Philippians - Week 6 - Day 4

READ 

Philippians 3:4-5 

4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 

For those who wanted to boast in the flesh, Paul lists things about himself that he could boast about if he chose to. He lists his Jewish heritage. Not only had he been circumcised according to Jewish law, but he was a Hebrew—a term first used in the Bible of Abraham—of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Pharisee on top of everything else. He was a strict keeper of the law in his past.  

REFLECT 

There may be elements in your past of which you can also be proud. But like Paul says later, all this is worthless in comparing what you have in Christ. 

RESPOND 

Talk to your disciple about what to emphasize when giving a testimony, private or public. Paul begins here by telling about his past, but as you will see he quickly moves on to telling what Jesus has done for him. You and your disciple need to do the same.