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Philippians 3:1-11
Posted by Derrick
on
07:51
Philippians 3:1-11
No Confidence in the Flesh
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
I really felt drawn to reading the Bible this morning. Twice. It was as if that was my sole (soul?) purpose this morning.
Such a lovely passage. Really spoke to me about my selfishness. There's no need for it. I'm not better than anyone else. I'm no more than anyone else. This doesn't make me feel bad, it is the opposite. I think it's quite liberating.
Whose standards am I living my life by? Why? This is something that God wants me to change. I pray I can.
As an aside, there was a little more this morning. Not necessarily related to the bible reading. It was that little question again - why don't I become a more dedicated servant of God. A priest? I dislike writing it because it seems to be something I shouldn't say but the question will not go away. If you read this, please pray!
Amen
No Confidence in the Flesh
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
I really felt drawn to reading the Bible this morning. Twice. It was as if that was my sole (soul?) purpose this morning.
Such a lovely passage. Really spoke to me about my selfishness. There's no need for it. I'm not better than anyone else. I'm no more than anyone else. This doesn't make me feel bad, it is the opposite. I think it's quite liberating.
Whose standards am I living my life by? Why? This is something that God wants me to change. I pray I can.
As an aside, there was a little more this morning. Not necessarily related to the bible reading. It was that little question again - why don't I become a more dedicated servant of God. A priest? I dislike writing it because it seems to be something I shouldn't say but the question will not go away. If you read this, please pray!
Amen
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