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

e. Pride of religion. 3:5e

f. Pride of reputation 3:6

Someone has said that reputation is what people think you are, but character is what you really are. Occasionally, but rarely, you will find a person whose reputation and character are almost perfectly matched. Saul of Tarsus was such a man. This kind of person is often difficult to reach with the gospel because he/she does appear "blameless as touching the law" or social, moral, legal, and other expectations. I believe that no one but Jesus Himself could have reached Saul of Tarsus. He would have intellectually shredded Peter and the others.

Don't misunderstand what I am saying! I know that the Spirit must draw and seed sown and watered. But I am saying that normally people reach people, but with Saul, it took a unique intervention of Jesus. Saul prided himself on his reputation and apparently actually believed he was serving God by consenting to the death of these "followers of the way.". He was a man on a mission but misguided.

g. Pride of character 3:7

Pride is the most subtle of all sins because it "puffs one up.". It inflates one's ego and leads one to believe something herself/himself that is not accurate - that she/he is of more intrinsic value than someone else and that he/she has accomplished this alone, or nearly so, making them superior. It's like the guy that prays, "Lord, keep me humble.". The implication being that in his own mind he is already humble - and proud of it.

Another thing about character is that it is as a metal that is forged by fire. Character is not a place at which one arrives and knows it, rather it is a journey through an obstacle course that often leaves one limping. The character course is not for whimps and that's precisely why not so many can take pride in it at all, but Saul did and had reason to, but when He met Jesus he discovered how far short of God's standard all self effort, with it's best intentions brings us. So, he gave it all up to follow Jesus! Just as we must also!

BLESSINGS!

2. Plan no crown for him. 3:8