Word@Work Phil31 - Philippians 3:7-8
Published: Thu, 11/05/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WASTE DISPOSAL
Phil. 3:7-8 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ... (NIV)
Spiritual pride is dangerous rubbish. Paul's pride in his privileged family background and religious education had not made him a servant of God, but an enemy of Jesus Christ and a menace to the church. Having listed his 'religious qualifications' (see v 5-6), he now puts them in the same category as animal manure and rotting household waste. He calls them dung ('rubbish' in this translation). That is a very strong condemnation of what most people would think was very good.
Rubbish is a problem in itself, but it creates even more problems if left alone. Apart from its uselessness, rubbish soon becomes a breeding ground for dangerous germs and food for vermin. Untreated, it will create a nauseating stench, pollute water supplies, infect the young and vulnerable elderly, and spread disease. The sick people then pass disease to others and whole communities can be contaminated as by a plague.
That is how Paul sees his past sincere, devout, active leadership role in Christless religion. Indeed, instead of spreading the truth, he had broadcast lies about Jesus and disgust for His people. Far from doing good, he had actually encouraged a plague of wickedness against the church, and many had suffered. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he realised just how worthless all his religious zeal had been. So much so, that he renounced his religious credentials and pledged himself to live and work for Christ alone.
Today's believers need to complete that transformation too. There is no place to be proud of any position in the church or Christian fellowship; it will only breed spiritual disease in you and others. There is no place for arrogant claims of spiritual knowledge or power; it is useless and will get in the way of God's work. Yet we are all naturally infected with pride, and we will contaminate others (see Heb 12:14-15) until we choose to deposit all our rubbish at the cross of Jesus. He died to pay for it all, so be sure you give it all to Him.
Prayer: All-seeing God. Thank You for highlighting, so starkly, the danger of spiritual pride. Forgive me for my pride, and the wrong motives for serving You. I repent of my sin and ask Your Holy Spirit's help in learning to love and serve You in such a way that You alone get the glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Spiritual pride is dangerous rubbish. Paul's pride in his privileged family background and religious education had not made him a servant of God, but an enemy of Jesus Christ and a menace to the church. Having listed his 'religious qualifications' (see v 5-6), he now puts them in the same category as animal manure and rotting household waste. He calls them dung ('rubbish' in this translation). That is a very strong condemnation of what most people would think was very good.
Rubbish is a problem in itself, but it creates even more problems if left alone. Apart from its uselessness, rubbish soon becomes a breeding ground for dangerous germs and food for vermin. Untreated, it will create a nauseating stench, pollute water supplies, infect the young and vulnerable elderly, and spread disease. The sick people then pass disease to others and whole communities can be contaminated as by a plague.
That is how Paul sees his past sincere, devout, active leadership role in Christless religion. Indeed, instead of spreading the truth, he had broadcast lies about Jesus and disgust for His people. Far from doing good, he had actually encouraged a plague of wickedness against the church, and many had suffered. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he realised just how worthless all his religious zeal had been. So much so, that he renounced his religious credentials and pledged himself to live and work for Christ alone.
Today's believers need to complete that transformation too. There is no place to be proud of any position in the church or Christian fellowship; it will only breed spiritual disease in you and others. There is no place for arrogant claims of spiritual knowledge or power; it is useless and will get in the way of God's work. Yet we are all naturally infected with pride, and we will contaminate others (see Heb 12:14-15) until we choose to deposit all our rubbish at the cross of Jesus. He died to pay for it all, so be sure you give it all to Him.
Prayer: All-seeing God. Thank You for highlighting, so starkly, the danger of spiritual pride. Forgive me for my pride, and the wrong motives for serving You. I repent of my sin and ask Your Holy Spirit's help in learning to love and serve You in such a way that You alone get the glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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