Week 3, Day 1 | Philippians 3:1-11
Philippians 3:1-11 [hyperlink]
Boasting in Christ
Devotional:
In this passage, Paul writes an interesting phrase to the church in Philippi. He tells them that “...it is we who are the circumcision…” During Biblical times, circumcision was the act that set apart God’s chosen people. Paul promoted salvation by faith, not by following Jewish customs. As the most obvious physical sign of Judaism, "circumcision" is often used as a metaphor for the entire Old Testament law. Now, it’s not about following customs; instead, it’s about following Christ. When Paul tells the Philippians that we “put no confidence in the flesh” he is referring to how we are not set apart by our actions, alone, but by Christ alone. Knowing Jesus is what influences our actions, it is not our actions that influence who Jesus is. We get to live in this, and as a result, we can boast in Christ Jesus.
Questions:
Prayer:
Lord, I boast in you alone. You are the source of my confidence and refuge. There is no one else that is like you. I thank you for making yourself available. Meet me today. Help me know you more; let my encounters of you pour over into my thoughts, words, and deeds. Amen.
In this passage, Paul writes an interesting phrase to the church in Philippi. He tells them that “...it is we who are the circumcision…” During Biblical times, circumcision was the act that set apart God’s chosen people. Paul promoted salvation by faith, not by following Jewish customs. As the most obvious physical sign of Judaism, "circumcision" is often used as a metaphor for the entire Old Testament law. Now, it’s not about following customs; instead, it’s about following Christ. When Paul tells the Philippians that we “put no confidence in the flesh” he is referring to how we are not set apart by our actions, alone, but by Christ alone. Knowing Jesus is what influences our actions, it is not our actions that influence who Jesus is. We get to live in this, and as a result, we can boast in Christ Jesus.
Questions:
- What stands out to you from the text?
- Who have you experienced Jesus to be? Or, have you yet to encounter Jesus?
- How does your revelation(s) of Jesus influence your actions? Or, how do you want Jesus to meet and encounter you?
Prayer:
Lord, I boast in you alone. You are the source of my confidence and refuge. There is no one else that is like you. I thank you for making yourself available. Meet me today. Help me know you more; let my encounters of you pour over into my thoughts, words, and deeds. Amen.
Posted in Devotionals