CHRIST OUR GOD.
In Christ we have “New Life.
(Please read chapter 2).
And His mind becomes our true mind. This is why we can experience the outworking of our salvation. He shares His Divine Love and future bliss. So in this chapter Christ should be the greatest goal of all of our faith, love and hope.
Paul’s longing and utmost desire is expressed in verse ten of this chapter, chapter 3:10.
“THAT I MAY KNOW HIM.”
This chapter begins with the renunciation of all other things to win Christ. (Stuff)
These things are many, let’s look at some of them.
POPULARITY, FAME, FORTUNE:
We have a deep, innate longing to be well-liked, honoured, noticed, and accepted by those whom we count worthy in our eyes. But we should “GLORY IN HIM, CHRIST OUR LORD” alone and not in the approval of men.
Now if ever there was a man who had the right to glory in the things of the flesh it was Paul. He could actually say, “I have reason to glory in myself but these things fade in significance due to the excellence of knowing Christ.”
Let’s look at them.
1. CIRCUMCISED. As a newborn baby, he was circumcised on the eighth day according to Jewish law. He was an Israelite by birth. He was proud that he was a part of the promised Covenant.
2. OF THE STOCK OF ISRAEL.
Paul’s parents were Hebrews so He was of an Israelite descent through and through and he was proud of his unblemished pedigree.
3. OF THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN.
This tribe gave the first King of Israel, King Saul. This tribe helped the tribe of Levi restore the temple that stood within the Holy City, Jerusalem.
4. A HEBREW OF THE HEBREWS.
Though they lived in Tarsis, Paul’s parents adhered to the Hebrew language and customs. Paul was educated in Jerusalem under the famous Gamaliel.
5. AS TOUCHING THE LAW PAUL WAS A PHARISEE.
By birth an Israelite, by upbringing a Hebrew. By His own choice a Pharisee adhering to the strictest letter of the Law.
6. CONCERNING ZEAL. Paul persecuted the Christian Church. He was not satisfied with just being a Pharisee he zealously persecuted all those who were opposed to his convictions and punished them as heretics, especially those who were Christians.
7. TOUCHING RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW.
Paul was blameless in his adherence to all the laws and regulations. He met the last requirement. “Perfect!”
Oh that we as Christians would possess such Zeal for the things of God.
Do you have the zeal to attend church regularly? Or do you allow other things to crowd your life, and you attend when it is convenient?
IF YOU ARE TO BUSY FOR GOD…YOU ARE …
“TOO BUSY”
Always choose to make your Christianity your top priority. Neglecting to read your Bible, Prayer and Worship, soon you will be like that coal that is taken off the fire … It grows cold and indifferent to the things of God. (It goes out!)
The disciples, after watching Jesus vehemently cleanse the Temple remembered that it was said of Him.
“THE ZEAL FOR THE HOUSE OF THE LORD HAS EATEN HIM UP.”
Stop!! … Now decide that nothing will come between you and your commitment to Christ. He went all the way to the cross, just for you. Yes, it may cost you your friends and your reputation, but in the long term, you will be wonderfully “BLESSED” by God, and it will be worth it all when you stand before Him on that great day of judgment.
With overflowing joy, you will hear those words,
“WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, ENTER NOW INTO THE JOY OF THE LORD.”
Once he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul counted all things as loss, nothing compared with the Excellency of knowing Christ. Looking back, he said,
“WHAT THINGS WERE GAIN TO ME I COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST, BUT NOT ONLY THOSE THINGS… BUT “ALL” THINGS THAT WOULD TAKE THE PLACE OF CHRIST! … SO I MIGHT GAIN CHRIST!!”
He counts them as rubbish, refuse, garbage, dung! unimportant in order to gain Christ.
So must we!
Amen.
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Light in the Darkness! 