WHO ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD?

"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3. NKJV) Just who are the people of God? What are their traits, and why are they the people of God? Much of the teaching on the subject takes the "people-of- God-ought-to-be" approach. While some of this is found in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit generally is definitive of a condition more than a goal. Our text, for example, states four key aspects of the people of God. Each of them is precious, and can be traced back to the work of the Spirit, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, and in accordance with God's eternal purpose.

We Are The Circumcision

This is a different type circumcision that involves the heart. It is written, "circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God" (Rom 2:29). This is an accomplishment of the Lord Jesus Himself, and is appropriately called "the circumcision of Christ" (Col 2:12). It involves the cutting away of the sinful nature, cleanly separating between it and the new creation in Christ Jesus. This operation is why believers are "are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh" (Rom 8:12). That is another way of saying sin does not have dominion over us (Rom 6:14). By circumcising the heart, cutting away the "whole body of the sins of the flesh" (Col 2:11; Rom 6;6), Jesus has taken away the power of sin. As we are taught by the grace of God, we can now say "NO" to ungodliness and worldly lusts (Tit 2:11-12). The people of God ARE the circumcision! They DO have new natures. Sin does NOT have dominion over them. They ARE free to live unto God!

We Worship God

Many people teach we OUGHT to worship God. Such a statement is not found in any epistle! The only time a command to worship God is sited is when Jesus quoted it to the devil during His temptation (Matt 4:10). The Samaritan woman, unlearned in the things of God, was interested in "where men ought to worship." However, Jesus told her that was not even the issue. It was the "worshiper" that was the point, not the worship (John 4:20-24). For those in Christ Jesus, worship is taken for granted. "We are the circumcision which WORSHIP"--not which ought to worship! We live in a time when a great emphasis is being placed on worship. We hear of worship teams, worship leaders, worship songs, worship times, etc. But you will not find such language in the Word of God. There, the people of God are represented as worshiping God. That is their nature, and that is what they do without exhortation or contrived environments.

Rejoice in Christ Jesus

The people of God are happy with Jesus. In this matter, they are reconciled to their Father Who is "well pleased" with His Son (Matt 3:17; 17:5). They see Jesus as sufficient and efficient, delighting in what He says and does. They do not rejoice in the institution, but in Christ Jesus. The source of their joy is not their health or their wealth, but Christ Jesus. They rejoice in his Person, His power, and His presence. They are made glad by His direction, feeding, and fellowship. They are their happiest when cognizant of His presence, and their saddest when He is hidden from them. If you want them to rejoice, tell them of their Savior, King, and Redeemer.

No Confidence in the Flesh

The people of God know that "flesh" is a liability from any vantage point. The "mind of the flesh" is against God and contrary to the Spirit of God (Rom 8:5). When dominated by the flesh, the individual becomes incapable of pleasing God (Rom 8:8). By having "no confidence in the flesh," the Spirit means the people of God do not trust their natural persons. They do not place the highest priority on feelings or external experiences. They deplore an earthly point of view, and do not trust fleshly impulses. Faith is their primary resource, and their spirit the primary residence. Even their bodies are considered "vile," and a source of humiliation (Phil 3:20). Knowing that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God," the people of God refuse to place their confidence in it. If you want to benefit them, you will have to get out of nature and into grace. To build their confidence, you must leave the earth, so to speak, and rise into the heavenlies. They put NO confidence in the flesh. That is their nature. How glorious to be numbered among the people of God! PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You that You have provided for men to be born again. What a work You have done in me! I praise and Thank you that worship delights my heart, Jesus rejoices my spirit, and I see "the flesh" as it really is. My heart is tender and sensitive because it has been circumcised by Your Son, and my Savior!

-- MONDAY: THE SPIRIT, #2 -- _______________________________