Philippians 3:1-11

Overview:
"Beware of dogs," Paul says. Harsh words for the Jews who were trying to get the Gentiles to be circumcised to fulfill Jewish law. Paul admonishes them to not put stock in that to show your identity w/ God. If anyone could have had a right relationship with God based on those external or worldly things - Paul sure did. He shares his "pedigree" as a Hebrew of Hebrews. But after listing all those things that gave him (as Saul) and other Jews reason to believe they were good God-fearing people - he calls it all rubbish! It was knowing Christ that made the difference in his life (v.8). There was nothing good in Paul or anyone else - any "goodness" we have comes only from God (v 9). He concludes with two great verses (3:10-11): "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." 
Application:
What chutzpah (what guts!!). He was not afraid to call it like he saw it. I can identify with the protective heart he had for these new believers. How dare someone come and try to get them to do the wrong thing! I'm sure if he wasn't in prison, he'd be there in a heartbeat protecting his spiritual children. But this is also a good lesson for me - my children and even my spiritual children are His. God is perfectly able to protect them without me. My job is the training. His job is the keeping and protecting.
"God, thank you that my precious children are in the palm of your hand - and You are not letting go!! Make me the best steward/caretaker I can be - ever mindful they are YOURS. May I be a godly example to them. And when I fall, make my heart tender to quickly confess my faults and get back into perfect fellowship with You, so I can be used of you to mentor and encourage them in their Christian walk. Lord, I want to be a good ambassador to represent You in all I do." AMEN