The 5th Sunday in Lent on 3/25/07 has the following three assigned readings: Isaiah 43:16-21 (I will do a new thing); Philippians 3:4b-14 (not my own righteousness) and Luke 20:9-20 (Parable of the wicked vinedressers). Chosen to preach about is Philippians 3:4b as Paul writes, “If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so.”

In this passage we find another distinction similar to that of “living under the Law” in contrast to “living under the Gospel.” Other similar themes include the “broad way” vs. the “narrow way” or the “theologian of glory” in contrast to the “theologian of the cross” or “the way of the devil” vs. “the way of the Christ” and from this passage, “the flesh” vs. “the Spirit.”

Paul’s point is that in comparison to others, he would have far more to boast about in regard to his life in the flesh including being circumcised, of Israel and Benjamin, a Hebrew, Pharisee, zealous against the Church and in regard to the righteousness that comes from the law, blameless. The latter refers to his ability not only to keep the ceremonial laws without fault but the moral law outwardly.

However, all this is considered as rubbish or garbage or sewage in comparison to the righteousness he receives from Christ. For through the Spirit, Paul not only does works outwardly but also inwardly; that is, with proper Christ-focused motivation. But the primary ingredient that now sets the spiritual Paul apart from the fleshly Paul is the righteousness he has received through faith.

It is impossible to have an unbeliever understand the righteousness that is received through faith because there is no analogy in our experience that comes even close to it. One would have to find an experience in which just “believing” the word of someone, changes your status. For that is what the Christian faith reveals. Simply through trusting the promises of God connected to the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ results in your being regarded by God not only as His child but also as a sinless saint!

How is that possible? Because of the glorious exchange that God did without your help in taking upon Himself your sins and giving to you His righteousness. That robe of righteousness is now what God sees you wearing which covers your sin much like the skin of the animal covered Adam and Eve.

Walking according to the flesh means that you are a sinner with no repentance on your way to hell. Walking according to the spirit means that you are a sinner in repentance (contrition plus faith) being carried to heaven as your home. Though the world cannot fathom the depth of this revelation from God, faith does, for it believes the impossible and in fact becomes the evidence of things not seen!