There are some things we inherit.
A family name.
A culture.
Traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next.
These gifts can shape us in meaningful ways.
But there are other things that cannot be inherited.
No one can inherit another person’s faith.
No one can borrow another person’s relationship with God.
As Paul continues his testimony,
he begins listing the credentials that once gave him great confidence.
They were impressive.
Respected.
Even admirable.
Yet Paul would eventually discover
that none of them could accomplish
what only Christ could do.
Scripture Reading
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Devotional Reflection
Paul’s list is remarkable.
He was born into the covenant people.
He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
He had been carefully trained in the Law.
He lived with extraordinary discipline.
His zeal was unquestioned.
From the outside,
his life appeared exemplary.
Yet Paul isn’t recounting these things to impress us.
He’s preparing us for a greater truth.
Everything he once considered his greatest strength
would eventually be eclipsed by the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
The problem was never that these things were evil.
The problem was placing confidence in them instead of in God.
There is an important difference between knowing about God and knowing God.
We can become familiar with Scripture.
Attend church faithfully.
Learn the language of faith.
And yet still keep Christ at a distance.
The Pharisees knew the Scriptures better than almost anyone.
Yet many failed to recognize the One to whom those Scriptures pointed.
God desires something deeper than religious knowledge.
He desires communion.
A living relationship.
A heart that trusts Him,
loves Him,
and is continually being transformed by His grace.
Faith is not merely information stored in the mind.
It is life shared with Christ.
Today,
spend a few quiet moments with the Lord.
Not to accomplish a task.
Not to complete a routine.
But simply to be with Him.
Read a passage of Scripture slowly.
Sit quietly after you pray.
Listen.
Reflect.
Allow your time with God to become more than a habit.
Let it become a relationship that continues to deepen with every passing day.
For the greatest privilege we have
is not merely knowing about Christ,
but knowing Him.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for calling me into a relationship with You.
Thank You that my hope does not depend upon my background,
my accomplishments,
or my ability to appear righteous before others.
You have invited me into something far greater—
to know You,
to walk with You,
and to be transformed by Your love.
Keep me from settling for a faith that is only outward.
Draw me ever deeper into Your presence.
May my knowledge of Scripture lead me to love You more.
May my worship become more sincere.
And may each day bring me into closer communion with the One who knows me completely and loves me perfectly.
For You are not only my Savior,
but my Shepherd,
my Teacher,
and my dearest companion.
To You be glory,
together with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.