Philippians 3:1-14
We are looking to each other to encourage our faith. A member of our group shared about Daniel and she talked about how when we are in a difficult circumstance as Daniel was it may seem like we are in "the fire". She shared with us about how God can do several things: He can go through the fire with us, He can deliver us from the fire or He can stand beside us as we stand by it. It is a wonderful analogy because we can see in Paul's life that as he sat in prison he had to be in the middle of the fire but he seems to be saying that he knows that God is with him and will stay with him as he comes on through the fire.
We would love for you to leave on this blogspot ways that God has been with you as you experience some of the fires of life.
Philippians 3: 1-14
Let us remember from past studies that in the midst of conflict and division Paul has encouraged the Philippians and us to take a break, focus on the example of Christ as outlined in chapter 2 and then go back to the situation with new eyes. It makes a difference.
Verse 1 makes it clear that Paul may have been finished writing this letter but like a mother with a child he says, "just one more thing!" He is wanting to refresh their memory about the traps they may encounter in life and not to be surprised by it and cling to who they are to Christ.
He says to beware of three things:
1. Dogs - people that prowl about trying to take you away from the focus of your faith.
2. Evil men - obvious forms of evil.
Matthew 23: 15
II Corinthians 11 -13
Galatians 1: 7-9
3. False Circumcision - physical act of circumcision as a way to God.
Paul says if you are in Christ you are the true circumcision. Circumcision is a cutting away. True circumcision is a cutting around the heart. Allowing Christ into your life and letting him change your heart and life. When you do that his spirit dwells within you and gives you direction.
Read Romans 2: 27
Paul put no confidence in the flesh or personal merit but in Christ. As far as a Pharisee he had every single perfect pedigree but he gave that up for Christ. Read Acts 23:6-10, 26:5,6
He is clear to say that he gave up his merits for a greater value.
1. Knowing Christ - the word know is an intimate relationship. It is like your close extended family coming in your home getting in your refrigerator or sitting in your most comfortable chair.
2. Righteousness that comes from God - righteousness means right standing and Paul is saying, my right standing with man is not as important as right standing with God. In other other words he had traded his own standards for God's. The benefit being twofold:
1 - The power of the resurrection. Roman 8: 10,11, II Corinthians 4: 10, Ephesians 1:19
2 - The fellowship of Christ's suffering. Galatians 2:20, 5: 24-26
This side of heaven we will not be perfect so it is good that we not try to get God's approval by works but turn to him by placing our faith in Jesus, His son.
Are you trying to please Man or God?
In this time in our society what do you need to beware of?
What area in your life do you need to give up perfection?
We would love for you to leave on this blogspot ways that God has been with you as you experience some of the fires of life.
Philippians 3: 1-14
Let us remember from past studies that in the midst of conflict and division Paul has encouraged the Philippians and us to take a break, focus on the example of Christ as outlined in chapter 2 and then go back to the situation with new eyes. It makes a difference.
Verse 1 makes it clear that Paul may have been finished writing this letter but like a mother with a child he says, "just one more thing!" He is wanting to refresh their memory about the traps they may encounter in life and not to be surprised by it and cling to who they are to Christ.
He says to beware of three things:
1. Dogs - people that prowl about trying to take you away from the focus of your faith.
2. Evil men - obvious forms of evil.
Matthew 23: 15
II Corinthians 11 -13
Galatians 1: 7-9
3. False Circumcision - physical act of circumcision as a way to God.
Paul says if you are in Christ you are the true circumcision. Circumcision is a cutting away. True circumcision is a cutting around the heart. Allowing Christ into your life and letting him change your heart and life. When you do that his spirit dwells within you and gives you direction.
Read Romans 2: 27
Paul put no confidence in the flesh or personal merit but in Christ. As far as a Pharisee he had every single perfect pedigree but he gave that up for Christ. Read Acts 23:6-10, 26:5,6
He is clear to say that he gave up his merits for a greater value.
1. Knowing Christ - the word know is an intimate relationship. It is like your close extended family coming in your home getting in your refrigerator or sitting in your most comfortable chair.
2. Righteousness that comes from God - righteousness means right standing and Paul is saying, my right standing with man is not as important as right standing with God. In other other words he had traded his own standards for God's. The benefit being twofold:
1 - The power of the resurrection. Roman 8: 10,11, II Corinthians 4: 10, Ephesians 1:19
2 - The fellowship of Christ's suffering. Galatians 2:20, 5: 24-26
This side of heaven we will not be perfect so it is good that we not try to get God's approval by works but turn to him by placing our faith in Jesus, His son.
Are you trying to please Man or God?
In this time in our society what do you need to beware of?
What area in your life do you need to give up perfection?
posted by Glenda at
11:13 AM
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