Philippians 3

April 20, 2022

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Reading along with us in Philippians? Here’s today’s reading:

Philippians 3 (NIV)

No Confidence in the Flesh
1 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. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 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— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.............Continue Reading

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This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
    I want to recite this to myself daily! Such powerful words regarding our life’s priorities. All too often we strive for the things of this world when we should be striving for our eternal prize of a life with Him in heaven. The old adage “you can’t take it with you when go” is so true and yet we let that stuff get in the way of what is truly important.

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  2. That I may know him more clearly, more intimately and also know the power out flowing from his resurrection…
    That would be more than lovely

    I’d like to see myself more clearly as a “ citizen of heaven” … it’s hard to integrate the horizontal and vertical aspects of life, especially during struggles that require faith & trust to press on.
    Looking forward to a season of living in the “ slip stream of his Grace mite fully”

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  4. Paul warns the church of the Jewish, maybe Christians, who still say you must be circumcised and follow laws. Putting his own credentials to make his point. From the tribe of Benjamin. Well esteemed in heritage of Jews. Verse 7. Paul had lost everything for his relationship for Jesus. And he calls it all rubbish compared to knowing our Lord. I often wonder if I lost everything how would I feel towards God. I don’t have anything on this earth that comes close to my relationship with Jesus. Vs 10. To know the power of his resurrection. Yes! To suffer like Jesus did. No! But Paul says he wants that. But I get what he is saying. He wants to follow Jesus path in order to receive resurrection from the dead. Forgetting what is behind and pressing towards the goal. If Paul can forget his past, we all should be able. These Christians did not have the gospels to minister to them so Paul tells them to follow his example. Great advice!!! Transform our lowly bodies to be like christ resurrection body. Great comfort for those with pain or limitations or disabilities. Can’t wait for that day. Not only a new body but to rest from our earthly responsibilities

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  7. A primary decision we all need to make in this life is wether or not we live unto the flesh or the Spirit. The world is consumed with earthly credentials, wealth and gratification. There are many religious people that depend on works they perform to make them right with God. Paul knew exactly what that was like and the radical transformation that Jesus brings. Our relationship with God, our connection to Him is all about Jesus and our faith in Him. And so Paul (and we) needed to learn to set aside the things of the flesh and embrace the things of Christ. And Paul did that fully and yet realized it is a continual pursuit. And so he encourages us and others to join Him in it. To know Christ is the end and consummation of all things, to know every aspect of Him, His power and His sufferings. It is a complete package of who Jesus is and what we might understand and live out as His followers. And the amazing thing is that Jesus is willing to be known in such a way and promises to continue to reveal Himself to us as we pursue Him. Because our knowledge and fellowship with Him is not something we attain, but something we continue to press forward into. And press on we must, forgetting what is behind and pressing forward to what is ahead. And don’t expect others to understand or even join you. There are those who can’t let go of the flesh…they are too attached, too dependent on it. They may even come against your attempts. But keep pressing on. Keep seeking Jesus and all He would give you in fellowship, power, conviction and lifestyle. And sit back and enjoy the freedom, the peace, the rest, the joy, the righteousness and even the suffering…..because it is all to His glory!

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