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

c. Pride of tradition. 3:5c

d. Pride of caste. 3:5d

Saul of Tarsus had been a man of privilege with the best of education and opportunity, and he no doubt took advantage of his position in life as a Roman citizen to establish himself in a superior class of society. We have no indication in Scripture that he in any way had grown tired of this life or that he experienced any guilt about it. Quite obviously he reveled in it and prided himself about it. After all he was a Jew who was highly esteemed by Rome. BUT JESUS the SOVEREIGN LORD invaded his life, stopped him dead in his tracks, and asked a simple question - "Saul, why are you persecuting me?". This whole seen was enough to change Saul's life forever. This Jesus, left the portals of Glory (who is in a higher caste than that), to come to this planet of grief for Saul (and all of us), so could not this Saul of Tarsus now not leave his social standing to serve this Savior?

e. Pride of religion. 3:5e

People not only die for their religion, they also kill for it! Religion has been the cause of untold wars through the centuries and continues to be today. But it should never be said that Christians provoked or promoted war in the name of Christianity or martyrs of our faith will have died in vain. In some parts of the world if one is not Jew or Muslim, he is considered Christian (though he may not know Jesus personally). In like manner, "Holy wars" have been fought that were anything but holy.

Nero burned Rome and blamed Christians but Christians suffered persecution for what they did not do and many died. Even today, Christians are being martyred for their confession of Jesus as Lord, but WE DO NOT kill others for being Muslim or Hindu, etc. Our Lord Jesus teaches us what He practiced - LOVE one another - even your enemies. This world practices "religion", but We must practice righteousness.

If you attack my faith, I will defend it to my death not yours. My dear friend is a Muslim. I respect his choice to be what he wishes, but I certainly pray for him to know Jesus as Savior and Lord, but I will love him whether he does or not.

BLESSINGS!

(to be continued)
f. Pride of reputation 3:6

g. Pride of character 3:7



2. Plan no crown for him. 3:8