Philippians, 3
6. in zeal I persecuted the church, in righteousness based on the law I was blameless.
6. in zeal I persecuted the church, in righteousness based on the law I was blameless.
Chapter 3 of Philippians talks about the superiority of knowing Christ and the pursuit of perfection in the Christian life. Paul states that all he considered important before knowing Christ is like garbage compared to the value of knowing him. He also urges the Philippians to follow their example and to seek perfection in Christ. Based on these themes, they follow five related verses:
Romans 3:10: "As it is written, 'There is no righteous, not even one' - Paul mentions in Philippians 3:9 that his own righteousness does not come from the law, but from faith in Christ. This verse of Romans 3 reinforces the idea that no one is just in itself, everyone needs Christ to be justified.
Colossians 2:8: "Be careful that no one enslaves them with vain and misleading philosophies, which are based on human traditions and the elementary principles of this world, not Christ." - In Philippians 3, Paul warns against false masters who teach salvation by circumcision. This verse of Colossians highlights the importance of staying firm in Christ and not being taken by misleading doctrines.
Matthew 6:33: "But seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul emphasizes the importance of continuing to the target and reaching the resurrection of the dead. This verse of Matthew 6:33 encourages us to first seek the kingdom of God, placing it first in our lives.
1 Corinthians 9:24: "Do you not know that in a race, all corridors compete, but only one wins the prize? - In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul uses the analogy of a race to illustrate the search for perfection in Christ. This verse of 1 Corinthians 9:24 also talks about a race and encourages Christians to run in such a way that they can win the prize.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For you are saved by grace, through faith, and this is not come from you, it is the gift of God; not by works, that no one can glorie." - In Philippians 3:9, Paul says that he wants to be found in Christ, having no his own justice, but that comes by faith in Christ. This verse of Ephesians 2:8-9 points out that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith in Christ, not by our works.
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