“...although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith...” Philip. 3:4-9
Have you ever met anyone who insisted that they have ever done anything wrong? Believe it or not, there are a few out there who make that claim. Trying to talk with such a person about Christ seems pointless. Unless he knows he has a problem, why should he want a solution?
Though few people claim to be perfect, many claim to be better than average and it follows that they have nothing to fear from a kindly God. Their morality becomes a barrier to faith in Christ.
As you think about our text, Paul was not simply above average. With his race, religion, record, and personal righteousness, he could have run for almost any office and won. Yet Paul said he, at a point in time, "counted all these things as nothing." Keep in mind his conversion cost him dearly.
As he became influential in the rapidly growing Christian movement, surely there was the temptation to take pride in the new areas of accomplishment. Yet Paul continued to count all things loss in order that he might experience a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ truly satisfying? If you have submitted yourself to any bondage (rules) other than to the Lord Jesus, Himself, you have yet to experience Him in the way Paul speaks of here.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you today any area in which your personal righteousness makes it impossible for you to know Christ in His fullness.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
It’s Faith, Plus Nothing
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.”
Eph. 2:8-9
What is it that sets genuine Christianity apart from other religions or cults in the world? Most religions or cults center around a person and his work. Some even bring about positive changes in the individuals who join them.
The exclusivity of a biblical Christianity is that salvation cannot be earned, but is based solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Sadly, even among those who call themselves Christian, there are some who require more, as if Jesus Christ’s payment for sin were deficient in some way.
The believers a Philippi faced the same issue. Paul warned: “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...” Phil. 3:2-3
Are you of the true circumcision? Ask yourself: Are you empowered by the Holy Spirit? Separated unto God? Is your boasting in Jesus Christ? How impressed are you with your own accomplishments? The different aspects of Christian living are important, but God wants your lifestyle to be the extension of a heart devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul called those who were legalistic, dogs. Dogs eat scraps. You can sit down today to a feast prepared by the grace of your God. He is enough. Worship Him in your lifestyle.
Eph. 2:8-9
What is it that sets genuine Christianity apart from other religions or cults in the world? Most religions or cults center around a person and his work. Some even bring about positive changes in the individuals who join them.
The exclusivity of a biblical Christianity is that salvation cannot be earned, but is based solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Sadly, even among those who call themselves Christian, there are some who require more, as if Jesus Christ’s payment for sin were deficient in some way.
The believers a Philippi faced the same issue. Paul warned: “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...” Phil. 3:2-3
Are you of the true circumcision? Ask yourself: Are you empowered by the Holy Spirit? Separated unto God? Is your boasting in Jesus Christ? How impressed are you with your own accomplishments? The different aspects of Christian living are important, but God wants your lifestyle to be the extension of a heart devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul called those who were legalistic, dogs. Dogs eat scraps. You can sit down today to a feast prepared by the grace of your God. He is enough. Worship Him in your lifestyle.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Rejoice in Your Redemption
“And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25-26
If not read in faith, the book of Job reads about as enjoyable as the front page of a newspaper...'depressing.'
Job’s wife came to him after all his friends had deserted him to say, “Why don’t you curse God and die?” And she was supposed to be his helpmate? Yet Job, in the face of all his trials, said, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” He had only the promise of the coming Messiah. But you know Jesus Christ. How much easier to trust in One whom you can know intimately.
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.”
2 Cor. 4:6-7
God knows we are weak. It is His plan to shine through us, weak as we might be. The apostles suffered beyond what most of us have ever experienced. Yet their confidence in their Redeemer grew. Here is Paul’s statement of faith: “...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Cor. 4:8-10
What do you face? Boredom, rejection, physical illness? Rejoice in your Redeemer. Allow the light of His glory to shine through you.
If not read in faith, the book of Job reads about as enjoyable as the front page of a newspaper...'depressing.'
Job’s wife came to him after all his friends had deserted him to say, “Why don’t you curse God and die?” And she was supposed to be his helpmate? Yet Job, in the face of all his trials, said, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” He had only the promise of the coming Messiah. But you know Jesus Christ. How much easier to trust in One whom you can know intimately.
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.”
2 Cor. 4:6-7
God knows we are weak. It is His plan to shine through us, weak as we might be. The apostles suffered beyond what most of us have ever experienced. Yet their confidence in their Redeemer grew. Here is Paul’s statement of faith: “...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Cor. 4:8-10
What do you face? Boredom, rejection, physical illness? Rejoice in your Redeemer. Allow the light of His glory to shine through you.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Our Confidence in Redemption
“By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4:17-18
Have you ever had to appear in court before a judge? Even for a traffic ticket? It can be a disquieting experience even for those who on many occasions meet with important people. It is humbling to stand before a judge, knowing his authority - and your subservient position.
Imagine, if you can, one day standing before the judgement seat of Christ. How do you feel? Confident? This is God’s will for you - that you be confident always.
“Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord...”
2 Cor. 5:5-6
It may surprise you that God wants you to always be confident before Him. But it is true, for it is taking Him at His Word. It is trusting in Jesus, your Redeemer - not in yourself. To have confidence, you must first be walking in obedience to Him. Your salvation is not secured by this, but your fellowship is. You must know your Redeemer, love Him, to have confidence in Him.
Check your confidence level. Talk with your Redeemer and rest in Him.
Have you ever had to appear in court before a judge? Even for a traffic ticket? It can be a disquieting experience even for those who on many occasions meet with important people. It is humbling to stand before a judge, knowing his authority - and your subservient position.
Imagine, if you can, one day standing before the judgement seat of Christ. How do you feel? Confident? This is God’s will for you - that you be confident always.
“Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord...”
2 Cor. 5:5-6
It may surprise you that God wants you to always be confident before Him. But it is true, for it is taking Him at His Word. It is trusting in Jesus, your Redeemer - not in yourself. To have confidence, you must first be walking in obedience to Him. Your salvation is not secured by this, but your fellowship is. You must know your Redeemer, love Him, to have confidence in Him.
Check your confidence level. Talk with your Redeemer and rest in Him.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Benefits of Redemption
“But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
You are a child of God because you have been redeemed. But Jesus accomplished much more when He paid your sin debt in order to buy you back for Himself. Your redemption means forgiveness. Because of your Redeemer, you stand before God fully justified.
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:20
You are His special possession. Yours is the promise of a special inheritance, eternal fellowship with God, with your Redeemer.
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17
Which of these benefits of redemption means the most to you today? Realizing you are a special possession to God can go a long way toward boosting damaged self-esteem. You are special to Him.
You are a child of God because you have been redeemed. But Jesus accomplished much more when He paid your sin debt in order to buy you back for Himself. Your redemption means forgiveness. Because of your Redeemer, you stand before God fully justified.
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:20
You are His special possession. Yours is the promise of a special inheritance, eternal fellowship with God, with your Redeemer.
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17
Which of these benefits of redemption means the most to you today? Realizing you are a special possession to God can go a long way toward boosting damaged self-esteem. You are special to Him.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Our Kinsman Redeemer
“And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, ‘Who are you?’ And she answered, ‘I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.’ Then he said, ‘May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.’” Ruth 3:8-13
The story of Ruth and Boaz is a romantic one. Ruth, the Moabite widow of an Israeli, returned with her mother-in-law (also a widow) to the promised land. The family land had been sold. In that society these two women were in a precarious position. There was little they could do for themselves but to gather enough leftover grain from the field to avoid starvation. The only hope for Ruth and her mother-in-law lay in the Levitical law. If one of their relatives would pay the price to buy back the land and marry Ruth, they could have security and honor again.
Boaz, a man of integrity, was qualified to redeem Ruth and the land of her husband’s family. He was wealthy and able to afford the price. Importantly, he was a kinsman, related by blood. Motivated by love for Ruth, Boaz undertook all the necessary cost to make her his bride in order to restore dignity and honor to her.
This story demonstrates your redemption by Christ. God saw the need of men whom He loved. Christ became our kinsman, a blood relative, in order to qualify as our redeemer. Though Christ could afford to cover our debt - it was expensive.
Hebrews 2:13-15 says, “And again, ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again, ‘Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.’ Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”
Through His death you were delivered from the power of sin. Christ’s purpose: to present you holy and unblameable, and unreprovable in His sight. Praise Him today.
The story of Ruth and Boaz is a romantic one. Ruth, the Moabite widow of an Israeli, returned with her mother-in-law (also a widow) to the promised land. The family land had been sold. In that society these two women were in a precarious position. There was little they could do for themselves but to gather enough leftover grain from the field to avoid starvation. The only hope for Ruth and her mother-in-law lay in the Levitical law. If one of their relatives would pay the price to buy back the land and marry Ruth, they could have security and honor again.
Boaz, a man of integrity, was qualified to redeem Ruth and the land of her husband’s family. He was wealthy and able to afford the price. Importantly, he was a kinsman, related by blood. Motivated by love for Ruth, Boaz undertook all the necessary cost to make her his bride in order to restore dignity and honor to her.
This story demonstrates your redemption by Christ. God saw the need of men whom He loved. Christ became our kinsman, a blood relative, in order to qualify as our redeemer. Though Christ could afford to cover our debt - it was expensive.
Hebrews 2:13-15 says, “And again, ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again, ‘Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.’ Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”
Through His death you were delivered from the power of sin. Christ’s purpose: to present you holy and unblameable, and unreprovable in His sight. Praise Him today.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Need for Redemption
“No man can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him -- For the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever.” Psalm 49:7-8
When you refer to Jesus Christ as “Redeemer,” you are making a reference to your need before you knew Him. In the Bible, “redeemer” means “deliverer or someone who would buy back an individual (or land) who had perhaps sold himself into slavery to pay his own debts.”
You were, in a very real sense, a slave to sin and to the law. Until one acknowledges his own bankruptcy, there is no way he can go to Jesus Christ in faith and become a recipient of His redeeming power.
Only as you remember where you were before you knew Jesus Christ, can you sing of your Redeemer with a heart alive with gratitude. Trying to understand your previous debt to sin is something like trying to comprehend the federal deficit.
Imagine that your personal financial indebtedness equaled that of the U.S. government and someone writes a check clearing your obligation. How do you feel toward your deliverer? The only debt you now owe is one of love. Love to your Redeemer and to one another.
“...and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Eph. 5:2
When you refer to Jesus Christ as “Redeemer,” you are making a reference to your need before you knew Him. In the Bible, “redeemer” means “deliverer or someone who would buy back an individual (or land) who had perhaps sold himself into slavery to pay his own debts.”
You were, in a very real sense, a slave to sin and to the law. Until one acknowledges his own bankruptcy, there is no way he can go to Jesus Christ in faith and become a recipient of His redeeming power.
Only as you remember where you were before you knew Jesus Christ, can you sing of your Redeemer with a heart alive with gratitude. Trying to understand your previous debt to sin is something like trying to comprehend the federal deficit.
Imagine that your personal financial indebtedness equaled that of the U.S. government and someone writes a check clearing your obligation. How do you feel toward your deliverer? The only debt you now owe is one of love. Love to your Redeemer and to one another.
“...and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Eph. 5:2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)