“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.” – Philippians 3:3 (NIV)
Welcome to the 43rd weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt the true meaning of circumcision and worship. Also, we were reminded that God Himself enables us to live lives pleasing to Him.
On Monday, we learnt what circumcision truly means. In the Old Testament, it was a symbolic sign of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11). However, more than the removal of a physical body part, true circumcision is the removal of sinful nature by Christ (Colossians 2:11). This marks us as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), empowered by His Spirit – not ourselves – to live in a way that honours Him.
Tuesday’s article focused on the meaning of true worship. Between the old covenant and now, the focus of worship has shifted from where we worship to how—through a heart posture of spirit and truth, in line with God’s desires (John 4:21-24). There is a way God desires to be worshipped, and it is any action done in response to the acknowledgement of His gift of salvation, based solely on faith in Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, not our efforts (Hebrews 10:12).
Wednesday’s devotional emphasised that new life in Christ is powered by His Spirit. The man in Christ is not just an upgraded version of his old self; he is called to live a supernatural life powered by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:4). The Holy Spirit lives in you, helping you overcome sin (Romans 6:11-14) and live out your new identity. Feed your spirit with God’s Word, yield to His leading, and put the power you have received to work (2 Timothy 1:6-8).
On Thursday, we learnt that contrary to the natural man’s disposition to boast in His accomplishments, the Bible calls us to only boast in the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:17). This is because even though our best attempts at righteousness are merely like filthy rags before God, He freely restored us to Himself and bestowed righteousness on us (Ephesians 2:8-9). Even as your life is filled with the outward workings of righteousness, remember that it is God’s work from start to finish (Philippians 2:13).
We rounded up the week on Friday with a reminder to put no confidence in our flesh (Philippians 3:3). This is because our works, identity, and personal qualifications cannot make us righteous. God is not only our confidence for salvation but also our strength for daily living, so lean on Him through every struggle. Our confidence every day is that the One who saved us can keep and preserve us until He comes back for us.
Dear believer, it is God who works in you to will and do what pleases Him, so acknowledge that strength and grace are made available for you.
Have a good weekend!
Bible Reading Recap