| The Epistle Of Joy Chapter 3 – Part 4

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 4 – In this message, we continue to discuss Paul’s argument against the law for salvation.  No amount of zeal or good works will earn our salvation it is by grace through faith alone.  Once we are born again we must now learn to work from the grace that has been provided in Christ.  But we must understand that we are not earning by doing, we do because we have become.  We wrap up this message discussing Paul’s statements in verse 8, he counted everything prior to knowing Christ as rubish or dung.  If this life carries a stronger desire for us than Jesus Christ then true revelation has not been experienced yet.