| The Epistle Of Joy Chapter 3 – Part 3

We are continuing in the epistle of Philippians.  In this series “The Epistle Of Joy Chapter 3” –

As we grow in the lord and become familiar with the does and don’ts of the Christian life, it is easy to get complacent.  We reason, “I know what the Scripture says, so why continue to study it?”  We go through the outward motions of church attendance and Christian service, often becoming overly busy with religious activities.  We think we have arrived.

Paul, in this stunning chapter, challenges us to “put no confidence” in accomplishments, reputation, and knowledge.  He states emphatically that all these are totally worthless compared to knowing Christ.

His advice to those who want to continue to grow is to keep doing what they did to get them that far: study the Word and immerse themselves in the thoughts of God.  This is God’s plan for seizing, possessing, and maintaining maturity. 

Part 3 – Our faith rests in His grace for our eternity and in our good works here on earth. We must put NO CONFIDENCE in the flesh.  We do not WORK in the New Covenant to earn, but rather we WORK in the New Covenant because Christ has given us the ability to do so.  Paul by Holy Spirit continues to deal with religion trying to access the church here in Philippi.  We see that Paul uses his previous life in Judaism to argue against circumcision and the law as a means of salvation.