https://www.bible.com/events/49087214
Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
Living The Jesus Life: Part 6
Philippians 3:1-11
Living The Jesus Life
This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.
Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.
Today’s focus is Philippians 3:1-11.
Philippians 3:1-11
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
-Paul is arguing against those who would require Gentiles to become Jews before they could become Christians. They were steadfast in their belief that every person must adhere to strict Jewish laws in order to be saved.
-Whenever someone requires Jesus plus something, you know there’s a problem.
-Paul was one of the most impressive Jews who ever lived before he was interrupted by Christ. In many ways, he was the king of religion.
-As impressive as Paul’s list was, he considered it all a loss compared to knowing Christ.
One of the biggest dangers today for individuals who are lost in religion is that it exists beneath the surface, unopposed, unquestioned, and unchallenged.
It appears beautiful. But it’s actually deadly.2 Timothy 3:2-5
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Why do we settle for religion when we could have a real relationship with Christ?
1. It’s easier
-It’s easier to adapt some form of religion where you check the box. ‘Do this’ and ‘don’t do this’.
-In a world that has become all about fast and convenient, religion offers you an ‘easy’ solution.
2. It’s safer (at least, we think it is)-While religion may require discipline, you can pursue religion and still play it safe. As long as it’s not too hard, or doesn’t require too much sacrifice, then it’s fine.
-Jesus said “if you want to follow after me, take up your cross and follow.”
3. It’s convenient-We keep God in a box and only allow Him to have access to certain parts of our lives.-Our mentality is, “I’ll call you when I need you.”
Matthew 7:22-23
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Bottom Line Suggestions
Religion will never save you. It never could.
Verses for further study/reflection:
2 Timothy 3:5
James 1:26
Malachi 1:10
Galatians 2:21
Matthew 15:9
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