Daily Bible Study

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Day 3 Philippians 3 Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. What is your pedigree? What have you achieved for yourself? How does it make you feel when you compare your achievements with other people? Paul showed the church his credentials, which if you compare them to others of his day, look impressive. Yet, he doesn’t dwell on his pedigree and achievements, but on the fact, he is a follower of Jesus Christ, everything else he accomplished is nothing by comparison. As Christians, what are your accomplishments for the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you stand on your accomplishments or on the fact you are a follower of Jesus Christ, as Paul was? You are not to think of yourself more highly than you ought because you are all part of the body of Christ, and all have a role to play in the body with the gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit. Paul said, look at me, this is what I’ve done and who I am, but it is nothing when I compare it to who I am in Jesus Christ. That is how you should view your life, as nothing compared to who you are in Jesus. When you do, you will see you are much more than you ever thought possible. You are a child of God. You are a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. You are forgiven. You are blood bought. I could go on about all that you are in Jesus Christ. So, lift up your head and spit in Satan’s face when he comes at you and tries to tell you your worth based on your former life before you accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. When someone asks you what you’ve achieved in this life, tell them you’re a child of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for giving me a place in Your kingdom as Your child. Help me see myself as You see me, blood bought and a joint-heir with Your Son, Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 28 April 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay