Thanks for once again coming over to view the message this week. I have had a busy week, and as always, I am glad to be able to post the message. I hope and pray that everyone is having a good week as well.
Today, we will once again be studying in the book of Philippians. We saw last week that Paul wanted to emphasize to the people that salvation does not come by obeying the law. We can only have forgiveness of sins and a relationship with the Lord by grace through faith. As I mentioned, Paul explicitly lays this out in Ephesians where he says we are saved by grace through faith and not by works lest anyone should have reason to boast.
In our passage for today, Paul says something that is truly wonderful, and that is what I want to emphasize in my remarks for this message. In verses 7-8 Paul states, "But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Jesus Christ my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ." Truly powerful words.
Paul was referring to the fact that at one time, he felt that it was of the utmost importance that he be zealous for the law. As he said, he was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. He felt that if he was diligent in obeying all of the law, he would then be acceptable to God. However, Paul encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. He came to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and Jesus totally and completely revolutionized his life. Paul then knew that faith in Christ is what makes a person acceptable to God. Knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him is more important than anything else in the world.
Now, these words have a particular meaning to me. In that first verse, Paul says what he thought was valuable he now thought of as worthless. In my case, this has something to do with some of the things that I once thought were important things. At one time, I thought having money and a nice car and a fine home were important things to obtain in life. Being thought of as an important and respected person was something that I desired. However, as I've gone through life and grown in my relationship with the Lord Jesus, I've discovered that all of those old things I once thought were important are truly worthless. The only truly valuable thing is knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him.
Jesus told us that laying up treasure here on earth is in vain. We all should be laying up treasure in Heaven. That means building a relationship with the Lord and doing what He wants us to do here on earth to help people and make it as good a place as it can be until the day that He returns to rule and reign in power and great glory. Obtaining riches, fortune, fame and prestige are all things that are just passing away.
Now, I don't want to pass over the other verses in our passage for today. Paul is making clear once again that faith in Christ alone is what brings salvation. Paul wants to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. His goal was that just as Christ has been raised, one day he too would be raised to newness of life in the world to come.
That is the expectation for all of those who know Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead conquering death, hell and the grave. He is the resurrection and the life. Those who put their faith and trust in Him do not need to fear death. Those who are in Christ Jesus will go to be with Him in the place that He has prepared when they die. That is not because of anything that they have done, but it is because of what Jesus has done on their behalf. We can only be made right with God through the work of Jesus on the Christ and through His glorious resurrection. It is my hope that if you have never placed your faith and trust in Jesus that you will give your life to Him today. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I am getting along, but I am not really feeling all that well. Please keep praying. Also, please keep praying that my area will not have in more heavy rains. Thankfully, things have been fairly calm as of late.
Remember to keep praying for peace. Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Sudan and Haiti all need our prayers.
Keep praying that aid and help will reach the poor and sick in this world. Pray that no one will die because of a lack of food or medicine. Pray that those who have will help those who are in need.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Guinea-Bissau and Mongolia. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue in Philippians. I will post the verses on Tuesday. May God bless you all.
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