Episode 2658 - Lesson 6 - Sabbath January 31 - Confidence Only in Christ

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: Phil. 3:1-16; Rom. 2:25-29; John 9:1-39; Eph. 1:4, 10; 1 Cor. 9:24-27Memory Text: "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11, NKJV).There's something about us that remains suspicious about salvation by faith alone, apart from the works of the law. That is, for some reason, we all tend to lean on our works, as if they could add to our salvation. In a rather striking way, Paul deals with this point in a vigorous polemic against those who insist that circumcision is necessary for salvation.To guard against the possibility that some might consider their works, such as circumcision, as contributing to their salvation, Paul makes it clear that righteousness is from Christ as a gift that comes by faith, not by the law. Though circumcision might not be an issue today, the principle it deals with certainly is.The Protestant Reformation itself started over this very issue: the role of faith and works in the experience of a follower of Christ. In the end, Christ is everything to us, "the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). If our priorities are in the right place, we will live with the assurance of God's love and enjoy the promise, even now, of salvation, all while placing "no confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3).* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 7.