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

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

a. Pride of position 3:5a

b. Pride of birth. 3:5b

Paul was a Jew by birth and by life. He had not merely "practiced" Judaism. He knew many who had been born Jewish who were not Jews, just as we might know many born into Christian families who are not Christians. But isn't one a Jew by birth? That is what most folks think, as did Paul until he learned, "he that is a Jew is a Jew inwardly.". But before he learned that, he was born from above, he prided himself in being born a Jew. The truth of the matter is that far too many of us have found it to be a disadvantage to be born the race we were born the first time, when we had nothing to do with it and can no nothing about it. We must and can learn that it is the second birth - that "new birth" from God through faith in Jesus Christ that "levels the playing field" and makes us all one with each other as children og God.

c. Pride of tradition. 3:5c

There are two extremes that can be strong enemies of truth - 1) Tradition, which can be a grave for dead works and 2) Trend, which can be a cliff which leads to a serious fall. Both can be very dangerous and only truth is the balance. God had prescribed something for Israel as a covenant sign that had merely become a tradition - circumcision, which was for two things, one practical and the other spiritual. The first was for hygiene and the second was to demonstrate the "cutting away of the heart". To most of Israel it simply became a tradition. How often is the same true with "the Lord's Supper" and other Christian practices?

May God help us to do all we do for His glory and for Christ's sake!

BLESSINGS!

(to be continued)

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