Philippians 3:9
The scripture for today is Philippians 3:9
Philippians 3:9 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
In a world that offers a multitude of enticements that greatly appeal to the flesh through pride, power, position, wealth and popularity, there is only one thing worth pursuing. The apostle Paul recognizes that the only thing of lasting value is found in Christ, not around Christ or a casual acquaintance of Christ but completely in Him. That is only possible for those who have been to the cross with Christ and there, through faith, died with Him. We then are buried with Him in baptism, leaving the old man in the grave, rising up to walk in the newness of life, a brand-new life that is empowered by the Spirit of Christ. When we die at the cross, the old things that we held near and dear are replaced with new affections. The temptations that once derailed us are still there, but we are no longer derailed by them. We are new people for the old person has been crucified on the cross with Christ. From the vantage point of death and new life, we see things with an entirely new perspective. The things that once looked so good to us have been exposed for what they really are; ugly prison cells designed to enslave and destroy us. Now, having been rescued from the incarceration of sin, we are free to walk in the newness of life. We can live a life of righteousness, love, joy, and peace. Not because we always "feel" these things, but because we "claim" these things and by faith receive them. We have the God-given right to claim all of the promises of God because those promises were given to us so that we might be "partakers of His divine nature." 2 Peter 1:4
God, by His grace, gives us His righteousness. Yes, those of us who have lived lives that were immersed in gross sin can now receive the righteousness of God. And, those who have relied upon their own righteousness as a means to a right relationship with God can come to Him with humble hearts, realizing that no good works done by man constitute the righteousness of God. His righteousness comes from God alone and He gives it to those who are in Christ Jesus. The life we now live is not our own life for we are not our own, we have been purchased by the blood of Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 It is liberating to understand that we do not have to produce our own righteousness, nor could we. God loves us so much that He was willing to not only forgive our sins but to also transform our lives. He treats us as if we were never sinners in the first place and welcomes us into His holy presence. He transforms rank sinners into His saints. What a love, what a God, what a Savior.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim