Philippians 3:1-3

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

finally (v.1) = lit. “for the rest” — what remains to be said, furthermore

same things (v.1) — probably referring to topics he’d already covered and was about to return to — teaching by repetition

safe (v.1) — to safeguard them

dogs (v.2) — prowling false teachers — wild dogs without an owner

evil workers (v.2) — perhaps “workers” refers to those who preached works necessary for salvation

mutilation (v.2) — the concision = cutting off — the sign without the substance, the law with no heart for God

we are the circumcision (v.3) — emphasis on “we” — spiritual circumcision (Colossians 2:11)

worship (v.3) = render service

God in the Spirit (v.3) — should be “by the Spirit of God” — true worship is by the Holy Spirit and not outward ritual

rejoice in Christ Jesus (v.3) — again, not an outward ritual (1 Corinthians 1:31)

flesh (v.3) = man in his natural state