[:en]NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH (vs. 1-11)
The Judaizers had invested so much time and effort in keeping their laws thinking that their efforts could bring them closer to salvation. They had spiritual pride looking down on those who did not circumcized according to the law. But no person could add anything to Christ’s offer of salvation by grace through faith.
Paul showed that a person cannot earn his salvation no matter how impressive his achievements were. Paul had the following credentials to boast: – his upbringing, nationality, family background, heritage, inheritance, orthodoxy, activity, morality and success (2 Cor. 11; Gal 1:13-14). But his conversion was based on faith in Christ. Paul considered everything that he had acoomplished in life as “worthless” when compared with the greatness of knowing Christ. He gave uip everything – family, friendship and freedom in order to know Christ and His resurrection power.
Paul wanted them to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings and becoming like him in his death. (v. 10)
PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL (vs. 12-21)
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I pressed on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (v.s. 13-14)
Christian maturity means living up to what we have already known and learned. Paul challenged the Philippians to live to Christ’s model of servanthood and self-sacrifice by taking every opportunity to serve.
“But our citizenship is in heaven” (v. 20). As Christians, we will experience the special privileges in heaven and receive a glorified body like the resurrected body of Christ.
SUMMARY:
- Faith in God is more important than human effort. God values the attitude of our heart above all else. Do not judge people’s spirituality based on their works.
- Salvation cannot be earned by your credentials, achievements or reputation. It comes only through faith in Christ.
- Your personal relationship with Christ is more important than anything else. Is Christ your first priority in life?
- Paul gave up everything to know Christ. Are you willing to give up your time, your plans, and your pleasures in order to know Christ?
- Paul’s goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ and to be all Christ had in mind for him. How about you? What is your goal?
- Let us do three things that Paul did: Forget the past, straining toward the present and press on toward the future.
- Paul wanted the Philippians to follow his example because his example is a testimony of his character. Can you do the same? Can a new Christian follow your example?
- all those belong to Christ are citizens in heaven. Our bodies will be transformed into a glorified body when Christ returns. Are you eagerly waiting for His second coming?
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