Discerning a True Christian (Philippians 3:3)
This sermon delves into the distinct characteristics that define genuine faith, moving beyond mere outward appearance. It offers a profound look at what truly marks a person as a follower of Christ, according to Philippians 3:3.
The sermon defines a true Christian by three internal marks from Philippians 3:3: worshiping in the Spirit, glorying in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh, distinguishing them from those with only outward religious acts.
Overview
The sermon begins by focusing on Philippians 3:1-3, particularly verse 3, which offers a definition of a true Christian. The preacher emphasizes the New Testament's concern with distinguishing true believers from false or "almost Christians," citing the 1661 Puritan book, The Almost Christian Discovered by Matthew Mead, as historical context for this ongoing challenge. Mead's work illustrates the many religious activities one can engage in—like having knowledge, gifts, or outward obedience—yet still lack genuine salvation.
Moving from these external behaviors, the sermon highlights the three internal qualities found in Philippians 3:3. First, a true Christian "worships in the Spirit of God," meaning their worship is supernatural, prompted from within by the Holy Spirit, not by external rituals or fear. This worship is characterized by affection, delight, and peace in God and Christ, leading to singular devotion.
Second, a true Christian "glories in Christ Jesus." This means giving all credit and boast for salvation and life to Christ alone, recognizing no personal merit or achievement. It signifies surrendering all to Christ as Lord and Savior.
Finally, a true Christian "puts no confidence in the flesh," rejecting any reliance on human effort, abilities, or outward religious performance for salvation. This humility involves true spiritual repentance, acknowledging the sinfulness of one's inner condition rather than merely feeling bad about scandalous sins, and turning completely to God's grace.
Key points
- The sermon identifies a true Christian by three explicit qualities found in Philippians 3:3.
- It contrasts these true Christians with "almost Christians" who engage in many outward religious activities but lack inward transformation.
- Matthew Mead's book, The Almost Christian Discovered, highlights how far one can go in religion without being truly saved.
- A true Christian "worships in the Spirit of God," meaning their worship is supernatural, internally driven by the Holy Spirit, and characterized by love, joy, and peace.
- A true Christian "glories in Christ Jesus," attributing all credit and boast for their life and salvation solely to Him.
- A true Christian "puts no confidence in the flesh," understanding that human effort and unredeemed nature cannot earn God's favor.
- True spiritual repentance involves acknowledging the inner wickedness of one's condition and running to God for forgiveness, rather than just feeling bad about scandalous conduct.
In John MacArthur's words
“You don't go anywhere to worship, you worship as a way of life because worship is in what? Spirit, in spirit, in heart, it's internal.”
“A lot of people want the benefits of the cross who don't want to bow to the crown.”
“Natural conviction deals with my conduct. Spiritual repentance deals with my condition.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: Discerning the True Christian (Philippians 3:1-3)
- A. The New Testament's concern: distinguishing false from true believers
- B. Historical context: Matthew Mead's The Almost Christian Discovered (1661)
- 1. How far one can go and still not be a true Christian (a list of external actions)
- II. The Three Explicit Marks of a True Christian (Philippians 3:3)
- A. Worship in/by the Spirit of God
- 1. Worship is supernatural, internally generated by the Holy Spirit.
- 2. Worship is a way of life, not confined to a place (John 4:19-21).
- 3. Worship is according to truth, not ignorance (John 4:22).
- 4. True worshipers are sought by the Father (John 4:23).
- 5. Components of true worship (love/affection, delight/joy, confidence/peace).
- 6. Only the Holy Spirit produces this internal worship (Galatians 5).
- 7. True worship leads to singular devotion and a life of spiritual service.
- B. Glory in Christ Jesus
- 1. Boasting with exultant joy only in Christ (Galatians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 1:31).
- 2. Giving all credit for what one is to Christ, not personal merit.
- 3. Christ is all and all, the focus, Lord, and Savior.
- C. Put no confidence in the flesh
- 1. Rejecting reliance on unredeemed humanness or self-effort for salvation.
- 2. Contrasting with Jewish reliance on physical descent, circumcision, and law.
- 3. The flesh's inability to justify or please God (Romans 3:19-20).
- 4. Humility and repentance: turning from sinful self-effort to grace through faith.
- 5. Spiritual repentance addresses the deep, hidden wickedness of nature, not just scandalous sins.
- III. Conclusion: A Call to True Faith
Scripture references
- Philippians 3:1-3
- John 4
- Romans 8:7
- Matthew 4:10
- Romans 12
- Galatians 6:13
- Galatians 6:14
- 1 Corinthians 1:31
- 2 Corinthians 10:17
- Philippians 3:8-9
- 1 Corinthians 2:2
- Romans 15:17
- Romans 3:19-20
- James 4:6
- James 4:10
- 2 Corinthians 13:5
- 1 Corinthians 2
- Romans 3
- Romans 9
- Galatians 5
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
Insights
True faith is marked by what happens in the heart, not just outward acts.
Many can approximate Christian behavior without possessing true salvation.
Worship flows from an inner work of the Holy Spirit, transforming affection.
Questions & answers
What is the sermon's main purpose?
The sermon aims to clarify the definitive characteristics of a true Christian, contrasting them with those who might appear religious but lack genuine, inward transformation as described in Philippians 3:3.
What does the sermon mean by an 'almost Christian'?
An 'almost Christian' is someone who engages in many outward religious activities—like having knowledge, gifts, or outward obedience—but whose heart has not been truly cleansed or transformed by the Holy Spirit.
How does the sermon define 'worship in the Spirit of God'?
This means worship that is supernatural, internally produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, rather than by external rituals, tradition, or fear. It is characterized by deep affection, delight, and peace in God.
What does it mean for a true Christian to 'glory in Christ Jesus'?
To 'glory in Christ Jesus' means that a true Christian finds their sole pride, boast, and credit for all they are and for their salvation in Christ alone, recognizing no personal merit or achievement.
What does 'put no confidence in the flesh' signify?
This means having no reliance on one's own human abilities, efforts, or outward religious performances to earn God's favor or salvation. It reflects a humble recognition of one's inherent sinfulness apart from grace.
What is the difference between natural conviction and spiritual repentance?
Natural conviction typically focuses on scandalous sins and their consequences, dealing with outward conduct. Spiritual repentance, however, addresses the deep, secret sins and the wickedness of one's inner condition, leading a person to run to God for forgiveness.
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