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Philippians 3:8-9a Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else…so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.
The Apostle Paul had a very religious upbringing. He regularly attended community worship services and was a student of the Old Testament law. He likely had the first five books of the Old Testament completely memorized!
Yet after coming to believe in Jesus for his personal salvation, Paul considered much of his previous lifestyle as “worthless” or “rubbish.” To be clear, Paul didn’t view the Old Testament as worthless, but he did consider his previous understanding of it as flawed and incorrect. He now saw it through a very different lens.
Like Paul, we would do well to identify any aspects of our religious heritage which may fall outside of real gospel principles. Our commitment to God and His word needs to outweigh our commitment to culture, legalism or other unhealthy religious practices.
READING & PRAYERS:
PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11, MATTHEW 22:37-40 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What may be some religious practices in your life that could fall outside of firm gospel principles?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Jesus doesn’t demand people follow Him, He invites them to do so. Consider how you may invite people to better know you and see Jesus in you.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that it’s easy for me to get caught up in daily rhythms, even religious ones, yet I can still miss out on experiencing the deepness of Your love and grace. Today, I pray that I set aside religion and instead focus on living in complete and total union with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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