Look out for the dogs…Paul is referring to the Judaizers.Judaizers were Jewish Christians who believed Jews had to follow the Mosaic Law and that Gentiles must be circumcised in order to be saved in obedience to Jewish Law.Paul is saying look out for anyone that is not in line with the teaching of Jesus. Paul was circumcised on the 8th day at was OT law.He was an ethnic Israelite and knew from what tribe he came…the tribe of Benjamin.Hebrew of Hebrews likely meant that he was of a long line of ancient Jewish ancestors.He possibly even spoke Aramaic.He was of the strictest religious sect…the Pharisees.And his zeal was that he was a persecutor of the church.According to Jewish law Paul would have been considered blameless. Of course we all know that no one is blameless. what formerly went into the gain column—his power, prestige, and “obedience”—now goes into the loss column.Paul counts all he was before, everything he though he gained, as “rubbish”.Rubbish in Hebrew means garbage, waste, dung…it literally means poop. Remember that Paul said to watch out for the dogs (meaning the Judaizers)Paul knows he is not perfect. He is a sinner. He can’t do anything righteous on his own.Paul also knows that we must continue forward. Paul knows there is more importance on Jesus than anything else. Paul has decided and is inviting those around him to make a decision also. Join me in imitating me…because I’m doing my best to imitate Jesus.walk with me…because I’m going my best to walk with Jesus.see my example…because my example is Jesus.let me be an encouragement to you so that you will become an encouragement for others. It’s called discipling.Not everyone will listen and I can’t let that stop me. It breaks my heart for those who won’t turn to Jesus. Their destruction is their end…it’s an eternity in Hell. Remember, we must focus on what lies ahead and our citizenship is in Heaven.Believers in Jesus Christ wait on our Savior for our eternity is secure with Him in Heaven. It’s not enough to just show up on Sunday.It’s not enough to just check a box for my Christianity.It’s not enough to just claim to be a follower of Jesus.It’s not enough to just give Jesus half my heart and life.To give my life to JesusTo say yes to JesusTo Follow JesusNo one will stop me…This is a New Year…a New Beginning…and a New Me because I have been made New in Christ Jesus.
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