What the Bible Contains: Pt. 17 The Highest responsibilities, the most worthy labors and condemnation to those who disregard its contents.
Good Morning...
Philippians 3:7-14 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Before he was stopped by Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus to persecute the church, Paul was a very religious man. He was of the highest order of Jewish ancestry and he was of the most conservative sect, the Pharisees. He received his formal religious training at the feet of a notable teacher named Gamaliel.
In short, Paul reached the pinnacle of all that Judaism could offer but he did not know God at all. Judaism was flawed in that it did nothing to convert a soul to saving faith in Christ.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
In this text Paul reminds his readers of his privileged background and then tells them that all the prestige and power that he achieved in Judaism he now viewed as dung. Dung refers to human or animal excrement. It also include the most foul rubbish that must be disposed of. Paul uses very strong terms in renouncing those things that he previously thought were do desirable.
Paul responded to a much higher calling that day that Christ in heaven stopped him in his tracks on the way to Damascus (Acts 9). Now all Paul could think about was the pure excellence of knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Paul's passion was to be "in Christ" through the new birth and to constantly learn more of Him.
The highest calling in scripture is God calling man to repent of their sins and to turn in faith and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the path that leads to being born again and a brand new life to live. This high calling became Paul's passionate pursuit.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
The high calling of Christ is knowing that we have a righteousness not our own that we receive by faith. Paul along with other Judaizers counted on their own labors and works as being sufficient to give them righteousness in the sight of God. Such a life naturally led to a heart filled with pride because the one working for righteousness is secure in his own efforts.
The astonishing power of the gospel of Christ explodes man-made righteousness and exposes it for what it is: sinful traditions that make the Word of God of no effect. Thus, the high calling of God in Christ filled Paul with great joy because he had a real righteousness that Christ gave him.
Philippians 3:10-12 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
The high calling of God in Christ led Paul to a growing desire to know Jesus Christ better and to experience resurrection power in his life as he fulfilled his apostolic commission. Paul wanted everything that God had for him in Christ Jesus. If that included suffering that was okay with Paul. If it meant enduring persecution Paul would rejoice that he was counted worthy to suffer for His Savior.
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul sums up his passion for Jesus Christ in this simple expression of his faith. He is going to persistently press toward the eternal prize of the high calling of God in His Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing higher or more noble than this pursuit.
The most worthy and noble occupation for mankind.
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Jesus Christ calls us to follow Him and become a people who share the gospel with those who are lost.
Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
In this text Jesus essentially tells us that we need to turn away from the sin riddled culture that leads to death and condemnation. Instead, Christ urges us to follow a Living, Risen King and Savior in humble obedience.
Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
The Lord Jesus Christ calls us to a brand new vocation just as He called Matthew to stop being a tax collector and to be a disciple of Christ instead. When we are born again Jesus may lead us to find a new vocation where we may glorify God or He may leave us where we are working but with a new passion of glorifying God while we work.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Following Christ means entering in the strait gate and treading down the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Jesus Christ becomes our highest priority and following Him means setting aside my own ambitions or goals and seeking to do what pleases Christ.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Following Jesus means that we will have a new perspective about possessions and financial assets. We will give the Lord tithes of all because that honors Him. It means that our mind will be renewed so that we treasure things in heaven over any earthly resources.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Jesus gives us a litmus test to determine if one is saved or lost. A born again child of God will listen to the voice of his Good Shepherd and choose to follow Christ.
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Those who wish to serve Jesus Christ with their lives must first follow Christ. Serving in any other way is unfit for the King of glory. If we humble ourselves and follow Christ as we seek to serve Him our Lord Jesus will be with that man or woman and we will receive honor from our Father .
Condemnation to those who ignore God's Inspired Truth.
There are men who think that they can disregard what God says in His Holy Bible. They are wrong and there is much stern warning from God about those who engage in such erroneous actions.
Romans 1:18 -22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
God's wrath is going to be poured out upon all people who are sinners and who disregard the truth of His Word. God has provided ample witness of His existence and glorious deity so they are without excuse. He has given us the Bible containing 66 volumes of inspired and preserved truth so that they are without excuse. He has given them a powerful witness in all creation and the orderly manner that He governs it so that they are without excuse. He gives all people a conscience that pricks their heart when they violate God's moral laws (Romans 2:12-15).
Thoughts to Ponder....
We have covered a lot of thought provoking material in the last 17 posts. I pray that this study has been a great benefit to each of us as we consider the glorious treasure contained in God's Holy Book.
I pray that what we have examined together will cause us to turn in faith to Christ and fill us with a renewed passion and vigor for serving Him, fill us with a greater love for our Savior that leads to transformed lives.
Please continue to share the truth contained in this blog with others that God might save the lost, revive the weary and advance the Kingdom of God through all who will serve Christ.
Bob
In this post we will see three important truths. First, we will see that the Word of God contains the highest calling to all mankind to come and follow Jesus Christ. Second, we will see that the Bible contains the most worthy and noble occupation for mankind to pursue. Last, we will see that there is strong condemnation to all who choose to ignore it's truths.
The highest calling to mankind
Philippians 3:7-14 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Before he was stopped by Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus to persecute the church, Paul was a very religious man. He was of the highest order of Jewish ancestry and he was of the most conservative sect, the Pharisees. He received his formal religious training at the feet of a notable teacher named Gamaliel.
In short, Paul reached the pinnacle of all that Judaism could offer but he did not know God at all. Judaism was flawed in that it did nothing to convert a soul to saving faith in Christ.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
In this text Paul reminds his readers of his privileged background and then tells them that all the prestige and power that he achieved in Judaism he now viewed as dung. Dung refers to human or animal excrement. It also include the most foul rubbish that must be disposed of. Paul uses very strong terms in renouncing those things that he previously thought were do desirable.
Paul responded to a much higher calling that day that Christ in heaven stopped him in his tracks on the way to Damascus (Acts 9). Now all Paul could think about was the pure excellence of knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Paul's passion was to be "in Christ" through the new birth and to constantly learn more of Him.
The highest calling in scripture is God calling man to repent of their sins and to turn in faith and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the path that leads to being born again and a brand new life to live. This high calling became Paul's passionate pursuit.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
The high calling of Christ is knowing that we have a righteousness not our own that we receive by faith. Paul along with other Judaizers counted on their own labors and works as being sufficient to give them righteousness in the sight of God. Such a life naturally led to a heart filled with pride because the one working for righteousness is secure in his own efforts.
The astonishing power of the gospel of Christ explodes man-made righteousness and exposes it for what it is: sinful traditions that make the Word of God of no effect. Thus, the high calling of God in Christ filled Paul with great joy because he had a real righteousness that Christ gave him.
Philippians 3:10-12 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
The high calling of God in Christ led Paul to a growing desire to know Jesus Christ better and to experience resurrection power in his life as he fulfilled his apostolic commission. Paul wanted everything that God had for him in Christ Jesus. If that included suffering that was okay with Paul. If it meant enduring persecution Paul would rejoice that he was counted worthy to suffer for His Savior.
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul sums up his passion for Jesus Christ in this simple expression of his faith. He is going to persistently press toward the eternal prize of the high calling of God in His Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing higher or more noble than this pursuit.
The most worthy and noble occupation for mankind.
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Jesus Christ calls us to follow Him and become a people who share the gospel with those who are lost.
Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
In this text Jesus essentially tells us that we need to turn away from the sin riddled culture that leads to death and condemnation. Instead, Christ urges us to follow a Living, Risen King and Savior in humble obedience.
Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
The Lord Jesus Christ calls us to a brand new vocation just as He called Matthew to stop being a tax collector and to be a disciple of Christ instead. When we are born again Jesus may lead us to find a new vocation where we may glorify God or He may leave us where we are working but with a new passion of glorifying God while we work.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Following Christ means entering in the strait gate and treading down the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Jesus Christ becomes our highest priority and following Him means setting aside my own ambitions or goals and seeking to do what pleases Christ.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Following Jesus means that we will have a new perspective about possessions and financial assets. We will give the Lord tithes of all because that honors Him. It means that our mind will be renewed so that we treasure things in heaven over any earthly resources.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Jesus gives us a litmus test to determine if one is saved or lost. A born again child of God will listen to the voice of his Good Shepherd and choose to follow Christ.
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Those who wish to serve Jesus Christ with their lives must first follow Christ. Serving in any other way is unfit for the King of glory. If we humble ourselves and follow Christ as we seek to serve Him our Lord Jesus will be with that man or woman and we will receive honor from our Father .
Condemnation to those who ignore God's Inspired Truth.
There are men who think that they can disregard what God says in His Holy Bible. They are wrong and there is much stern warning from God about those who engage in such erroneous actions.
Romans 1:18 -22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
God's wrath is going to be poured out upon all people who are sinners and who disregard the truth of His Word. God has provided ample witness of His existence and glorious deity so they are without excuse. He has given us the Bible containing 66 volumes of inspired and preserved truth so that they are without excuse. He has given them a powerful witness in all creation and the orderly manner that He governs it so that they are without excuse. He gives all people a conscience that pricks their heart when they violate God's moral laws (Romans 2:12-15).
Thoughts to Ponder....
We have covered a lot of thought provoking material in the last 17 posts. I pray that this study has been a great benefit to each of us as we consider the glorious treasure contained in God's Holy Book.
I pray that what we have examined together will cause us to turn in faith to Christ and fill us with a renewed passion and vigor for serving Him, fill us with a greater love for our Savior that leads to transformed lives.
Please continue to share the truth contained in this blog with others that God might save the lost, revive the weary and advance the Kingdom of God through all who will serve Christ.
Bob
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