21 Nov December 30th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

BOAST IN CHRIST

Philippians 3:1-3 “. . . my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh . . .”

Judaizers were actively at work in Philippi spreading their false teaching.  They taught about salvation through Christ Jesus.  However, they added another requirement.  They taught that the Old Testament requirement of all male children to be circumcised had to be followed in addition to believing in Jesus.

The false teaching of the Judaizers prompted St. Paul to write twice in today’s three devotional verses to “rejoice in the Lord” and “boast in Christ Jesus.”  All the circumcisions in the world could not make anyone right with their heavenly Father.  Circumcision in the Old Testament was necessary because: “(1) It differentiated the seed of Abraham from the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11). (2) It preserved the memory of the God ’s covenant (Genesis 17:11). (3) It built the moral purity of the nation (Deuteronomy 10:16). (4) It signified the righteousness that is by faith (Romans 4:11).” (Bibleask.org)

Jesus abolished the covenant requirement of circumcision and replaced it with the sacrament of Holy Baptism. (Matthew 28:19) Titus 3:5-8 says of Baptism, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

What does baptism do for you?  Through this sacrament, “(you) were buried with Christ into His death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Gather, (you) too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)  Circumcision is no longer demanded, needed, nor required by God.  Connected by your baptism to Jesus Christ you are a member of God’s holy family.

Prayer:  Grant Lord that my faith is only in Jesus Christ and Him alone.  In His holy name.  Amen.

Baptized into Your name most holy,

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

I claim a place, though weak and lowly,

Among Your saints, Your chosen host.

Buried with Christ and dead to sin,

Your Spirit now shall live within.

My loving Father, here You take me

To be henceforth Your child and heir.

My faithful Savior, here You make me

The fruit of all Your sorrows share.

O Holy Spirit comfort me

When threat’ning clouds around I see.

My faithful God, You fail me never;

Your promise surely will endure.

O cast me not away forever

If words and deeds become impure.

Have mercy when I come defiled;

Forgive, lift up, restore Your child.

All that I am and love most dearly—

Receive it all, O Lord, from me.

Let me confess my faith sincerely;

Help me Your faithful chld to be!

Let nothing that I am or own

Serve any will but Yours alone.

(LSB 590)