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DEFINED BY DISCIPLESHIP (PHILIPPIANS 3:1-11)

REFLECTION

Defined by discipleship is the theme for our reflection. A disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, intentionally learns from Him, and strives to live more like Him. Discipleship therefore means a life dedicated to Christ as a result of our salvation through Him. We shall reflect on the fact that our status as Christians is defined by our discipleship.

Some Jewish Christians, erroneously held the view that for the Gentiles to become Christians, they must uphold the Mosaic law of circumcision. Paul rejected this false view and teachings and taught that our status in Christ is not defined by the Old Testament or Mosaic law but by our discipleship through faith in Jesus Christ. It is important to note that in the past, the Jews held the view that by physically and strictly following the law one became righteous before God. In other words, righteousness was attained through the flesh, however, they kept sinning, and therefore the flesh could not guarantee their salvation. It is for this reason, that Paul wrote to teach the Church in Philippi, “If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:4-9) In other words, we are not saved because of our effort in becoming righteous but our salvation is by our discipleship or faith through Jesus Christ. Paul again reminded the believers at Ephesus, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Dear friend, if salvation was only through the law then there would be no salvation for the Gentiles or non-Jews but Jesus defined our salvation through our discipleship when He assured all people of all nations, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17). The choice is yours now, to be saved by becoming a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, for no human effort can bring salvation except through the priceless and gracious sacrifice of our Lord Jesus.

In summary, we have learned that no human being can attain righteousness and salvation through his or her effort but through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, hence our salvation is defined by our discipleship in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

Thank you Jesus for saving us and making us part of Your disciples. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to spread the Good News so that many will come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.