Religious RUBBISH | Phil 3:1-11

Oct 8, 2025

The discussion dives into Paul's fierce critique of corrupt religious practices in the early church. Emphasis is placed on the difference between legalistic religion and a genuine relationship with Jesus. Pastor John highlights the transformative nature of true faith, focusing on love, joy, and grace over rituals. The idea that salvation stems from relationship, not mere observance, is a central theme. The episode also critiques modern religious hypocrisy and showcases the life-changing fruits of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

34:23

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Rejoice Amid Chaos

Rejoice in the Lord regardless of life's chaos or bad news.
Anchor your hope in Jesus because He conquers the grave and fights for you.

insights

INSIGHT

Faith Beats Fleshly Confidence

Paul flips religious insults to expose hypocrisy among Judaizers.
True worship is by the Spirit and rejects confidence in outward fleshly works.

insights

INSIGHT

Symbols Point To The Heart

Old Testament rituals pointed to an inward spiritual reality like heart circumcision.
Outward religious acts miss their purpose when the heart isn't transformed by God.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Rejoice in the Lord as the Anchor of Faith

01:38 • 5min

chevron_right

Why Paul Warns to Watch Out for Religious Dogma

06:41 • 4min

chevron_right

What Does Circumcision Symbolize Spiritually?

10:37 • 5min

chevron_right

Why Salvation Is Relationship, Not Ritual

15:56 • 8min

chevron_right

What Good Religion Looks Like in Action

23:40 • 2min

chevron_right

How Jesus and Paul Expose Hypocritical Religion

25:18 • 6min

chevron_right

What Fruit the Holy Spirit Produces in Believers

A Chapter in the Gospel of Matthew

Traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle

Matthew 23 is a chapter in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, consisting almost entirely of Jesus' public denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus rebukes them for their hypocrisy, craving human praise, imposing heavy burdens on others, and neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He pronounces a series of 'woes' against them, warning against religious hypocrisy and false leadership. The chapter takes place in Jerusalem during the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and serves as a stern warning about the dangers of outward religiosity without inward transformation.

#21882

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

• Mentioned in 139 episodes

James

Percival Everett

Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

#2860

• Mentioned in 12 episodes

Habakkuk

Heath Thomas

In 'Faith Amid the Ruins,' Heath Thomas provides an accessible introduction to the prophetic book of Habakkuk. The book explores the prophet's struggles and prayers during a time of destruction and turmoil, highlighting the faithfulness of God and what it means to live faithfully before God in trying times. Thomas's commentary is part of the Transformative Word series, which offers careful biblical exegesis centered on key themes, making it an engaging and accessible thematic exploration of Habakkuk.

#245

• Mentioned in 73 episodes

Deuteronomy

introduction and commentary.

Hubert Cunliffe-Jones

This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy. It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts. The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.

#4394

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

Nahum

Julia O'Brien

Julia M. O'Brien's commentary on Nahum delves into the book's celebration of violence and its ethical implications for modern readers. It examines the text through feminist, intertextual, and deconstructionist lenses, highlighting the complexities and tensions within Nahum's poetry. The book offers insights into how these ambiguities can inform an ethical response to the text's violent themes.

#243

• Mentioned in 74 episodes

Galatians

Scot McKnight

This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality. McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text. The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.

#469

• Mentioned in 46 episodes

2 Corinthians

A Short Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary

Anthony C. Thiselton

In this commentary, Anthony Thiselton offers a clear and practical analysis of 2 Corinthians. The book is characterized by its brevity and focus on both exegetical and pastoral aspects, making it a valuable resource for those studying the letter. Thiselton's expertise in Paul's theology and hermeneutics is evident throughout the commentary, which is designed to be helpful without being overly lengthy.

#451

• Mentioned in 48 episodes

Philippians

An Expositional Commentary

James Montgomery Boice

In this commentary, James Montgomery Boice provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the Book of Philippians. The book helps readers understand the biblical text and apply its practical message, emphasizing the themes of joy, unity, and the Christian life. Boice's commentary is designed to help both pastors and laypeople experience the exuberant joy of a well-lived Christian life as described in Philippians.

The Apostle Paul performs a savage take-down of the inadequate and corrupt religious crowd in the early church era. He proudly proclaimed in the book of Philippians that all his former religious accolades and laws were rubbish compared to the joy of his new heart and his new life in Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor John urges us to understand the distinction between religion and faith-based relationship, being well aware of the traps that the modern-day religious sect sets for authentic Christians. While the arrogant and hypocritical religious people narrowly define the legalistic, inflexible rules of the church, those in real relationship with Christ are practicing love, joy, grace, and forgiveness. Bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit is the transforming outcome of a true believer's heart, as we know our righteousness comes only from Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Thanks for listening!

Visit our website for more info:
https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books