PHILIPPIANS 3:5

“circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;”

Have you ever known someone who had to be the center of attention? They wanted everyone to watch them. They wanted everyone to give them praise. My ten-month-old grandson wants his Nana’s and my attention if we are both in the same room. For instance, if she is reading him a book and I am in the room, he will make sure I am watching him by making this little sound that means, “Hey, look at me.” No one taught him that. It’s just part of his little nature.

If you took this verse (and the next one) out of context, you would think Paul was bragging on himself. What he is doing is showing the Philippians if anyone had a reason to brag on their earthly pedigree, he did. Paul knows none of these things really mean much. His true pedigree is in Christ. But let’s take a look at some of these things Paul mentions here.

APPLICATION

Being “circumcised the eighth day” meant his parents had followed the law perfectly. This was the requirement (Genesis 17:12). He belonged to “the nation of Israel.” He was able to trace his lineage back as far as anyone. (I have traced my lineage back to 1555 in England. I think that’s pretty cool.) He is also “of the tribe of Benjamin.” In other words, his tribe has always been loyal to Israel, remaining with Judah when the nation split. Then Paul says he is “a Hebrew of Hebrews” which meant he was a pure Jew by blood. Finally, he says he was “a Pharisee.” He had kept the law exactly.

All of Paul’s accomplishments mentioned above would not get him into heaven. He knew that. He is laying out his argument much like a lawyer would. Don’t you love watching crime shows where the lawyer finally nails the bad guy with the evidence of their crime? Paul is laying out all the reasons why he should be declared righteous. We’ll see more of these tomorrow.

In verse 7 he will nail the coffin shut on all his achievements. We should do the same. Nothing we do will ever give us a heavenly home. Only Jesus’ shed blood on Calvary can open the doors to heaven for us once we accept Him as our Savior and Lord. Don’t stand up and say, “Look at me!” Instead, point to Jesus.

Lord God, I have no way of entering glory except through Jesus. Thank You for the assurance of my salvation.