"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3:8-9
Philippians 3:1-11
Legalism. Recognize that term? Legalism means, "strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code" (Merriam Webster online dictionary). In our passage today, Paul tells believers to watch out for those who are of "the false circumcision," who put their confidence in the flesh. He points out that he was a model Jew, following all the rules and persecuting others in the name of God. But as "good" as he was, he realized that his pursuit of being a perfect Law follower meant nothing. At the end of the day, it is Christ who saved him, and he couldn't brag about anything he had done.
Now, it's easy to look at Paul and say, "Well, that was all before he was a Christian." And you're right! But I'd argue we still see legalism within the church today. Although no one would willingly say this is true of themselves, legalism is a form of earning your way before God. However, what were we just reminded of this past Easter weekend? Christ died for our sins and was raised to new life! His perfection is our perfection! We can't do enough good to earn us favor with God. We have His favor because we have Christ. Christ frees us from a life of fearful legalism, ushering us into a life of grateful and free obedience.
Take a minute. Do you have a tendency to trust in "doing"? To put stock in "living right" rather than knowing Christ? Pray, confess, repent and rejoice.
Father, You are so great! Your grace and mercy free me to worship, love, and obey You for who You are. Help me know You better, to trust You with every moment of my day today, and to enjoy Your favor You show me because of Christ. Amen.
Philippians 3:1-11
Legalism. Recognize that term? Legalism means, "strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code" (Merriam Webster online dictionary). In our passage today, Paul tells believers to watch out for those who are of "the false circumcision," who put their confidence in the flesh. He points out that he was a model Jew, following all the rules and persecuting others in the name of God. But as "good" as he was, he realized that his pursuit of being a perfect Law follower meant nothing. At the end of the day, it is Christ who saved him, and he couldn't brag about anything he had done.
Now, it's easy to look at Paul and say, "Well, that was all before he was a Christian." And you're right! But I'd argue we still see legalism within the church today. Although no one would willingly say this is true of themselves, legalism is a form of earning your way before God. However, what were we just reminded of this past Easter weekend? Christ died for our sins and was raised to new life! His perfection is our perfection! We can't do enough good to earn us favor with God. We have His favor because we have Christ. Christ frees us from a life of fearful legalism, ushering us into a life of grateful and free obedience.
Take a minute. Do you have a tendency to trust in "doing"? To put stock in "living right" rather than knowing Christ? Pray, confess, repent and rejoice.
Father, You are so great! Your grace and mercy free me to worship, love, and obey You for who You are. Help me know You better, to trust You with every moment of my day today, and to enjoy Your favor You show me because of Christ. Amen.
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