Philippians 3:7-11 English Standard Version

⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

What have I lost that I might claim the hope contained in Paul’s “may” comments in verses 10 and 11?

That is the old way of attaining that which we desire, by human effort, even if it is to sacrifice in the name of love.

Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Being called is enough.

Luke 11:13 (English Standard Version)

 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

I am reading the verse of the day and it occurs to me that I never asked the Father to send me the Holy Spirit. A gift is not a gift if it has to be earned. I always thought of the Holy Spirit as being a promise from God that comes to those who place their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Then I read it again. He was speaking to those who were evil. God will keep His promise but first we must confess our evil condition.

Repentance comes to a heart that confesses that it is wrong in all that it has done and turns from its evil ways and asks God to take over in choosing right paths.

Evil is such a harsh word but anything this side of perfect holiness is evil and cannot have any part with Him. Saying we are not evil is a matter of pride, the ego that cannot see itself serving others.

Mark 9:35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

I am not worthy.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—