Kingdom Principle - pt. 5

Amplified Bible _Philippians 3:1-11 _The Goal of Life: "Finally, my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you. Look out for the dogs [the Judaizers, the legalists], look out for the troublemakers, look out for the false circumcision [those who claim circumcision is necessary for salvation]; for we [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose and] are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory and take pride and exult in Christ Jesus and place no confidence [in what we have or who we are] in the flesh— though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works].If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], I have far more: circumcised when I was eight days old, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an exemplary Hebrew]; as to the [observance of the] Law, a Pharisee; as to my zeal [for Jewish tradition], a persecutor of the church; and as to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless. But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead. In Philippians 3:10, Paul speaks of his absolute reliance and new found faith in Christ! He spoke of religious teachers who relied on human credential or credentials gained by their religious pursuits as something to hold on to OR boast in, as if it make them something great. But even though Paul had more credentials than they did (circumcised on the eight day, of the live stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, of the Law _ a Pharisee - a strict keeper, of zeal_ overzealous_ even persecuted the church, of the Law _ blameless), he counted all these credentials as detestable as dung, to know Christ and the fellowship of his suffering, being made conformable to his death. He was willing to endure anything to share in the life of Christ, his sufferings and even his death. Christ lived, suffered, bled and died, according to the will of God, his Father. And Paul was ready to go all the way with Christ and not allow any religious or man made rules or credentials to stop him from reaching that goal. Many have allowed their past credentials, exploits and triumphs to pacify their labor and commitment to the Lord. Paul was adamant that his life would be poured out to the last drop for this one cause! To know Him, and the power of His resurrection (being raised from the dead to a new glorious eternal life), knowing the fellowship of His suffering (sharing and embracing the experiences, joys and pains of living the Christ-life), and being made conformable to His death (being made like Christ, obeying God even unto death). This is our true positions as true sons (offsprings of God) that seek and have entered His kingdom. - (Apostle) Richard V. Fagan. «View Newer Entries View Older Entries»

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