Philippians 3:1-11
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God[b] and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 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,[c] blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
The Way of the Ladder
Self exalting and self promoting.
Pursuing temporary gain only to achieve infinite and permanent loss.
A life of slavery.
A legacy of “waste.”
An eternity of regret, hopelessness, “death,” and emptiness excluded from the presence of God.
The Way of the Cross
Self surrendering and Christ dependent.
Enduring temporary loss only to receive infinite and permanent gain.
A life of freedom and power.
A legacy of faith and hope.
An eternity of joy, wonder, growth, and substance in unobstructed relationship with God.
Pastor’s Challenge
Which way have you chosen? What path are you on?
What do you really want out of life and is the way you have chosen delivering that for you?
Jesus offers joy, wonder, growth, and substance in an ever increasing relationship with Him and eternal partnership in the richness of His kingdom. Step off the ladder and choose the way of the Cross.