In Philippians chapter 3, Paul wrote:
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
How would you like to have lived your life pursuing one direction only to find out you were on the wrong path? That is what happened to Paul. He recounts his previous life and understanding in verses 4 through 6. At the time he believed he was doing the right thing and was aggressively pursuing his career. Then suddenly Jesus showed up and revealed the Truth and the Way to Paul (who was Saul). Once Paul received the revelation of Christ, his past experience and training no longer mattered. He was quick to throw out his previous belief system in order to embrace the revelation of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ made the difference in his life and he was a changed man.
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Faith in FATHER’S Word is now the basis by which Paul lives. It was made manifest in Jesus and its power resurrected Jesus from the dead. The blessed resurrection is the result of FATHER’S Love and faith thus we should place our emphasis in that same Love and faith which produces life, restoration, and healing. Paul’s education and previous pursuits were thought to be assets to him but instead they were truly liabilities. He had to put off the old man and we need to do the same. We should focus on FATHER’S Character as the source of HIS Ways.
Each day we should wake up expecting to receive something fresh and relevant for the day. We should expect FATHER to show us something HE deems important to us. IN HIM we have our being and HE is willing to impart Sacred knowledge to us as we are ready, able, and willing to receive such mysteries. We must set aside the traditions of man and know what Scripture says versus what man tells us. Some would have you believe that you must be highly intelligent to understand certain mysteries they are expounding. They use this ploy to exalt themselves above others. Some would attempt to prophesy in a convincing manner but you must regard and inspect their fruit to determine if they are really called to the prophetic ministry.
Those who exclaim “thus saith THE LORD” are accountable and responsible for their words. We are to observe and witness the results to see if they are truly prophets. Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus was proof who Jesus was and is. Once he had that encounter, all of his previous education and doctrine was counted as loss.
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
What is the upward call? To be Love as Christ is Love. This IS the character of FATHER manifested for the benefit of all mankind. This is the righteousness which is from FATHER and by faith we can walk in the same manner as Jesus Christ for He perfected the Covenant by His Blood. We are to put on Christ and be a blessing to mankind. We should bring forth life rather than suck the life out of others. When you encounter people are you looking for ways to extract resources from them or asking FATHER what it is that HE would want to bring forth as a blessing to them? Are you devising schemes for personal enrichment or are you looking for opportunities to bless?
Put away those fleshly desire of the old man and put on Christ. It is time to progress forward and remove anything that would hinder your Love walk. Remember:
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.