RPG Adults
THE CHRISTIAN’S CONFIDENCE
THURSDAY, JULY 21
Philippians 3:3-9
Psalm 15
“I am a stranger in the earth:
hide not thy commandments from me.”
THE CHRISTIAN’S CONFIDENCE
Scripture clearly states that all human beings on some level recognise the existence of God. Only the fool attempts to deny that there is a Creator (Ps 53:1). However, because of man’s sinfulness, he prefers to form a god that fits his own image rather than meet God on His terms (Rom 1:21- 23). Man-made religions all attempt to meet God on the basis of human attainment. Their followers place great confidence in family backgrounds, education, and human accomplishments.
The Apostle Paul might have had such confidence. He was knowledgeable in the ways of Judaism and the customs of his people. He zealously followed his religion and the social restrictions it imposed. His family background placed him among the upper class. Surely if salvation could have come from religious activity and a good family background, Paul would have had it all (Phil 3:4-6).
But man cannot meet God on the basis of his own merit (Isa 64:6). Salvation is a gift of God, given through faith in Jesus Christ. True believers find their confidence and joy in God’s provision and not in religious endeavours (Phil 3:3). Since God is a spirit, true worship must be spiritual rather than physical. True worship comes from the heart. Although efforts to find one’s own righteousness are doomed to fail, the Christian has a quiet confidence in God. He knows that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ (Phil 3:8-9). We have assurance that salvation is ours eternally, because it depends on God’s faithfulness and holiness, not our own.
Let us then leave behind pride in worldly attainments and religious activities. Let us, like the Apostle, see our own righteousness as worthless refuse (Phil 3:7). And let us find our peace and confidence for eternity in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
THOUGHT: In what do Christians place their confidence?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for Thy blessing of forgiving my transgressions (Ps 32:1).