Philippians 3:1-21

Oct 19, 2025
Philippians 3:1-21
Invited Moriah Miller Matthew Miller Ekklesia
Attachments Philippians 3:1-21
Meeting records Recording

Summary
Matthew Miller introduced the Philippians Chapter 3 Bible study, explaining that the "dogs" and "evil workers" refer to those in "great apostasy" who need to be "amputated" from the body of Christ, emphasizing that true circumcision is of the heart and worship extends beyond church buildings. Both Matthew Miller and Moriah Miller highlighted the positive message of having confidence in Christ rather than worldly gains and encouraged believers to look forward to spiritual growth, with Matthew Miller clarifying that the ultimate goal is the "first resurrection" at Christ's return. The discussion centered on understanding Philippians Chapter 3 as a guide for believers, including conforming to the "canon" of the Bible and becoming a "pattern" for others.

Details
Introduction to Philippians Chapter 3 Matthew Miller introduced the Philippians Bible study, focusing on chapter three, which addresses issues within the church body rather than outside it. He emphasized the chapter's directness and its relevance to current events, such as the Anglican church schism.
Understanding the "Dogs" and "Evil Workers" Matthew Miller explained that the "dogs" and "evil workers" mentioned in the chapter refer to those who participate in the "great apostasy," symbolizing individuals who need to be "amputated" or cut off from the body of Christ. He clarified that true circumcision is of the heart, achieved by worshipping God in spirit and through faith, rather than by religious rites.
Forms of Worship Matthew Miller discussed that worship should not be confined to church buildings, noting that some denominations inappropriately limit worship to specific locations. Moriah Miller added that worship encompasses many forms beyond singing, such as bowing in reverence, joyful shouting, and dancing.
Losing Worldly Gains for Christ Matthew Miller highlighted the apostle Paul’s example of counting all worldly gains as loss for Christ, including high social status as a Hebrew, Pharisee, and persecutor. He lamented that contemporary church leaders rarely acknowledge their past wrongs or fleshly tendencies, fearing job loss.
Protecting the Vulnerable in Christ Matthew Miller urged believers to be wary of those who falsely present themselves as righteous within the church, and to shield "babes in Christ" or vulnerable individuals from harm. He suggested that true members of the body of Christ should gather independently, while cautioning against forming exclusive "clicks" that could exclude difficult but not necessarily malicious individuals.
Confidence in Christ, Not the Flesh Moriah Miller emphasized that Philippians chapter 3 contains a positive message about not having confidence in one's flesh or worldly gains, but rather in Christ. Matthew Miller affirmed that this chapter provides a standard for believers to apply to themselves, preventing them from becoming the "evil workers" it warns against.
The Goal of Christ's Return Matthew Miller clarified that the ultimate goal for believers, as expressed in verse 11, is attaining the "first resurrection" at Christ's return, which is also referred to as the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus". He stressed that this event, often called the "rapture" in the Western church, is consistently referred to as the first resurrection in the Bible.
Conforming to the Canon Matthew Miller explained that "walking by the same rule" (Philippians 3:16) means conforming to the "canon" or the Bible. He criticized clergy for compartmentalizing worship and obscuring the true "canon," emphasizing that the Bible itself is the ultimate standard.
Being a Pattern for Others Matthew Miller discussed that believers are called to follow Paul’s example and become a "pattern" or "mold" for others, striving to be more like Christ. Moriah Miller added that this process involves continually looking forward to spiritual growth rather than dwelling on past selves or mistakes.
The First and Second Resurrections Matthew Miller briefly addressed a question about the "first resurrection," explaining it is a corporate resurrection of believers, distinct from Jesus' personal resurrection. He clarified that the "second resurrection" is for the wicked, occurring after the millennial reign, leading to judgment rather than salvation.

Suggested next steps
Matthew Miller will do a special Bible study on the resurrection at a later time.
Matthew Miller will reschedule the woman of the apocalypse Bible study.

You should review Gemini's notes to make sure they're accurate. Get tips and learn how Gemini takes notes
Please provide feedback about using Gemini to take notes in a short survey.