PAUL’S 12 PRACTICES

By Rick Mathes

Philippians 3:8-9 (NASB77) ⁸  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,  ⁹  and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
There isn’t enough space for me to elaborate on each of thee in any depth with the attention they deserve. However, in the best interests of getting this information and essentially an outine of these to you, the following should surely salt your spiritual tongue and challenge you to go and do likewise.

1. Worship God in the Spirit: step sin free into the holiness of god.
2. Rejoice in Christ: consider what would you do with you if you were God?
3. No confidence in the flesh: you did it your way and look what happened.
4. Count all thing a loss: all you have is sand through your fingers at death.
5. No self-righteousness: do you really believe you can do it your way?
6. Follow after knowledge: the mind is a terrible thing to waste.
7. Count all things dung: you can’t take any of it with you (no U-Haul)
8. Forget the past: take a dump and flush your toilet. (thing about this)
9. Reach out for future things: build up your rank and treasure in heaven.
10. Press on toward the prize constant pressure will move any mountain.
11. Bean example: when people get to know you do they get to know Him.
12. Look up for Jesus: Look outward for Satan. (do you get this)

His greatest weapon was knowledge and fear of God; he who knows wins. Learning is a personal and ongoing experience. I have DDiv and DTh Degrees and can say with all truth I have only learned how much more yet there is to learn. We must apply our intelligence and not be satisfied with our level of mediocrity but we must strive for His level of Excellency.

I have a deep-seated affection for the Word of God. I have a kinship with its authors and really feel I am spending time with my family when I get lost in study. There is nothing more satisfying but for me to discover a new truth in an old worn out reading. It’s like fining a diamond in a coal-bin. I actually sense excitement as I craft a bible study or a sermon. What Go speaks to me I want to dutifully pass on to you. Be as blessed as I am!