We can’t impress God, but we can live in His impression
(Please read Philippians 3:1-6)
Commentary:
Paul’s warning was clear in his letter to the Philippians about the trap of following the law to win God’s favor. Children try to gain their parents’ love by behaving and doing their chores and obeying the rules. While this does have an impact on parents, parents love their children nonetheless. With God, the same principle applies. Paul strongly chastised the legalistic people of the church at Philippi, that their attempts at strict rule following would not save them. On the contrary, he suggested their boasting and attitudes were reflections of evil.
“2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.”
We can’t impress God by our works. No one can add anything to our behavior that would earn God’s affection. Obeying the law of the Ten Commandments will not save us by itself because we will fall short.
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”
Thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus, we are loved by God unconditionally. Pointing our obedience and putting our trust, faith, and lives in Jesus will save us. At this point, we are right with God. Faultless.
Application:
- Have you done something wrong in the past and tried to avoid the consequences by good behavior? By doing anything except admitting your guilt?
- Do you sometimes feel superior to others because you’re better connected, because you’ve earned that status?
- Have you admitted your weaknesses, guilt, and mistakes to God? How did you feel afterwards?
What are my key takeaways:
- The next time you’re in a situation of making a critical choice, consider why you’re choosing your path. Is it to stay out of trouble? Is it to be recognized? Or, is it because it reflects Jesus?
- If you experience friends puffing themselves up because of privilege or status, gently point them towards a more humble path. Point them towards the real truth. They’re no better because of what they’ve done. Only the love and light of Jesus Christ can impress.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.