Philippians 3:4-14 "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, and 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: that I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS suffering, being made conformable unto HIS death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of CHRIST JESUS. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in CHRIST JESUS."
The Apostle Paul was willing to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS' (v.8). What about us ? Our life should declare:
"I am willing !"
I am willing to decrease that CHRIST might increase (John 3:30 pictured above).
I am willing to humble myself and be abased that GOD might lift me up (Luke 14:11; James 4:10).
I, like Paul, am willing to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD," even if I must suffer the loss of all things (v.8).
I am willing to be poor and to make many rich (2nd.Corinthians 6:10).
I am willing to be delivered unto death for JESUS' sake that HIS life might be made manifest in my mortal flesh (2nd.Corinthians 4:11).
I am willing to be content with such things as I have, knowing that I have CHRIST WHO will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5).
I am willing to be persecuted since I can rejoice that I am "counted worthy to suffer shame for HIS name" (Acts 5:41).
I am willing and not ashamed to share the Gospel, "for it is the power of GOD unto salvation" to all who will believe (Romans 1:16).
I am willing to suffer hardship "as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (2nd.Timothy 2:3).
I am willing not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others and be a servant to all, even as the SON of MAN did for me (Mark 10:43-45).
I am willing to lay aside every weight, hindrance, and besetting sin so I might run with patience the race that is set before me (Hebrews 12:1).
I am willing to be a fool for CHRIST's sake (1st.Corinthians 4:10).
I am willing to count not "my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy" (Acts 20:24).
In GOD's time, I am willing to be "absent from the body" that I may "be present with the LORD" (2nd.Corinthians 5:8). GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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