Paul goes on to warn the Philippians about the 'mutilators of the flesh' (3:2) referring to the Judaizers who insisted that converts to Christianity who were Gentile would be required to endure circumcision (as God required of the Jews - Genesis 17:9-10). Paul counters that circumcision is a heart matter. I think it's important to mention here that there are many versions of Christianity around us (like the Judaizers) who add their own ideas, mixing them in with the truth of God's Word. Peeling back their ideas, underneath it is either a lack of belief in the complete truth of the Scriptures - so they need alterations; or a display of pride ('we can improve it') or even plain old ignorance - that is, lack of Biblical knowledge. For me, denominations are unimportant, but teaching the Word correctly and completely is essential in a church. One can't determine if this is the sort of church we want if one doesn't know what the Bible says about life and salvation! We are the ones responsible for the truth we've received (between the covers of your Bible, not on TV or even in church on Sunday), so shame on us if we never check it out. So, here I go again - you can't study the Bible enough!
- How big a priority is Bible study in your week? What changes will you make to move it to the top of your list?
Paul recites his resume in verses 5-6. It's pretty impressive, he seems to have had it all - but he counts it all loss, worthless, rubbish, - when he compares all that human effort to knowing Christ. Philippians 3:10 is one verse I keep revisiting. Years ago, I participated in a 24-hour prayer relay during the Gulf War. It was during my time segment that this verse's address popped into my head, so I turned to it, read it and, quite honestly, didn't really get it. But I knew God wanted me to have it, to keep it and so I have continued to keep it close and He's revealing more and more of the truth of it to me. You see, I think Jesus wants us to know Him more than Paul wanted to know Him. He wants us to realize that the very best thing this life can offer us is a chance to walk in intimacy with Him, through whatever comes, experiencing everything - good or bad - in His power. Jobs, homes, even family are loss compared to this. I would encourage you to keep this verse close, memorize it, live it.
- How well would you say you 'know' Christ?
In verse 11-16, Paul explains that this is a process that requires some focus and discipline on our part - much like an athlete needs to train to win a race. Even Paul wasn't 'there' yet, nor will we be. But the journey waits for us every morning. Yesterday doesn't matter and we can't touch tomorrow. Today's the day.
- What's on your list today? How can you make this a day when you included Jesus in each item?
Paul speaks sooo passionately hear. All of this effort, blood, sweat, tears, counting all of the things we might hold dear as nothing, if only to know Christ. It's hard to believe that Jesus could want to know us any more passionately than Paul wants to know Him here. But he does...
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd try to provoke anyone to think about how they might have noticed God pursuing them in their lives.
As I have been working through my relationship struggles (on top of the list of these is desiring depth, to know and be known, intimacy), God turned the tables on me. He reminded me in a soft, gentle way that pierced my heart that the things I was desiring from someone else, He is desiring from me. "I know you. Know me more deeply. Be intimate with me," He said. Thank you so much, Lord, for wanting me and for wanting me to know you deeply, for sharing yourself with me completely.
...Tears! :)