Fleshly Focus...Definite Disaster

This message was given by Pastor Jonathan Stobbs as he continued his evening ministry in Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. Why is the Gospel of Grace so important? As Paul continues to attack the threat of the Judaizers, Paul outlines that if acceptance with God was about fleshly achievements, then he would have no worries. However, in reality, such focus on the flesh will bring spiritual disaster. The only means of being accepted with God is through the Lord Jesus Christ, and being in Him. As Pastor Stobbs makes clear, 'Paul's only hope was the righteousness and perfection of Jesus Christ that was given to Him by the grace of God. He had to repent, turn from this false path, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He had to trust in Christ's all atoning sacrifice as the basis on which he would be saved, he had to cast his heart and his life on Christ. Abandon himself to Christ. He would live for Jesus Christ, and all the out workings of his new found faith were not to earn merit or acceptance, but they would be out of devotion and love for a Saviour who had redeemed him, and the message of grace and hope that had changed his life. His only hope was in Christ and in Him alone. This is what these verses are all about, no self-righteous working can save, it is only the Lord.' The challenge is clear, our own attempts at righteousness are as filthy rags before the Lord, who are you trusting? Christ is the sinner's only hope!