1 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 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, 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.
Writing or repeating the Gospel is “safe” according to Paul. It is important to always preach the Gospel to our brothers and sisters, especially though who are brothers and sisters. Many times we think that it is only important to preach the Gospel to those who are not a part of the church. That is not true. It is vital to continually preach to each other and ourselves that Christ died for our sins because we could not. He has paid the penalty and it is a free gift by grace.
Paul of all people had right to boast in the flesh, but as he explains, the flesh is just that, flesh. It means nothing when it comes salvation (v.9). What means everything is the faith we put in Jesus Christ. Every “religion” in the world puts stipulations and rules on what must be done to please a god. For a Christian pleasing God means having faith. Acts 16:30-31 “what must we do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Salvation comes through faith, not works.
Our desire should be to serve the Lord Jesus with our lives. With that we should keep in mind that even though it is not our works that brings us to God, we should allow Him to rule our lives in a manor that shows He is Lord of our lives. If we would simply allow Him to do that, He will be pleased with our lives and the product thereof. Put to death what was in our lives “that by any means necessary” we may come to be raised to life as Christ was raised to life. Live a life worthy of your calling.
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