Philippians Devotional- Chapter 3

This week’s reading was Philippians Chapter 3 and part of it really grabbed me.

If you aren’t reading with me already, feel free to jump right in where we are and read with us from this point on. We are reading a chapter per week and this week we are reporting on chapter 3 and will read chapter 4 to report on next Monday. (You can read more about the process here.)

Using the SOAP devotional method, this is what stood out for me:

SCRIPTURE:

Philippians 3:9

and be found in him, 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. (New International Version)

OBSERVATION:

Paul is explaining that true righteousness come from faith in Christ, not by following Jewish law.

APPLICATION:

I wish I could say that I wholly subscribe to this with every fiber of my being. I do know that Paul writes is true. I do have faith in my salvation through Christ. Yet I still beat myself up way too often to be ‘better.’ And why? I’m not really sure, to be honest.

I am cleansed by His blood and made pure through Jesus’ sacrifice, I understand that.  At least I think I do… I am secure in my “ticket” to eternity, I am. I don’t question that. He loves me. I love Him. I accept and trust Him. End of story.

So then why do I still push and push to be better where good enough is enough?

I’m not going to get better seats in eternity– My bet is that they all equally rock. I’m not going to get a shiny halo or gold star. Sure, I’d love to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant,” but I bet he feels that way about each and every one of us that submits to Him and has complete faith.

I’m not saying that good works are not good. We are called to help others and do good works. And I honestly do enjoy helping others in so many ways. But sometimes I wonder if a part of me is acting in part for that nonexistent gold star. When that is the case, I need to learn to catch myself, remember this verse, and question why I am doing what it is that I am doing before proceeding

PRAYER:

Father God, thank you for you love and acceptance of me through all my faults. I don’t need to perform for you… you already love and accept me. My faith in you brings the ultimate gift from you. Thank you so much for that.

Please, Lord, guide me as I choose my actions. Help me to remember that your love isn’t going to increase or decrease based on my performance or good deeds. Please help me to relax in being just what you made me to be… and not wear myself out trying to please so many others. YOU are the one to please. Thank you for that.

So.. what about you? What did you hear God sharing with you in Philippians chapter 3? Do you have a similar struggle to mine?Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or even share a link to blog post where you shared your SOAP on this reading.

What’s next?

This week we’ll read Philippians chapter 4 and compare notes next Monday, June 17.