Today’s Reading | Philippians 3:1-11
Misplaced Confidence
Why would Paul, at one time in his life, feel he was right with God even though he was not? Can we learn from his example how to avoid doing it in our own lives? The answer? He put confidence in the wrong things. At one time he thought he was righteous because of his heritage. He had been born into a Jewish family and had followed all the Jewish regulations and laws. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews which meant he had come from a family that avoided all assimilation into the popular culture of the day. They remained true to the law. He became a Pharisee. He kept the law and lived according to strict standards. He had so much zeal for God. He even persecuted the church. According to Jewish standards, he was faultless. But he wasn’t saved. He felt he was righteous because of the “spiritual things” he had done and the family into which he had been born. Could you be making the same mistake? Do you feel all is well because you come from a Christian family and do the “Christian” things? Do you really know God? Have you ever trusted Christ?
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What things do people look at to determine if they are saved?
So What?
What do you look at as evidence that you are saved?
Now What?
What does Scripture identify as confirmation of your salvation?
Then What?
What personal commitment can you make in light of this passage?