5 November 2020

Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ .
From Philippians 3:3-8, NRSV

At the beginning of this reading, Paul reasserts his unquestionable credentials as a Jew. It is probable that some were questioning his right to speak as a Jew and yet he had spent much of his life as a strict observer of the Jewish law and all its requirements. However, since his encounter with Christ, Paul now sees that all that he had previously believed and practised is surpassed by knowing Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Paul gave up many things including his home, occupation, family, reputation, safety and freedom in order to have this relationship with Christ. Whilst his hard words may have shocked and upset some of his audience, they could not doubt the sincerity of his belief as shown by his actions.

• • What made it possible for Paul to give up all that mattered to him in his past life ?
  • What sacrifices do you make or could you make in order to deepen your relationship with Christ?

Pray today for people who are challenged or obstructed in the practice of their faith .