Uniting Heaven and Earth
Christ in Philippians and Colossians
Lesson 6 - Monday
Paul’s “Past Life”
In Philippians 3:4–6, the apostle Paul opens a window into a chapter of his life that once defined his identity and fueled his pride. If anyone could have claimed spiritual credentials, Paul says, it was him. He lists them carefully: circumcised on the eighth day, a true Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, rigorously faithful to the law as a Pharisee, zealous enough to persecute the church, and outwardly blameless in legal righteousness. These were not small accomplishments. In the religious world of Paul’s day, they represented the very best a person could offer. By every visible standard, Paul had lived a “good” life.
Yet Paul recounts these things not to boast, but to expose how deceptive human goodness can be. What once formed the foundation of his confidence, he now counts as loss compared to knowing Christ. His past life was morally disciplined, religiously serious, and socially impressive, but it was still centered on self—self-achievement, self-righteousness, and self-trust. Paul’s story forces us to pause and examine our own.
When we are asked to describe the “good” in our own lives—past and present—we might point to our upbringing, education, church involvement, moral behavior, generosity, or reputation. Perhaps we avoided major public sins, worked hard, raised a family, or served faithfully. These things are not meaningless; they may even be commendable. But Paul’s testimony presses a deeper question: What are we trusting in? Are these “good” things shaping our gratitude to God, or are they quietly becoming the basis of our confidence before Him?
To understand why Paul ultimately rejected law-based righteousness, we must compare Romans 7:7–12 with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:21–22 and 27–28. In Romans, Paul explains that the law itself is holy, just, and good. The problem is not the law; the problem is the human heart. The law exposes sin, names it, and reveals how deeply rooted it is within us. Commands such as “You shall not covet” uncover desires we did not even realize were sinful until the law shone its light on them. Rather than saving us, the law shows us our need to be saved.
Jesus makes the same point in the Sermon on the Mount, but He presses it even further. He refuses to let righteousness remain at the surface level of behavior. Murder, He says, begins with anger. Adultery begins with lustful intent. In doing this, Jesus strips away any illusion that keeping the law is merely about outward obedience. The law reaches into thoughts, motives, and desires. When measured by Jesus’ standard, even those who appear morally upright stand exposed.
This is the crucial point both Jesus and Paul make: the law reveals God’s perfect standard, but it cannot produce the righteousness it demands. At best, it can restrain behavior; it cannot transform the heart. That is why Paul insists that “faith in Christ” (Philippians 3:9, NKJV), not the law, is the only source of true righteousness. Righteousness is not something we achieve by flawless obedience; it is something we receive by trusting in Christ, who alone has fulfilled the law perfectly.
When we ask ourselves, “How well do you keep the law, at least in the way Jesus said we should?” the honest answer humbles us. We may avoid outward acts of violence or immorality, yet still wrestle with anger, pride, envy, lust, or bitterness. Measured by Jesus’ standard, our best efforts fall short. This realization is not meant to drive us to despair, but to dependence. The law leads us to Christ by showing us that we cannot save ourselves.
Paul’s past life teaches us that even the best human goodness cannot replace Christ. What matters most is not what we bring to God, but whom we trust. Faith in Christ shifts our confidence away from our record and places it firmly in His. From that place of grace, obedience becomes a response of love rather than an attempt to earn acceptance.
Prayer
Gracious Father,
We thank You for Your holy law, which reveals Your character and exposes the truth about our hearts. We confess that, like Paul, we often place confidence in our own goodness, achievements, and religious efforts. Show us where we have trusted ourselves instead of You. Help us to see our lives through the light of Christ’s teaching, and to recognize our deep need for His righteousness. Teach us to rest fully in faith, not in our performance, and to walk in grateful obedience born of love. May knowing Christ become our greatest treasure, now and always.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
More on Lesson 6 Confidence Only in Christ
This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians
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