Chapter 3: To Know Him!
The book of Philippians is written by The Apostle Paul. As previously discussed, Paul faced dreadful challenges during this time. He was in prison but used it as an opportunity to share the good news of Christ. His perspective was of joy, trust, thanksgiving, and confidence in God. It is my prayer that this outlook will help us to live life from God’s perspective in our daily life. I believe this one change from a self-focused life to a God-centered life, will radically change our overall quality of life for the better.
Chapter 3 centers on describing some of the enemies of the gospel, knowing Christ, and pressing towards the mark that He has called you to do. In verse 2, Paul discusses with strong language how the enemy has entered the church and is preaching a false gospel. He tells us to watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. Here, Paul is not speaking of an animal but of the sinful ways of the community, as well as the church.
In verses 7-8, But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Now, we can clearly see a transition in what Paul values. Those things he initially thought were important, are now of no value.
Verses 12-13, Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Many times, in our society, we may become distracted by what others may be doing. Yet, our focus, prayer, and mission should be on the mark that Christ has called us to do. This is a unique calling that only “you” can fulfill on earth. We must all make knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection our main goal and our prize in this life.
Next week, we will conclude our Bible study by reviewing Chapter 4. This deeper dive is helping us to live life from God’s perspective. Don’t forget, by purchasing the Re-Imagining Contentment electronic journal pages from our Etsy store, a portion of all funds will be donated to support Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Florida. Also, if you have been blessed by Re-Imagining Contentment, I want to hear from you. Thank you to those that have submitted testimonials. It is not too late. Please share your testimony by sending it via email to: reimaginingcontentment@gmail.com.
As always, thank you for your love and continued support! Join me in prayer to change hearts, to heal our land, and for the contentment and peace to handle whatever should come up! I am so thankful to each of you for joining me on this journey to re-imagine contentment in 2022!
Always look for the Remarkable in your life!
Dr. ReShone
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