Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline (cont)

Chapter 3 The New Goal - The Goal of Christ for the Believer - A Life of Purpose

III. A New Goal 3:1-21

A. A Reason to Rejoice. 3:1-3

B. a Rebel to Renounce 3:4-8

We must alway remember that there is a battle going on inside us as believers for the flesh "lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh.". I think it was Watchman Nee who used the illustration our "coming under new management.". Suppose you work as a stock person for a large grocery store and you have learned to stock the shelves a certain way, at a certain time. But the store is sold and now under new management and the new management wants you to don things differently. It may take some training and time for young learn the new way and you might even make some mistakes by forgetting and reverting back to the old way etc, but in time and through determination and discipline your are doing the new way as naturally and smoothly as you had done the old way. We must LEARN to live as free and not as slaves to sin.

3:4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,


1. Place no confidence in him. 3:4-7

It is true that the term "flesh" is used is Scripture to refer to the physical body in which we reside, but Paul's use of the word here is in reference to that lower, fallen, sinful nature within us that is at war against God. It is the Adamic nature that is not acceptable to God and is why the "new birth" is necessary. The fallen nature or flesh as Paul uses the term here cannot please God, hence they that are "IN" the flesh or who live according to this fallen nature cannot please God. No confidence can be placed in the "old man".

a. Pride of position 3:4-5a. "I more"

Look at this guy! As an unbeliever his resume sparkled. He was a man among men. His position was certainly enviable - Experience! Education! References! Everything superior. But now he was a Christian, so let's look again at his resume - Writer: none better. Teacher: Amazing. Persecuted for his faith, beaten and left for dead, stoned, imprisoned, run out of town, criticized unjustly, later beheaded for his faith. Hmmm! Pretty strong resume. But Paul cost every gain as lost for Christ. He took no pride in his person , possessions, nor position.

(to be continued)

b. Pride of birth. 3:5b

c. Pride of tradition. 3:5c

d. Pride of caste. 3:5d

e. Pride of religion. 3:5e

f. Pride of reputation 3:6

g. Pride of character 3:7



2. Plan no crown for him. 3:8