Philippians 3:4-9 " Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the Law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD: for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win CHRIST, and be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith:"
What do you hope to gain in this life ? What truly captivates your full attention ? Some people might quickly respond with answers like riches, power, or prestige. But what, exactly, does it mean to gain ? The word itself is defined as "to get (something desired), especially as a result of one's own effort." Far too often that desire is fueled by greed and leads to mischief and harm to others (Proverbs 1:19 pictured above) and even trouble to one's own house (Proverbs 15:27 pictured below). JESUS asked the probing question: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Matthew 16:26 pictured at top of post). To lose one's soul, even for a King's ransom, is not a profitable exchange; and yet, the ungodly continue to seek after temporary gain and vain fortune. Again, the LORD JESUS reminds us, "How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of GOD !" (Mark 10:24)
The Apostle Paul spoke of what he trusted in before his salvation: his circumcision, his Jewish heritage, his life as a Pharisee, his zeal in persecuting the church, his self-righteousness pertaining to his outward obedience to the Law (vv.4-6). Those things were gain to him in his unsaved state, but after putting his trust in CHRIST alone, he said, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS . . . and [to] be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of [in] CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith" (vv.7-9). That is a most worthy exchange. Has this been your gain as it was Paul's ? JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org #greed
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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