God’s Antidote

God’s Antidote

Philippians 3: 4-7

 

Paul had pride of covenant status, pride of race, pride of family, pride of Patriotism, pride of religion, pride of conviction, pride of self-righteousness.

But, finally, Paul makes a profit and loss column to understand what matters most in life.

All the things Paul had placed confidence in, all the things he thought were bringing him merit before God, he put over into the loss column. 

 

God changed Paul’s thinking and values through Christ.

Things he thought were so important were now nothing.

The works of the flesh were very important to Paul until he was saved, and then he realized how insignificant they were in light of knowing Jesus Christ.

 

Paul realized instead of the things of the flesh being an advantage, they were a burden now. 

 

They did not draw him closer to God but drew him farther away. 

He had to cast these works of the flesh off and trust wholly in Jesus Christ for salvation. 

What made Paul change his whole viewpoint about life?

#1 He came to know the resurrected and living Christ.

#2 He came into a personal relationship with the Savior through faith.

#3 It was Christ who invaded Paul’s life.

#4 He became a free man in Christ.

#5 Paul came to Jesus Christ in simple faith

#6 He was set free from the bondage of any kind of legalism.

#7 For Christ, Paul was willing to count all human effort, all works of the flesh, as a loss. 

Without a personal knowledge of Christ and a heart relationship with Christ, no one can be a true Christian.

As Paul looked back at his salvation, he said, I’m not sorry I lost all these things to become a Christian. 

Rather, I had to turn away from some things. 

I have gained Christ, salvation, heaven, the purpose for living, and above all joy. 

In Christ, Paul found the key to the meaning of life.

Ask yourself:

• Do you know Christ? 
• Have you trusted Christ as your Savior and Lord? 
• Have you been spiritually circumcised in your heart? 
• Are you trusting Christ alone to deliver you from the consequences of sin?

 

Let Us Pray

Dear Lord, Help us to see through our life if we hold any pride of our carnal life that we hold closely. Help us to wither away and focus on you alone. Help us to have the mindset of Christ. Help us to follow Paul as an example. In Jesus Name. Amen.