Watch out. Philippians 3:2. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Moving among the people of God in the early days of the church were men who believed that Gentiles had to become Jews to be saved. That meant they had to be circumcised and become Jewish proselytes. The opposition against Paul was vigorous, and they seemed to follow him around, waiting until he moved on to other places, then moved in to teach their doctrine like scavenger “dogs.” Their opposition to salvation by grace alone was serious and dangerous because it struck right at the heart of the Gospel. Is Christ's death, burial, and resurrection enough payment for our sins? Of course it is!
There are those preaching today who believe that religious practices are necessary for salvation. Some say you must be baptized; others believe you must have communion to be forgiven of your sins. When emphasis is placed on religious ordinances or practices, it is easier for people to accept that because it is what they can do if they want salvation as far as they are concerned. Putting their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone requires admitting our sinfulness and helplessness to do anything about our salvation, which is hard for people to face. Jesus alone can save us from our sins.
Salvation by grace alone highlights what God has freely given us through Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. It challenges people to recognize that sin is far worse in God's eyes than we can imagine, and that salvation is of greater value than our minds can fully grasp. Adding anything to Christ's finished work dishonors Him, the Father who sent Him to save us, and the Spirit and word of God that bring us new birth.
Those Judaizers mutilated their flesh as a religious act that led to soul-damning spiritual pride, unless there was the spiritual circumcision of the heart. Those who practice Old Testament circumcision, believing they were pleasing God through their pain and identity as Jews, missed the whole point of physical circumcision. The "knife of judgment," the “cutting off of the flesh,” signifies that the sinful fleshly nature has been put to death through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. Circumcision was meant to remind the Jews that they belonged to God and were identified with Him, even if it wasn't visible outwardly, especially if they weren't living holy lives pleasing to the Lord.
Those who are truly opposed to the preaching of the Gospel, resisting faith with hostility and often arguing face to face, insist that you must do your best and can only hope for the best when life ends. They have misunderstood Christianity, thinking their actions earn favor with God and that salvation depends on them. Some even go as far as to mutilate their flesh with cutting, tattoos, and other self-imposed practices, believing this will show God they are doing their best.
Watch out for those who, with deceit, oppose the truth of God and ignore the clear teaching of the Bible. Be cautious when you hear of those who want to come among you, have strong opinions, and try to push man’s laws. They are not true believers; rather, they promote their own agenda. Beware of those who attempt to add anything to the work of the cross because they are likely strangers to grace and to God. Take the time and care to compare what they say with God’s Word. He is not a believer in Christ who denies the finished work of the Lord. Turn to the scriptures when conflicts arise. Don’t let smooth talkers catch you off guard. Stay alert, and watch out for those who add to God’s work of grace. Keep moving forward and stand for the truth, and you will experience the victory of faith.
A review of the basics is always helpful because we are influenced, whether we realize it or not, by the people and things around us. Some Judaizers came to Philippi telling new believers to follow Jewish traditions and practices. Some people unintentionally mislead others, and there are those who intentionally try to mislead God's people. In this case, they were called "dogs," which refers to their character, "evil," regarding their conduct, and with a bit of sarcasm, Paul plays on the word "circumcision" by using "concision" to criticize their belief. These are examples of those we should avoid.