腓立比書 3 Philippians 3
- 馬克牧師
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
各位平安，今天這一講今天我們繼續分享《腓立比書》第三章的內容。
在上一章中，保羅勸勉教會要合一，不要分裂。但在第三章一開始，他語氣一轉，立刻提醒信徒要「防備犬類、防備作惡的、防備妄自行割的」。其實說的是他宣教旅程中一直遇到的老對手——那些熱衷於律法的猶太律法主義者。
這些人堅持認為救恩只屬於猶太人，或者就算外邦人也想加入，也得像考公務員一樣，先把所有律法背熟、律例行完、還要動刀子——行割禮。他們就像律法的「宗教保全隊」，不斷想把自己的規定強加在新信徒身上，彷彿信仰是一場考試，要一百分才能及格得救。保羅對此可說是拍桌子了！
他直接用了「犬類」來形容這些人。別誤會，這不是可愛柴犬或比熊那種，而是當時流浪街頭、大家避之唯恐不及的狗。猶太人甚至有句話說：「除了猶太人，世人皆犬類。」保羅現在反過來用這句話，打臉這些自以為義的人。
這些人想靠好行為來換救恩，把信仰當成集點換禮物的遊戲。但保羅要大家記得，救恩不是功勞制，也不是換購活動。我們如果不是單單仰望十字架，而開始覺得「我多做幾件好事，上帝應該會給我多一點恩典吧」，那就等於把人類的努力擺到十字架之上——這可不是什麼加分項，而是大危機！
保羅在《羅馬書》早就說明：「我們因信稱義，不是因行為。」這句話今天聽起來很熟悉，但對當時猶太社群來說，簡直像是打破宗教天條。甚至連我們自己也常不自覺地掉進功德邏輯，覺得「我奉獻多、服事久、主日不缺席」就比較討神喜悅。
但事實上，我們所做的，不是為了得救，而是對救恩的回應。每個人回應神的恩典方式不同，有人熱情如火，有人默默堅持，這些都無關高低好壞。
我們都是同樣蒙恩的罪人。如果我做得多，那是因為我更想用行動來回應這份愛，而不是要拿來當成比別人「更屬靈」的證據。請記住：信仰不是和別人的比賽，是一個督促自己進步的過程。
至於「妄自行割」是什麼意思？這說的是當時猶太人堅持外邦人也得受割禮，否則不算正統。這件事讓保羅差點跟猶太會堂翻桌。他這邊的原文是說，這種割禮只是「損傷自己身體的刀傷」，傷了自己卻無益於信仰。
保羅的意思是：信仰的重點不是你有沒有接受某種儀式，而是你的心是否真正更新。那把刀該割的是心上的自我與驕傲，不是皮膚上的記號。
接著，保羅為了回應這些猶太律法主義者，拿出自己的「屬靈履歷表」。他說：如果你們要比背景、比律法，我可是一點都不輸。
他是地地道道的希伯來人，第八天就受了割禮，是便雅憫支派的，最嚴謹的法利賽人，行為上按照律法來說是「無可指摘」。換句話說，如果靠律法能得救，那他比誰都有資格上天堂。但他說：這些我以前看作無比重要的，如今因為基督，我都當作損失。甚至講得更強烈：我為了基督，把萬事當作糞土，只要得著祂。
糞土！保羅用這麼強烈的詞，就是要讓我們知道，世上再值得誇口的成就、地位、背景，在基督面前都變成沒什麼好留戀的東西，甚至是該丟掉的東西。
他在第九節再次強調：「不是因律法而得的義，而是因信基督而來的義。」這句話的分量極重，因為它直接否定了任何一種「靠行為得救」的說法。
今天我們也需要提醒自己，不要被現代版的功德邏輯迷惑。當你聽到有人說：「你想得上帝的喜悅，就要多奉獻、多服事、多來教會」，這些話聽起來不錯，出發點也可能是為了鼓勵，但要小心：這不是你得救的條件。這些行為是我們回應恩典的方式，是我們在成聖之路上的操練，不是救恩的門票。救恩的門票只有一張，而且是耶穌付的錢。
所以我們不比較，不誇口，只專心倚靠基督，這才是信仰的正道。
保羅接著提出一個很關鍵的觀念，他似乎也預料到會有人反駁說：「既然信就好了，那我幹嘛那麼努力？不用奉獻、不用服事、不用來主日，我每天開心過日子感謝主，不就好了？」
但保羅的回答是：「不是我已經得著了，也不是我已經完全了；我乃是竭力追求，或者可以得著基督耶穌所以得著我的。」
他說，他還沒到完全的地步，但他願意繼續奔跑。他要忘記背後，努力面前，向著標竿直跑。他不是靠回憶過去的榮耀在過活，也不讓過去的成就拖住腳步，而是不斷往前衝。
保羅一輩子都是在這樣的奔跑當中。他從不曾說「我做夠了」，也從不曾停下來休息。他唯一談到「準備好了」的時候，是在提摩太後書中，那時他知道自己即將殉道，才說「那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了」。
在那之前，他一直都是全力衝刺。
我們今天所做的一切，也不是為了補足什麼救恩的缺口，不是因為救恩缺一塊我們要來填補。而是因為我們已經蒙恩，我們願意用一生的奔跑來回應這份救恩。
基督徒的生命是最輕鬆的——因為我們不再懼怕罪與死亡，不再被世界綑綁，也不在別人的定義之中。基督徒的生命也是最積極的——因為我們知道恩典何等寶貴，我們不願浪費每一天，努力去活出新生命。
我們不是為了得救而努力，而是因為已經得救，所以努力。這個觀念很重要，一定要思想清楚！
接著保羅說：「弟兄們，你們要一同效法我，也當留意那些照我們榜樣行的人。」
這話聽起來很大膽對吧？好像是說：「各位都來學我！」如果今天我說「你們要效法馬克牧師」，你可能會想：「哇，他是不是太有自信了？」
但保羅不是在誇自己，而是在陳明一個事實——他用生命在活出基督。他誇口的從來不是自己做過什麼，而是耶穌基督為我們所成就的十字架。
你讀他的書信會發現，他不斷重複這個主題：不是靠我的行為，而是靠信心，是神的恩典讓我成為今天的我。
保羅之所以敢說「效法我」，是因為他一生真誠地放下自己，用盡所有的精力、恩賜、經驗去服事教會、宣揚福音。
他是一個榜樣，不是因為完美，而是因為他忠心。
與此同時，保羅也點出教會中的另一種人。他說：「有些人的神是自己的肚腹。」意思是，他們活著只是為了滿足自己的慾望。他們看似在服事，實際上是服事自己的驕傲、自己的安全感、自己的虛榮心。這些人以自己的羞辱為榮耀。他們以為被人稱讚、被世界肯定就是屬靈，但其實只是把地上的事看得比天上的還重。
但保羅提醒我們：「我們卻是天上的國民，並且等候救主，就是主耶穌基督從天降臨。」
我們是天國的子民，擁有屬天的身份，雖然現在還住在地上，但我們應該活出屬天的樣式，像大使一樣代表天國。這是我們的身份，是一種責任與榮耀，不止是一個好聽的頭銜。我們帶著天國的盼望與使命在地上活著。
感謝各位的聆聽，下一講我們講腓立比書最後一章第四章，願上帝保守各位。
Today, we continue with our study of Philippians chapter 3.
In the previous chapter, Paul urged the church to be united and not divided. But at the start of chapter 3, his tone shifts dramatically as he warns believers: “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilators.” Sounds like the opening line of a kung fu novel, doesn’t it? But Paul is referring to a recurring challenge in his missionary journeys—those Judaizers who insisted on strict observance of the Jewish law.
These individuals believed salvation belonged only to the Jews. And even if Gentiles wanted in, they’d have to go through a full religious obstacle course—memorizing all the laws, fulfilling every ritual, and yes, undergoing circumcision. These self-appointed “religious security guards” tried to force their rules onto new believers, treating faith like a test where only perfect scores could be saved. Paul wasn’t having it.
He calls them “dogs.” And not the cute kind—no corgis or golden retrievers here. He meant the street dogs of ancient times, filthy and despised. Ironically, Jews used to call Gentiles “dogs.” Now Paul flips the script to rebuke the very ones who prided themselves on being clean and chosen.
They thought their good behavior could earn salvation, as if faith were a loyalty program—do enough good deeds and earn God’s favor. But Paul reminds us: salvation is not a merit-based system. It’s not a rewards program. If we stop relying on the cross and start thinking, “If I do more good things, maybe God will bless me more,” we’ve already veered into dangerous territory. That’s not bonus points—it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel.
Paul already clarified in Romans: “We are justified by faith, not by works.” That message might sound familiar today, but at the time, it was a theological bombshell. Even now, we’re prone to slip into works-based thinking—believing that more tithing, more service, more Sunday attendance earns us divine approval.
But everything we do is a response to grace, not a means to earn it. Each person responds to grace differently—some with boldness, others with quiet perseverance—and that’s okay.
We’re all sinners saved by the same mercy. If I do more, it’s not to prove I’m holier—it’s because I want to respond more fully to the love I’ve received. Faith isn’t a competition; it’s a journey of personal growth.
As for “mutilators,” Paul is referencing the insistence on circumcision for Gentiles. This was a major dispute in the early church. Paul strongly opposed requiring Gentile believers to undergo this ritual. His point: this so-called circumcision is merely a self-inflicted wound—it does nothing for the soul.
What matters is not an outward ritual but an inward transformation. The real circumcision is cutting away pride and ego from our hearts—not skin.
Paul then presents his own spiritual résumé. If anyone had reason to boast by the law, it was him. A Hebrew of Hebrews, circumcised on the eighth day, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee by training, and “blameless” in legal righteousness.
If salvation were by the law, Paul would’ve been first in line at heaven’s gate—twice.
But he says: everything I once thought was gain, I now count as loss because of Christ. He goes further: I consider all of it garbage—dung—compared to knowing Christ.
Dung! That’s a strong word. Paul’s being provocative on purpose. He’s saying: all our achievements, pedigrees, and reputations mean nothing next to Jesus. They’re not just neutral—they’re refuse to be discarded.
He continues in verse 9: “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ.” This is foundational. It shatters any claim that we can earn our way to salvation.
We need this reminder today too. When someone says, “If you want God to be pleased with you, you should give more, serve more, come to church more,” it might sound motivating—but be careful. These are not the conditions for salvation.
They are healthy practices, yes, but they’re our response to grace, not the ticket to grace. That ticket has already been paid—for by Jesus.
So we don’t compare. We don’t boast. We just cling to Christ. That’s the heart of faith.
Then Paul anticipates a possible objection: “If salvation is by faith alone, then why bother doing anything at all? Why not just relax, enjoy life, and say thanks to God once in a while?”
His answer: “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
He’s not there yet, but he’s running hard. He forgets what’s behind and strains toward what’s ahead. He doesn’t live off past glories. He doesn’t let old victories slow him down. He’s always pressing forward.
Paul’s life was a sprint to the finish. He never said, “I’ve done enough,” and stopped. The only time he said he was “ready” was in 2 Timothy—when he knew death was near. Until then, he gave everything he had to proclaim the gospel and serve the church.
Our efforts today aren’t to fill some gap in God’s salvation plan. We’re not patching holes. We’re responding to grace with a full-hearted, lifelong run.
The Christian life is both the lightest and the most driven. Light—because we’re no longer afraid of sin and death. Driven—because we treasure grace too much to waste a single day.
We’re not working to be saved. We work because we are saved. That’s a crucial distinction.
Paul then says, “Brothers and sisters, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”
Sounds bold, doesn’t it? Like saying, “Everyone, be like me!” If I said, “Follow Pastor Mark,” you might wonder if I’ve gotten too confident.
But Paul isn’t bragging—he’s stating a fact. He lived a life shaped by Christ. He didn’t boast about what he did; he always pointed to what Jesus had done through the cross.
Read his letters and you’ll see the same refrain: not by my works, but by God’s grace. Faith made me who I am.
He could say “follow me” not because he was perfect, but because he was faithful.
Then he contrasts this with another group in the church: “Their god is their stomach.” In other words, they live for their desires. They appear to serve God, but really serve their own pride, security, or ego.
They glory in what should shame them. They think worldly applause means spiritual success—but their eyes are fixed on the ground, not heaven.
Paul reminds us: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
We’re heavenly citizens. Though we live on earth, we carry the identity of God’s kingdom. We’re ambassadors, representing heaven wherever we go.
This isn’t just a title—it’s a mission and a privilege. We live on earth, but we carry heaven’s hope and purpose.
So let’s not let earthly things distract us. Instead, let’s keep our eyes on the One who is coming from heaven—our true King.
Live like a citizen of heaven—because that’s exactly what you are.
Thank you for listening. We'll share about the final chapter Philippians. May God bless you all.
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