Philippians 3:1-2 – “Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!  To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.  ² Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was moved to reflect on the concept of fruit.  Fruit naturally comes from the tree IF it has been cared for (fertilized and pruned).  Paul’s desire for the believers at Phillipi was for them to be filled with the fruit of righteousness.

Righteousness as a fruit speaks to the tree (the life of each believer).  The proper care of the tree (the individual life) determines the quality and quantity of the fruit produced.

In Philippians 3:10, Paul reveals his ambition to become fully one with Jesus in all things and at all times.  Achieving that would result in being filled with the Fruit of Righteousness!

In Philippians 3:1-2, the instruction focused on the truth of extreme importance: “Rejoice in the LORD.”   Then he warned them BEWARE.  Beware?   Yes, be vigilant so as not to be deceived or diverted from your purpose, pursuit, or potential.   Dogs (those who claim to be something but are phony).  Evil Workers (anti-God, practitioners of anti-biblical practices and lifestyles).  The Mutilation (karatome = incision).  Reference to the law and trying to earn favor from God.

His desire was total oneness with Jesus so that his life would be filled with the fruit of righteousness, so that he could manifest Jesus to others.  If they see and partake of the fruit, they will be drawn to the life in the tree!

Philippians 4:10-11 is fascinating.  The power of Christ’s resurrection embodies the full victory of the Cross.  When Jesus came out of that grave, the full victory had been won.   Now, we can live in the fullness, freedom, and authority of that victory and produce the fruit of righteousness.  Fellowship of Christ’s suffering reflects learned obedience.  (Hebrews 5:8). Conformed to Christ’s death indicates completely dying to self so that we can live to Him, in Him, by Him, and through Him.   If there is no me vying for attention, I can be fully His.  If I am fully His, my tree is nourished and pruned so it can and will produce much fruit.

The fruit is produced by the life that is in the root.   If we fill our minds and hearts as Philippians 4:8 encourages, we will be filled and discover that Philippians 4:13 is a current reality for us.  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

LORD, help us be filled with the fruit of righteousness!  Feed and fertilize us.   Prune and purge us.