Through the Bible: PhilippiansSample

We Put Our Trust In God

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10 (NIV)

In Philippians 2: 1-4, Paul wrote about giving up all rights and privileges for the sake of others. Now in Philippians 3, he speaks about giving up all rights and privileges for the sake of knowing Christ (verse 10).

Paul valued knowing Christ because he had come to see that only in union with Christ, and not on account of his natural qualities or achievements, did he want to stand before God. Paul wants to be “found” in Christ.

In light of this text, let’s reflect on what we value most as individuals and as a church. Perhaps we tend to value certain inherited qualities or achievements as “gains” that give us value before God. Jeremiah 17: 5-6 says a curse is placed on those who trust other people, who depend on humans for strength, who have stopped trusting the Lord. We may expect help from men…but we must rest our trust in God alone.

Prayer

Lord, we want to live and walk with You, not relying on our abilities or what we have, but trusting You to lead us and guide us everyday. In Jesus’ name, Amen.