Covenant Podcast

Paul tells the believers that they should follow his example, and the example of other believers in Philippi. We must learn to keep our eyes on those who follow Jesus, imitate their example of faithfulness and remember that we are citizens of heaven not earth. 

Paul reminds us that salvation is the starting line, not the finish line, and true maturity means recognizing we still have more growing to do. Like a runner pressing toward the goal, we must forget past failures and successes and keep straining forward toward deeper fellowship with Christ. And since the race is too hard to run alone, God gave us the church so we can press on together until we reach the finish line with Him.

Paul concludes this thought with a flurry of personal mission statements. He summarizes his life’s mission: to know God and experience the power of a life with Christ through participating in his sufferings. It’s all worth it because he will someday be with Christ. 

Paul reflects on all of his pedigree and achievements and declares that none are good places for his confidence. In fact, he throws them all away in order to be found righteous in Christ.

We are told to rejoice and Paul finds no problem repeating that over and over. We have reasons to rejoice! We must watch out for the dogs, evildoers and mutilators of the flesh. But we can tell we are from God if we worship in the Spirit, Glory in Christ, and place our confidence in God.

What would it look like to use what God has placed in our hearts and hands to serve those around us?

God often glorifies himself with small groups of faithful people. The disciples were some of the 500 people who were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We too are called to be witnesses in our generation.

King David knew that God wanted to use him for His glory, but he faced time in the wilderness. There, a group of 400 loyal and dedicated men joined him and together they changed Israel for God’s glory. There is real power when “I” becomes “We”. We Build This Together. We Invest in Life Change. With 400 dedicated men God changed the course of Israel’s history.

God chooses to accomplish his purposes in His own ways. He sometimes uses small groups of dedicated and obedient people to accomplish great feats for His glory. Even fear-filled obedience is useful to God. 

Although we are saved (justified) by Christ, we still have to learn to live in the new reality (sanctification). If we hold onto Christ, we will shine like stars in the sky, drawing others toward the feet of Jesus.