999. Knowing "About" Him Vs. Knowing Him (and the Power of His Resurrection)

The Apostle Paul could have competed with anyone in the boasting department when considering his background as a Jewish person who was born under the law. He was dedicated to it—even to the point of persecuting and executing Jews who believed in Jesus.

But he counted it all as loss and rubbish after gaining Christ, not having his own righteousness through dead works but attaining God's righteousness by faith in Christ. Again—faith ... not works. This led him to a special place and heartfelt desire to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection.

What does this look like? How can it happen for us? Is the focus based on proper Bible teaching and interpretation? Sound doctrine? Depending on the correct belief system which may change and evolve? Our program this week is meant to bring a reminder and encouragement that God lives in us and His Holy Spirit is very real. Sadly, He is sometimes forgotten to a degree and even considered a thing of the past—even by those who consider themselves ministers of the gospel ... which is not contained within pages containing words and letters ... but is found within a Person who is very much alive.



   
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998. Paul's Impressive "Boasting" Resume (But He Trashed It)

Paul told the Philippians that if anyone had reason to have confidence in the flesh based on commitment and dedication through various experiences and working diligently ... it would be him. But in spite of Paul's ability to boast—if he had chosen to do so—he counted it all as rubbish so that he may gain Christ. To gain Christ would be to attain righteousness ... not through the law or by his works ... but by faith in Jesus Christ so that he could know Him and the power of His resurrection. Nothing else mattered.

And yet there were Jewish brethren who would eventually try to convince Paul to go back to the zealousness he once had for the law prior to his conversion ... and to proclaim a testimony publicly in front of other believing Jews that his rumored teachings were untrue and that he also was one who seeks to observe and keep the law of Moses.



   
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