August 9, 2013 Rule of Christ

Read Philippians 3:5-9 Rule of Christ 9 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, 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 is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. RULES help you know what is right to do, don’t they as they guide you to a good life. But be careful rules aren’t the source of your life. What do I mean by that? Look at Paul’s list of his rule following. He followed all the Hebrew laws as closely as he could. Some of those rules were from God. Some rules the Hebrews added to Gods’ law. It didn’t matter to Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. Rules formed his life. Then he learned one day he needed to enter into Jesus’ rule of love. In the power of Jesus, Paul’s mind was made new. He realized the old rules had kept him from Jesus. What’s your life formed around? Are you a good rule follower, “doing church” because it fits the rules? Or are you engaged with Jesus, “doing his love” because he rules your heart? A Moment’s Thought: Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.