Philippians, Day 4 Readings

The Goal of Faith      

Today's reading provides a concise description of Paul's vision of a faithful life.  Many have become confused about the gospel, teaching that true Christians must follow Jewish law to be completely faithful.  However, this is a total misunderstanding of the gospel.  The example and meaning of Jesus are far greater than Torah, and ultimately teach that righteousness is a gift from God, not a human action.

The life of faith encourages people to stop worrying about what they can or cannot do and instead focus on what God can do through them.  When people let God work through them, their lives continue to be transformed for the better.  This is what Paul still strives to do, even in prison, and what he hopes all Christians will do every day -- empty their own ambition and be open to God's ambitions for their lives on earth.

Read Philippians 3:1-4:1  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Philippians 3:1-4:1 today.