Why Paul Wasn’t Proud

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Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. --Psalm 37:5 Every single person on earth has two basic questions he or she is asking: “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” There was a time when people went to the Bible to find answers to those questions. But now, people are headed in different directions. They’re turning to New Age movements, psychics, psychology, and even politics seeking to find meaning and purpose for life. And all the while the message of Christ has been suppressed even by many Christians who have made their prayers, “Lord, make us comfortable,” and, “Lord, keep us safe.” They’ve taken the Gospel and made it a refuge rather than a revolution. And they’re flocking to churches, organizations, and cults which promise comfort over and above the cross. But I want to tell you that comfortable, casual Christianity will not make it in this generation because it does not answer those two basic questions. No, the Christianity that will make it is a revolutionary Christianity that challenges and changes culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The days of standing idly by and being a passive worshipper are soon coming to an end. It’s time for God’s church to stand for what they believe! So if it feels like you’re riding the fence of the Christian life, go “all in” today, committing yourself wholly to God’s purposes and living every minute for the glory of Christ! IF YOU FIND YOURSELF BEING A PASSIVE WORSHIPPER, GO “ALL IN” AND SURRENDER YOURSELF WHOLLY TO JESUS CHRIST! Why Paul Wasn’t Proud Monday, March 09, 2020 by Dr. Paul Chappell “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” Philippians 3:4–7 Before his conversion, when he was still known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was the epitome of a zealous follower of the law and the traditions of Jewish life and worship. He had all the credentials anyone could ever want. He could trace his lineage back to Benjamin. He had been a Pharisee, the most strict group of religious leaders. He was trained in the best school of his day, under Gamaliel, from the time he was very young. Yet in spite of all his achievements and all his background, Paul refused the snare of pride. Instead, he viewed himself in urgent need of Christ. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Jonathan Edwards wrote, “The spiritually proud person is apt to find fault with other saints, and to be quick to notice their deficiencies. But the eminently humble Christian has so much to do at home, and sees so much evil in his own heart, and is so concerned about it, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. Pure Christian humility disposes a person to take notice of everything that is good in others, and to make the most of it, and to diminish their failings, but to give his eye chiefly on those things that are bad in himself.” Today's Growth Principle: If we allow ourselves to take credit for our accomplishments, then humility will die and pride will take its place.