Wednesday, November 18, 2009

11-18-09 Philippians 3 - 4

I am trying to have an OT quick review, instead of getting into commentaries for the book to slow me down. But sooner or later, I will have to get a creditable commentary to study. This book, with other books, is just so amazing, encouraging, uplifting, full of wisdom and applications, and consistent in theology. Amazing grace from God to Apostle Paul.

Couple of points in those two chapters:
1. 3:12 - "I press on to make it my own" -- not make salvation on my own, but making the idea of "righteousness from God that depends on faith" as part of my life, making it an automatic reaction, making it part of my flesh.
2. 3:13 - "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of upward call of God in Christ Jesus" -- Do not let your past stop you, not ignore it, but seize opportunity to go forward for the mission of Christ Jesus.
3. 3:20 - "our citizenship is in heaven" -- what else do I need to say, but to consistently remind myself about this verse. Today, I read a heart wranching journal about little three-year old Malachi Smith (who died from Leukemia) written by his mom. What a great assurance that Lord is in Heaven and he planned it all. And our citizenship is with him.
4. 4: 4-7 - "Rejoice.... don not be anxious about anything...." Amazing Grace. Wow. Lord, thank you for this great assurance and consultation and direction.
5: 4:8 six Whatevers and two Ifs
6: 4:11 - Paul learned to be content in every situation. and he asked Philippians to "join in imitating me" in 3:17.

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