Philippians 3:7-9 Righteousness is simply a matter of the heart
Philippians 3:7-9
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.
Background
The apostle Paul has found a better way to attain righteousness which is by way of faith in Christ. He contrasts righteousness by way of the Law and by faith in Christ. Righteousness by way of the Law was a deception, a false confidence founded on man’s fleshly achievements, approved and applauded by the world. Having encountered Christ, Paul realised the way of true righteousness must be pursued single-mindedly. Hence, Paul counted his social stature (as an esteemed Pharisee) as rubbish in God’s kingdom. He resolved to shed off the desire of all things worldly for the agenda of the Spirit and the flesh can never co-exist in a believer. Therefore, in order to obtain the riches and glory in Christ, he must change the way he values things. Today’s devotion teaches us that true righteousness is simply a matter of the heart.
Observation
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish …
Paul, an esteemed Pharisee of reputable academic heritage, impeccable in the ways of the Law had resolved to disregard the stature he had painstakingly built. In so doing, not only would he run the risk of losing his good standing in the Jewish community, he subjected his own life to danger. Why did Paul set his face against the Jewish religious leadership and discard all his privileges: count all things to be loss… ?
The nation of Jews had over the centuries turned Moses’ Law into something antithetic to the values that Moses stood for. Righteousness, in the eyes of the Jewish society was a mere facet, a web of hypocrisy propped up by ambitious men without conscience. For without the revelation of Christ, the people remained in the stranglehold of the “Law” (as maintained by the Jews).
Paul wasted no time in tearing down the “Law” upon which he built his stature and counted its privileges as rubbish, an abomination in his pursuit of Christ. The question: Could Paul pursue Christ’s righteousness without openly recanting his former beliefs and disregarding his heritage as a Pharisee? Perhaps, to appear agreeable while propagating the way of Christ by stealth may be a more viable option. However, that double-minded approach would render the gospel powerless. For the surpassing value of knowing Christ must be pursued single-mindedly.
So that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith …
This, Paul does, so that he may gain Christ. Specifically, what has Paul gained in Christ? It is what Christ has gained for Himself: being approved by God (righteousness). In the light of the God’s approval, Paul no longer finds any value in being approved by the Jewish community: not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law. The Jews endeavour to fortify their own “righteousness” through their impeccable discipline in observing the Law through which, they announced their independence of God’s judgment and mercy. God’s righteousness (as opposed to the Jew’s own righteousness) comes only through faith in Christ, as God has never at any time promised righteousness for those who conformed their eating and drinking patterns to the Mosaic code of Law. Paul said concerning the Jews, “For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3).
How can man possess the righteousness of God?
God has imputed righteousness to all who are willing to acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour (faith in Christ). In doing so, the believer enters into a covenant with Christ to walk according to His likeness. This acknowledgment is more than an intellectual agreement with God; it is a commitment to a change of heart, to love God and above all to put Him first. In a nutshell, righteousness is a crown which God will give on the day of His appearing. It is reserved for those who have finished the course and have kept the faith despite many failures, temptations and great challenges. Paul said concerning his own journey,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Truth
One cannot be preoccupied with the cares of life and hope to obtain God’s righteousness.
One who desires to possess the crown of righteousness, cannot preoccupy himself with the cares of life. He cannot conduct himself and make decisions with the aim to secure the comfort of life. The heart of a righteous man resonates with God’s heart and puts His concerns above all other concerns. Righteousness is a matter of the heart – to love God unreservedly and to love others as himself. In an attempt to divert attention towards an appearance of “righteousness”, man creates a set of rules to veil the true posture of his heart. Thus, he thinks to himself: Because I attend the weekend worship services and give tithes 99% of the time, God should bless me! The real question is: do you hunger for God’s word daily and obey His commandments? Do you desire the things that God desires? Do you love the appearance of Jesus when He comes again? The immediate response to these questions should reveal the posture of your heart.
Why are many churchgoers constantly vacillating between God and the cares of life. One reason is: they have misunderstood the steps towards salvation and blessing. They were told (in exaggerated lingo) when one comes to Jesus and simply believe Him as the Saviour, they will in no uncertain terms receive infinite blessings and reign with Christ in the heavenlies forever. The fact is: they have relegated God to the role of a servant, an idol, a means which they could depend on to get what they want (see figure 5.3). Such individuals were assimilated into the church with the chief aim of being blessed and saved. And they have no intention of serving God apart from conforming to certain rules deemed as convenient to them. They desire salvation and blessing, but will not accept God’s unreserved authority over them. For such, God’s loving discipline is at hand to restore repentance, true faith and righteousness into their lives.
There are those who stake their claims on God’s promises while entrusting their very own lives to God (see figure 5.4). Their chief aim is to tread on the path that God has ordained for them, for better or for worse. They see themselves as men and women of faith, the seeds of truth whom God has planted for the revivals of future generations. They have learned to look pass the trappings of temporal success into the enduring riches of Christ. They welcome the road less travelled believing it will lead to something extraordinary which no man has before attempted.
Application
Are you constantly torn between the cares of life and the word of God? It may not be an issue of discipline or time management, but an issue of the heart. Your heart’s longing is expressed in the very first thing you think of every morning. What does it take to change your heart? How long does it take for you to love God and to walk in His ways? There is a loving discipline that will soon come upon every man and woman whose hearts are misplaced. It makes good sense at this moment to humble ourselves before God and to rededicate our lives to Him.
Dear Lord, forgive me for being sidetracked by things that have no eternal consequence. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. As I open my heart to you, cause me to hear your voice and walk in the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.