Columbus, OH
Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Philippians 3:3,8-9,12,18-19 posted July 23, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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Verse 1. Whether we go through hardships, difficulties—even as we follow the will of the Lord—rejoice. This is hard, especially when we feel overwhelmed with life. Let us learn to let go and trust God—He is in control. When we do, we can rejoice even when things are not getting done to our “perfect” standards.
Verse 3. When God asks as we enter heaven's gates, He would ask us, what have you done in your life that you should be allowed into heaven. Many of us may scramble and say, I did many good works, I was the worship leader, I was the pastor, I shared the gospel and many people came to faith, I did well in school/work that I represented you correctly, I served the poor and gave them food to eat. Then we would realize that our works do not measure up.
The right answer is, I placed all my faith in Jesus and on what He has done. (period).
And out of that overjoy (that rejoicing from verse 1), I acted to worship, to preach, to share the gospel, to help the poor, etc. But I have only done as You have guided my heart, I have certainly done nothing to get me into heaven. It was Jesus that made the way. =)
Verse 8-9, 12. Even the Apostle Paul wasn't perfect in faith. He is saying he continued to grow in that joy (despite persecutions, things not working out the way he planned, etc) but there were also times when he failed. Yet, he was growing—toward that “perfection.” We are growing too! So, let us not be critical of each other, but allow one another to fail because that is the only way to our growth.
If we hold a perfectionist mindset and feel that we must do everything right, we will not move in freedom, but rather be tied up with the burdens of self-improvement, and inaction until we get it just right, which will never happen. This is the opposite of obedience as the Lord guides you. So, let it go . . . and trust. This is the path to our growth toward perfection.
Verse 18-19. During our life on earth, what do we need to accomplish before we die? We often are in a rush to get this, and that, and accomplish something. As we continue to live out that lifestyle, we burn out, grow weary, and eventually, may not want to do it any more. It may come even to points of avoiding others because they are getting in the way of our accomplishing tasks. We may become bitter at the world because our lives are so hectic.
When this happens to us, let us instead picture eternity. To get something done in consideration of eternity, how much time do we have? What are some values that you wish to take with you after our finite lives on earth? Do you want to take with you that bitterness or the rushed heart? or rather, would you like to take the peace and joy of knowing God, which therefore connects you with others in community?
Working in a rush lowers the value of relationships, which is why Jesus came to die for us. Do you only think about your life here on earth? or do you have eternity in mind?
3For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 8Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 12I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 18For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
New York, NY
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New York, NY
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Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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Friday, October 31, 2025
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Paul went to speak with those who were interested. He didn't preach or hold discussions with people who didn't care. Over time, as people (in relationship), find interest, let's be ready to engage.
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Saturday, September 27, 2025
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Saturday, September 27, 2025
Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
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Jesus went out and stepped forward. Jesus takes the hit to protect us. Many kings and so-called "leaders" would let their subordinates take the hit for them before they are captured. Yet, Jesus step... [see more]
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Monday, September 22, 2025
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Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
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Monday, September 22, 2025
We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
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Monday, September 22, 2025
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
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Friday, September 19, 2025
Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
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Monday, September 8, 2025
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
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Sunday, September 7, 2025
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Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
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Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
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Sunday, August 24, 2025
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Saturday, August 23, 2025
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
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Friday, August 22, 2025
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
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Friday, August 22, 2025
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
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Friday, August 22, 2025
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
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Friday, August 22, 2025
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
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Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
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Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
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Monday, August 18, 2025
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
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Monday, August 18, 2025
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How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
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