4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
You no doubt have encountered the person who will not let you feel good about an accomplishment without one-upping you. If these verses had been taken out of its context as they are, we could accuse Paul of being just that sort of person. That is why context is important. Before these verses, Paul denounced those who would have them disfigure themselves to be saved. In the verses after these, Paul told the Philippians just what he thought of his great accomplishments. He counted them as rubbish. And if you are in your King James version, dung.
Most of us have heard the joke about the man who took his gold bricks to heaven, only to be told they have enough paving stones. That is how I, and be honest, you, sometimes view our accomplishments, as if heaven is going to be real impressed with the plaques. We need the mind of Paul, who was pleased to preach only Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the only one who took his glory to heaven because he is the only one worthy. Let’s leave ours on the rubbish heap and celebrate him who loved us so much.
Dear Lord, thank you for the accomplishment of atoning our sins and delivering us. May we ignore the glory given us by men in favor of your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church