Philippians 3 — Righteousness Through Faith, Straining Towards the Goal
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
“Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh” (Philippians 3:2) stands out in stark contrast to the words, “without grumbling or complaining” (2:14) and reminds me that we are in the midst of a spiritual battle with earthly people. It’s not grumbling or complaining to point out that there are dogs in this world, people inspired by Satan to destroy what we are attempting to build. We should expect this and be prepared for these attacks when they happen. And we need to keep Paul’s perspective as we do this great service, “whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (3:7). Lord, I echo Paul’s wonderful words, “I want to know Christ–yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (3:10). I am willing to step out on faith because “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:14). Amen!
Paul reminds us of that there are many who are working to undermine Christians: “And now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18b). It’s amazing to me that Paul writes this nearly 2,000 years ago, yet it remains relevant to this day–such is the beauty of God’s Word in the Bible. We need to remain on guard and keenly aware that there are those whose “destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” (3:19). Lord help me not to join the ranks of those focused on earthly things. Thank you for uprooting us and helping us to let go of comforts. Please keep us focused on Jesus Christ, in all we say and do. Use us, Lord, to do your good work on earth and shine the light of Christ everywhere!