Religious But Lost: Philippians 3:3-6
“4) although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5) circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6) as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.” Philippians 3:4-6
If salvation could be earned by religious works or self effort, Paul had the perfect resume. He was Jewish. Which meant he was one of Gods chosen people.
His parents were Orthodox Jews and raised him according to strict adherence to the Law. He was circumcised the eighth day after birth and could trace his linage back to Abraham through the tribe of Benjamin. He could prove he was a pure pedigree.
As to his devotion to the Law, he was a practicing Pharisee. His life was governed by strict legalism. He was quickly becoming a religious leader.
There was no question about his religious zeal. He had become a persecutor of the early Christian church. Acts 8:1-3 tells his story. He single handedly led the charge to destroy Christianity at its inception.
He could brag that according to the external righteousness earned by strictly keeping the Law, he was blameless. He undoubtedly was no stranger at the temple and kept every Jewish holiday, sacrifice and ceremony. If salvation could be earned, he had every reason to believe he was approved by God.
There is only one problem; he was blameless according to the Law, but hid conscious still condemned him. There was a void in his life. He was driven but yet empty. He tried everything to gain salvation and approval from God, yet all of his works left a void in him. He had a huge void within that religion could not satisfy.
That all changed when he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. He was changed into a new man. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit started changing him from the inside out! His personal relationship with God was launched. The next several verses tells his story.
You might relate to Paul’s story. You are going to your church, synagogue or mosque trying to find God, but deep inside you know you are lost. You are going through the motions of religious devotion but are terribly deceived and empty. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can fill your void. Stay tuned for the rest of the Paul’s story.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“4) although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5) circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6) as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.” Philippians 3:4-6
If salvation could be earned by religious works or self effort, Paul had the perfect resume. He was Jewish. Which meant he was one of Gods chosen people.
His parents were Orthodox Jews and raised him according to strict adherence to the Law. He was circumcised the eighth day after birth and could trace his linage back to Abraham through the tribe of Benjamin. He could prove he was a pure pedigree.
As to his devotion to the Law, he was a practicing Pharisee. His life was governed by strict legalism. He was quickly becoming a religious leader.
There was no question about his religious zeal. He had become a persecutor of the early Christian church. Acts 8:1-3 tells his story. He single handedly led the charge to destroy Christianity at its inception.
He could brag that according to the external righteousness earned by strictly keeping the Law, he was blameless. He undoubtedly was no stranger at the temple and kept every Jewish holiday, sacrifice and ceremony. If salvation could be earned, he had every reason to believe he was approved by God.
There is only one problem; he was blameless according to the Law, but hid conscious still condemned him. There was a void in his life. He was driven but yet empty. He tried everything to gain salvation and approval from God, yet all of his works left a void in him. He had a huge void within that religion could not satisfy.
That all changed when he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. He was changed into a new man. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit started changing him from the inside out! His personal relationship with God was launched. The next several verses tells his story.
You might relate to Paul’s story. You are going to your church, synagogue or mosque trying to find God, but deep inside you know you are lost. You are going through the motions of religious devotion but are terribly deceived and empty. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can fill your void. Stay tuned for the rest of the Paul’s story.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
