The Place to Be #52

 

Philippians 3:4 ...though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 

In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul began to warn this church (and us) about those false teachers who promote any kind of self-righteousness, going back to some kind of religion of works and rites, instead of Christ.  He now lists all his "credentials" for self-righteousness which he had abandoned and refused to depend upon for his salvation or continuation in the Faith.  His physical lineage, mental training, social standing, and religious activity made him appear to be a spiritual superstar. But Paul knew who he really was, and that none of these things made him righteous - not even close.  We need to do the same type of checklist in our hearts and say "no, that will not do at all." Our only hope of salvation and fellowship with God is in Christ.