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“"Legalism or the Work of the Lord?"”

Thoughts for Today:

In Philippians 3:4b-6, Paul also lists his teaching credentials: "If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 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; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless." He also sums up his perspective on these very impressive accomplishments (verses 7-8): "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."

The Corinthians had allowed themselves to fall under the influence of Jewish teachers who said, "Paul's message of God's grace lacks dimension -- there's more to it. You need to not only believe in Jesus, but also submit to Jewish legalism -- both the rituals and regulations." Even today, many Christians have a similar type of desire to live within (and under) legalism and rituals. Why? Because it can make us feel safe. Unfortunately, following a set of rules provides an inappropriate amount of comfort and confidence. Especially if we leave out the most important aspect of our faith -- a personal relationship with Jesus. However, when He is at the center of our faith we discover (just as Paul did), that everything else is "garbage".

Questions to Ponder:

Do you have liberty in your faith, or has it become an onerous set ?of do's? and ?don't do's?? Is your relationship with Jesus personal? What does the Bible say?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.