The Reason We Rejoice

Scripture – Philippians 3:1-6: Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has 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 legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Observation – Paul was an expert in the law. Perhaps he exaggerates a bit in his self-description – looking a little too perfect. At the same time, his point is clear. He has lived the life of legalism and he knows it is not the way to salvation. He has learned to put “no confidence in the flesh.” This was his message all along – our faith and our hope are not grounded in what we do, but in what God has done for us in Christ. Because of that, in any and all circumstances, we “rejoice in the Lord!”

Application – I will live in freedom today. Freedom from a legalistic way of living. Freedom to live as Christ lived.

Prayer – Thank you, Lord, for lifting me to new life. Your gift of love and life is my reason to rejoice. You have done for me what I could never do for myself. Help me remember that and share that this day.