Philippians 3:1-11

Some questions and thoughts to discuss:

The word “rubbish” in verse 8 is a somewhat problematic word to translate. It refers to both excrement (and is sometimes translated as “dung”) and to garbage, and appears to be something of a vulgar term. Both because of the debate around how vulgar this word is, and because no publisher will actually publish swear words in a Bible, most translations render this word with the lowest dramatic effect possible.

Paul is not exactly a model of politeness in this passage. He suggests that his opponents mutilate
themselves, and uses a term that may have been rather offensive (translated as “rubbish”) a few sentences later. What separates Paul’s statements from the sort of vulgarity-laced shouting match that our culture sees far too much of (like on television and even in public)?
Odds are that some of us will be uncomfortable with Paul’s offensiveness, and that others will be uncomfortable with the suggestion that offensiveness is “non-Christian”. Which side do you fall on?
While Jesus is at times offensive (1 Peter 2:8) to some hearers, it should not be our personal goal to offend others for the sake of offense. What is the ultimate aim of our communication?
Does the nature of the Gospel give us license to be offensive in our communication?
How does the way we speak influence the outcome of our speaking?