Our education and status must not be viewed as a basis for being credible teachers. Paul counts them “rubbish” in light of the revealing of Christ in his life:
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Our desire at Servias Ministries is to promote Christ and bring forth the revelation of Love into men and women’s hearts. Our goal is to build up the body of Christ in all areas. Our message is directed to all of mankind and view ourselves as servants ministering on the behalf of all. The trappings of this world are counted loss for Christ. False righteousness focuses the attention on the men speaking to the flock, not Christ. There have been many who have exalted themselves as experts and have moved the focus away from Christ. Paul himself admits this when he spoke of his credentials. He repented for this path of unrighteousness and warns those at Philippi to beware. He spoke from his own experience.
The ego wants to be lifted up above Christ. Its confidence is in the flesh and we must discern when we hear or read messages to determine who is being exalted. We must be ready to repent if we too are guilty of exalting ourselves. Jesus Christ is the pattern Son and we must test all teaching in regard to this standard. Paul is quite clear about this reality. There is unity among those who count everything else loss for Christ. However at the same time there is a division from those who continue to promote themselves for personal gain. Paul speaks of this division. Let Christ be exalted in word and deed!