3/20/22
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
Paul repeated a safety warning to the Church at Philippi. He put up a beware of the dogs sign! The dogs referred to the Judaizers, the legalist, and those who claimed it necessary for circumcision to be a follower of Christ. He put the early Churches attention of where it needed to be, namely on the resurrected Jesus.
God through Paul instructed the Church to rejoice in the resurrected Christ Jesus.
The Christian Believer is to have no confidence in what we have or who we are, but we must understand that we who are born-again have been reborn from above and have been spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose.
Paul used himself as an example of someone who might have grounds for confidence in the flesh if he were pursuing salvation by works. He lists some of his life achievements.
Paul is quick to say, “Whatever former things were gains to me, as I thought then, I have come to consider as absolutely worthless for the sake of Christ and the purpose which He has given my life.”
Paul counted everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. He desired to grow more deeply and thoroughly in relationship with Jesus. This is pure joy!
What is the basis of our Christian faith? Possessing genuine righteousness which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God.
The Believer’s desire should be the same as Paul’s; to know Jesus experientially, and the power of His resurrection; to share in the fellowship of His sufferings, even unto death.
Why all of this? so that we may attain to the resurrection that will raise us from the dead. Hallelujah!
