January 23, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Philippians Chapter 3
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 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:
5 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;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 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,
9 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:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 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.
13 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,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Philippians Chapter 3 is a passionate appeal from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Philippi to find their joy solely in Christ and not to be led astray by false teachings. Paul earnestly warns against reverting to legalistic righteousness and emphasizes that true righteousness is attained only through faith in Jesus Christ. He shares his personal spiritual journey, describing his former religious accomplishments as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. Paul encourages the believers to persistently strive for the heavenly goal and to follow Christ as their example.
Commentary
Verses 1-3: Warning Against False Teachers
Paul begins with an exhortation to rejoice in the Lord. At the same time, he warns the congregation about so-called “dogs” and “evil workers” who seek to lead Christians back to legalism. True circumcision, he explains, is not outward but spiritual—achieved through service in the Spirit of God and reliance on Christ, rather than on external religious achievements.
Verses 4-9: Paul’s Departure from Legalistic Righteousness
Paul recounts his impressive religious background: he was a blameless Jew, a Pharisee, and zealous in law observance. However, he recognizes that all of this is worthless compared to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. His own righteousness, which comes from the law, holds no value. Only the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ is what truly matters.
Verses 10-11: The Goal of Knowing Christ
Paul describes his deep desire to know Christ more intimately—specifically, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. His goal is to become more like Christ, even if it means suffering, with the hope of attaining the resurrection.
Verses 12-16: Striving for the Heavenly Goal
Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached his goal, but he diligently presses on toward it. He urges the believers not to dwell on the past but to focus resolutely on the goal ahead—the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus. This requires perseverance, determination, and spiritual maturity.
Verses 17-21: The Heavenly Home
Paul encourages the believers to follow his example and that of other faithful leaders. He warns against those who are “enemies of the cross of Christ” and live lives focused solely on earthly desires. In contrast, Paul reminds them that the true home of Christians is in heaven. Jesus Christ will one day glorify the believers and transform their mortal bodies into heavenly bodies.
Summary
Philippians Chapter 3 is a fervent call to focus on Christ as the sole true goal in life. Paul warns against false teachers who promote legalism and affirms that true righteousness is achieved only through faith in Jesus Christ. He regards his former religious achievements as worthless and instead strives to know Christ more deeply and become more like Him. The believers are urged not to be distracted by earthly matters but to concentrate on their heavenly calling. The central message is that true joy, true righteousness, and the eternal goal are found only in Christ.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The first chapter of the book The Way to Christ powerfully depicts God’s immeasurable love for humanity. It shows how this love is made visible through nature, revelation, and especially through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is described as the source of life, joy, and truth, whose actions are always directed towards blessing and redeeming humanity. Even in a world marked by sin, His love remains visible, whether through the beauty of creation or through the redemptive work of Jesus, which clearly reveals God’s nature and His plan for salvation.
Commentary:
Chapter 1 offers a profound reflection on God’s love, which is evident throughout creation and in the redemption through Christ. A central theme is that God continues to love humanity despite their sin and strives to reconcile them with Himself. The depiction of nature as an expression of God’s care is particularly moving: every sunbeam, every flower petal, and every bird’s song is interpreted as a testimony to His immeasurable love. This reminds us that God’s care is not abstract, but tangible in every facet of life.
The chapter also addresses the dark reality of sin, which destroyed the world’s original state of perfection and freedom from suffering. Interestingly, the suffering that entered the world through sin is not portrayed as meaningless or arbitrary but as a tool that, within God’s salvation plan, serves an educational and restorative purpose. This perspective invites us to seek God’s intent even in difficult moments and to recognize that He does not abandon His children, even in suffering.
Another highlight of the chapter is the description of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God’s love. Christ assumed human nature to show the world the true nature of God and to provide the way for human salvation. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus was not only a teacher or prophet but the living embodiment of divine love. His acts of healing, kindness to the weak, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s compassion and selflessness.
At the same time, an important misconception is addressed: Jesus’ sacrifice was not meant to move God to love or forgive humanity, but it was the result of His pre-existing love for humanity. John 3:16 is highlighted here as a central theme: God gave His Son because He loved the world. This truth not only forms the foundation of the Christian faith but also serves as a call for readers to be transformed by this love.
The chapter is not only a theological discourse but also an invitation to personal reflection. It encourages readers to contemplate the depth and breadth of God’s love and to respond by turning to Him in trust and gratitude. Particularly striking is the depiction of how, through Christ, people can become “children of God” — a calling that carries both dignity and a special responsibility.
Overall, Chapter 1 serves as an encouraging and inspiring introduction, connecting the reader to the central message of the Christian faith: God’s love is infinite, it seeks us, and it desires to draw us to Himself, regardless of our faults and weaknesses. This love is the path to true joy, peace, and hope.
Summary:
Chapter 1 of The Way to Christ describes God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is revealed through nature, revelation, and the life of Jesus Christ. Creation reflects God’s care, and even the suffering that came into the world through sin is understood as part of His salvation plan. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God’s nature is made visible — a nature full of compassion, selflessness, and a will to redeem. Christ not only revealed God’s love but also made it possible, through His death on the cross, for people to become “children of God.” The chapter invites readers to reflect on this love and find in a personal relationship with God the hope, joy, and salvation He offers.
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