Read Philippians 3:7-11
“Oh to be like Thee! Oh to be like Thee!”. You may have heard or sung that hymn before. To be like Jesus every day is the ultimate goal! Paul had the right idea when it came to being like Jesus. In verse 10, Paul says he wants to KNOW Jesus and be like him. Oh, that I may know him! That you may know him. Not just about him but to follow him. Paul is such a great example to us. He is often described as the greatest Christian to ever live! When you start reading the New Testament it won't take long to find out why! Think of some of the greatest things you’ve accomplished in your life. Maybe you’re the boss of your own company, and your business has taken off far more than you could have imagined! Maybe you worked hard for your degree in nursing school, those long nights studying have paid off and now you’re a nurse doing what you love! Maybe you decided it was time to get into shape, so you hit the gym and changed your diet, and now you love how you look and feel!
In Paul's past, he was known as Saul. He had power and prestige, he had Christians executed and put into prison. In the eyes of the Pharisees, he accomplished much to those following the law. Paul even says in verse 5 that if anyone should be prideful and boast about their accomplishments, it should be him! In the culture of that day, he had it made for him from birth. However, he says all of that stuff he did is garbage now! After God got his attention, he was on fire for the Lord. What a transformation! The only thing that matters in light of eternity is living for Jesus and making an impact on others! Paul was the greatest missionary to ever live, he helped several churches get going and continue on the right path. No matter what happened to him, and LOTS happened, he didn’t give up. Paul most definitely participated in the sufferings for being a Christian, but with great joy and perseverance. If there was ever a time to brag and be boastful about accomplishments, it was now. He was THE GUY to look up to. Yet, he remained humble! We often say at Emmanuel, “My Story God’s Glory”. No matter what your story is, what you do for God is for him to get the glory, not yourself! How awesome that he lets us be his instrument to impact the world for HIS name's sake! No matter how much we achieve in this life, it's nothing compared to receiving crowns in heaven and hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Jesus is the prize! There is no greater joy than gaining Christ, doing kingdom work, and letting God take the credit.
“Oh to be like Thee! Oh to be like Thee!”. You may have heard or sung that hymn before. To be like Jesus every day is the ultimate goal! Paul had the right idea when it came to being like Jesus. In verse 10, Paul says he wants to KNOW Jesus and be like him. Oh, that I may know him! That you may know him. Not just about him but to follow him. Paul is such a great example to us. He is often described as the greatest Christian to ever live! When you start reading the New Testament it won't take long to find out why! Think of some of the greatest things you’ve accomplished in your life. Maybe you’re the boss of your own company, and your business has taken off far more than you could have imagined! Maybe you worked hard for your degree in nursing school, those long nights studying have paid off and now you’re a nurse doing what you love! Maybe you decided it was time to get into shape, so you hit the gym and changed your diet, and now you love how you look and feel!
In Paul's past, he was known as Saul. He had power and prestige, he had Christians executed and put into prison. In the eyes of the Pharisees, he accomplished much to those following the law. Paul even says in verse 5 that if anyone should be prideful and boast about their accomplishments, it should be him! In the culture of that day, he had it made for him from birth. However, he says all of that stuff he did is garbage now! After God got his attention, he was on fire for the Lord. What a transformation! The only thing that matters in light of eternity is living for Jesus and making an impact on others! Paul was the greatest missionary to ever live, he helped several churches get going and continue on the right path. No matter what happened to him, and LOTS happened, he didn’t give up. Paul most definitely participated in the sufferings for being a Christian, but with great joy and perseverance. If there was ever a time to brag and be boastful about accomplishments, it was now. He was THE GUY to look up to. Yet, he remained humble! We often say at Emmanuel, “My Story God’s Glory”. No matter what your story is, what you do for God is for him to get the glory, not yourself! How awesome that he lets us be his instrument to impact the world for HIS name's sake! No matter how much we achieve in this life, it's nothing compared to receiving crowns in heaven and hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Jesus is the prize! There is no greater joy than gaining Christ, doing kingdom work, and letting God take the credit.
Posted in Devotional