16 July - Philippians 3

We’re back in Philippians today, chapter 3. Let’s take a look at what Paul is writing his audience in this chapter:

1. Paul begins this chapter by telling his audience to watch out for the people who are trying to teach them false things about how to follow God. Remember these “false teachers” were trying to add the Old Testament Laws to their faith in Jesus. Paul’s telling them this is not only unnecessary it’s wrong. In fact, Paul said if anyone should desire to add these action based “works” to the Christian faith it would be him because he has kept all of them since he was a child. However, Paul said that he considers all his “success” in religion worthless compared to knowing Jesus. Paul reinforced that it’s only through faith in Jesus that we can have a restored relationship with God. 
2. Then Paul shows his humility. He said he doesn’t consider himself to be at the place he wants to be with God yet. He compares his faith to an olympic race and says he forgets what’s behind him and presses on towards the finish line.
3. Finally, Paul tells them to set an example for others to be able to follow. He tells them not to get sidetracked by temporary things that society has to offer because our citizenship is in heaven. This is a unique lens to view the world in. To constantly remind yourself that you have permission to be different from others and that you don’t have to follow the crowd because you are a member of a different family is kind of liberating. Not that we withdraw or ignore others around us but we don’t have to seek their approval. We can live the lives we know please God and stop trying to please others.

Do you try to add “good deeds” to your faith in Jesus hoping to gain favor with God? It’s easy to want to do because then you can measure your “success.” Remember it’s simply faith in Jesus that restores your relationship with God. Does thinking of yourself as an alien in your community help you feel better about living a more pure life to please God? When we choose to follow Jesus he adopts us as one of his children. We’re then citizens in a place we haven’t seen yet. Live your life to make God smile.