Sunday, September 21, 1997 In Your Absence:
In this week's lesson, which came from Philippians 3:2-11, we learned some important facts about our salvation. From these writings by the Apostle Paul, we learned that we cannot rely on our own efforts to gain favor with God. We also learned that we cannot trust in our religious heritage or family background to get us into heaven. To become a Christian, a person must come to Christ in simple, childlike faith and accept His finished work on the cross. Many would argue that a simple faith in Christ is too simplistic, that getting "right" with God cannot possibly be that easy. But Paul would quickly argue to the contrary. He would also be quick to warn us to not listen to or be deceived by those who would pervert the simple Gospel of our Lord. When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, he was particularly concerned about the damaging teaching of some Jews who had assembled in the area. These Jews were telling his converts that they had to be physically circumcised in order to please God. The practice of circumcision, which had been initiated in the Old Testament during the days of Abraham, was part of the Law, and these overly zealous Jews were not willing to set it aside for a simple faith in Jesus. Paul spoke of a different kind of circumcision, however, one where people worship by the Spirit of God, where they glory in Christ Jesus, and where they refrain from trusting in their own flesh. Rather than focusing on the physical aspects of the circumcision which was demanded by the Law, he emphasized the importance of a spiritual circumcision where we turn to Christ and then commit our heart and life to Him. Salvation is a matter of the heart, not of the flesh. A very important conclusion of this week's lesson was that the works of Law cannot save us.
Paul continued his discussion about works and religious heritage in verses four through six by talking about his own works and status. Being a physically circumcised Jew, he already possessed a strong religious heritage. He was of the tribe of Benjamin, and he described himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews. He also had a solid record of religious achievements, as he was a Pharisee who had been at one time very committed to the Law. At one time, he had also been very committed to destroying the early Church, but by the grace of God, he was touched by an encounter with Jesus, the Christ, on the road to Damascus. That experience changed him and his life forever, and from that day forward, he began to learn of and talk about the joys of knowing Christ. In this passage, he shared that he counted all worldly things of little or no value when compared to that of knowing the Lord as his personal Savior. Paul had also learned something about the sufferings which accompany a walk with Christ. He had already been frequently imprisoned and persecuted simply for trying to tell others about the Lord. Yet, despite the never ending struggles, he always encouraged others to come to Christ and then to become more like Him. Therefore, as you go through the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone whom you can encourage, and then, be faithful to tell that person about Jesus.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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