First, Second, and Last

“Amendment to live by-J.O.Y. Jesus first, others second, yourself last.”(Michelle Duggar)

My beloved ones don’t ever limit your joy or fail to rejoice in the wonderful experience of knowing our Lord Jesus. I don’t mind repeating what I’ve already written you because it protects you— ² beware of those religious hypocrites who teach that you should be circumcised to please God. ^3a For we have already experienced “heart-circumcision,” ^3b and we worship God in the power and freedom of the Holy Spirit, not in laws and religious duties. We are those who boast in what Jesus Christ has done, and not in what we can accomplish in our own strength.

⁴ It’s true that I once relied on all that I had become. I had a reason to boast and impress people with my accomplishments—more than others—for my pedigree was impeccable. ⁵ I was born a true Hebrew of the heritage of Israel as the son of a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin. I was circumcised eight days after my birth and was raised in the strict tradition of Orthodox Judaism, living a separated and devout life as a Pharisee. ⁶ And concerning the righteousness of the Torah, no one surpassed me; I was without a peer. Furthermore, as a fiery defender of the truth, I persecuted the messianic believers with religious zeal.

⁷ Yet all of the accomplishments that I once took credit for, I’ve now forsaken them and I regard it all as nothing compared to the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord! ⁸ To truly know him meant letting go of everything from my past and throwing all my boasting on the garbage heap. It’s all like a pile of manure to me now, so that I may be enriched in the reality of knowing Jesus Christ and embrace him as Lord in all of his greatness.

⁹ My passion is to be consumed with him and not clinging to my own “righteousness” based in keeping the written Law. My “righteousness” will be his, based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ—the very righteousness that comes from God. ¹⁰ And I continually long to know the wonders of Jesus more fully and to experience the overflowing power of his resurrection working in me. I will be one with him in his sufferings and I will be one with him in his death. ¹¹ Only then will I be able to experience complete oneness with him in his resurrection from the realm of death. (Philippians 3:1-11)
Jesus Christ is not about religion, but a relationship. Many religious beliefs focus on self-work not worship to God.

⁵ Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and He will lead you in every decision you make.⁶ Become intimate with Him in whatever you do, and He will lead you wherever you go. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Real joy is in Jesus Christ. Every other perceived source is worthless. Real joy…

·        Is following Jesus Christ (the Ruler) not the rules (See verses 1-3a above)

 

·        Is confidence in Jesus Christ not in your own credentials (See verses 3b-6 above)

·        Is in faith in Jesus Christ not faith in your own knowledge (See verses 7-9 above)

·        Is power in Jesus Christ not power in the world (See verses 10-11 above)

⁸ For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ. ⁹ So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Be a joy sharer (and encourager) with everyone you come in contact with. (Jesus is the answer to life’s challenges.)

 “Christ [is] the very essence of all delights and pleasures, the very soul and substance of them. As all the rivers are gathered into the ocean . . . so Christ is that ocean in which all true delights and pleasures meet.” (John Flavel) [i]

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “Joy in Christ: Unchained Joy” (installment four) Sunday June 7, 2020, Pastor Jon Fulton, CenterPoint Church Westerville (All CenterPoint churches are closed due to the Coronavirus, and are meeting online.) Join us every Sunday morning at 10am at the CenterPoint Church Main Page on Facebook.

All verses are taken from The Passion Translation (TPT) of the Bible.