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. – Philippians 3:9
Have you had an experience with someone in authority who basically lives by the motto, “Do as I say, not as I do“? It can be confusing or aggravating trying to live up to the expectations of those who are not attempting to meet those standards themselves. One of the reassuring aspects of following Jesus is that He only asks you to emulate Him. Not only does He call you to live as He did, He sent His Holy Spirit to make sure you have the ability to do it!
Pastor Juan Sanchez highlighted the importance of hospitality in establishing and modeling godly standards. He explained, “In the New Testament, hospitality was essential because that’s how the gospel spread. There was no Holiday Inn Express. There was no Hilton. Now, we have [gotten] away from that for many different cultural reasons — the individualism of our world, the disconnectedness of our world — and so we really have to fight to be in our people’s lives, and to be in one another’s lives. There’s so much discipleship, so much counseling that happens around the kitchen table. That’s [why] hospitality is essential.” Doing life together offers insight and perspective on applying God’s word to our faith walk!
The Lord said to His disciples in the upper room, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you“ (John 13:15). The writer of Hebrews encourages you to choose those who show the fruit of living God’s way “and imitate their faith“ (Hebrews 13:7). As you learn to conform to the likeness of Christ, you become a support and encouragement to others, leading by example.
Intercede on behalf of the nation’s governing officials, that they would lead lives of integrity. Pray that the Lord would draw their hearts close to the Savior, so they can be effective examples of godly living.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 3:9
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—
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 3:12-21
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
