Philippians 3:1-6
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.”
Discover
1. What group does Paul warn the Philippians to watch out for? How is the group leading people astray?
2. What truth does he remind the Philippians of regarding salvation? What are the marks of a true believer?
3. What does Paul list as his impressive human achievements that he no longer puts his confidence in?
Respond
1. What modern-day things do people think will put them in right standing with God? Examine your life now for any kind of human effort apart from Christ you may be relying upon for salvation. Turn these things over to Him.
2. Thank God for what Christ Jesus has already done for you. Tell Him you rely upon that work alone for your salvation and ask for His help to make that true in your everyday life.
For Further Reading: What is Righteousness?
For Families with Kids at Home
Today, pray for your kids by name and ask God to reveal to you how they need to grow in their faith, so you can lead them better.