My Life is Rubbish!
Introduction
We are familiar with the
story of the Rich Young Ruler; the man who came to Jesus wanting to do more to
obtain everlasting life. However, when he learned what he had to do (give up his
wealth), he chose not to do so.
At one point, the apostle
Paul had it all, but unlike him, he gave it up as rubbish. This article will
focus on his statement in Philippians and what we can learn from it.
Paul’s Boast
In his letter to the church
in Philippi, Paul talked about all that he had as some, like those in Corinth
(2 Cor. 11:18). Here’s what he said, though
I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have
confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of
Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law,
a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the
righteousness which is in the law, blameless (Philippians 3:4-6).
But he wasn’t boasting or
bragging per say. He was simply stating the fact that if someone were to boast
about themselves, they couldn't match his life.
It was Paul's Former Life
Paul goes on to say, But what things were gain to me, these
I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the
excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (vs.
7-8). He gave up every material blessing he had to preach and teach the gospel
instead.
Paul’s New Boast
In 2 Cor. 11, Paul continues
his discourse on boasting in the flesh, but his list of accomplishments is quite
different than what you expect. In verses 24-28, he lists his new boasts in the
flesh:
From the
Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.
Three
times I was beaten with
once I was
stoned
three
times I was shipwrecked (prior to being shipwrecked in Acts
27:39-44)
a night
and a day I have been in the deep
in
journeys often
in perils
of waters
in perils
of robbers
in perils
of my own countrymen
in perils
of the Gentiles
in perils
in the city
in perils
in the wilderness
in perils
in the sea
in perils
among false brethren
in
weariness and toil
in
sleeplessness often
in hunger
and thirst
in
fastings often
in cold
and nakedness
besides
the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the
churches.
A lot of “Christians” (the denominations)
would look at this list and complain that these are nothing to boast about. Yet,
Paul did. He continued to preach and teach the gospel regardless of what he
was going through physically. The apostle Peter said this, concerning
suffering, But even if
you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be
afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” (1 Peter 3:14)
N.T. Christians Today
We do not have to sell all
of our possessions; like the rich young ruler was asked to do, but we need to
make sure that it doesn’t come before our service to God. We need to remember
to seek first the kingdom (Mt. 6:33) and everything else will fall into place.
We also do not have to
suffer for the cause. And what I mean by this is, we do not have to look for
trouble so we can suffer. Trouble has a way of finding us if we remain faithful (Rev. 2:10).
Conclusion
Paul wrote the Philippian
letter while he was in prison. He made this statement, Not that I speak in regard to need,
for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content
(Philippians 4:11). If Paul can be content while in prison; with no chance of
freedom, we can be content with the things we have. Don’t worry about ‘wants’
as they are just rubbish.
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