Saturated- 1
Yesterday, in Josh’s second sermon on our vision statement, we saw we are not only seeking to be Gospel Embracing but we are also striving to be Gospel Saturated.
O, that the the gospel might transform our every thought, direct our deepest affections, and drive our daily words and actions.
Knowing the living God eternally is our only salvation! The incomparable Christ is our only Savior! As Gospel Saturated people we reject the substitutes that are daily vying to replace our God and Savior in these exclusive positions.
Here’s a quote from Paul Tripp in “How People Change,” to help feed your reflection on what it means to be Gospel Saturated this week (the context is a discussion of Philippians 3:4-9).
In human relationships, each person contributes some strengths and gifts, but that is not true in this case. Paul had placed his confidence in the assets of his own achievements, pedigree, and morality. All of these things were blessings, but he wrongly put his confidence in a resume of his own making. We can do the same thing. We can put our confidence in our performance and obedience rather than recognizing them as gifts and strengths that should lead to gratitude.
What strengths and assets pull you away from gratitude to pride? Whatever they are, they can be a liability that keeps you from seeing your constant need for CHirst. Let’s say you are a parent who faithfully raises you children in a way that pleases God/ Could these marks of grace become liabilities? Yes! You may think you are so capable that you lose sight of your dependence on God. You become critical of parents who struggle to raise their children well. When you rely on your gifts instead of Christ, you fail to see them for what they are, and they blind you from seeing Jesus.
…Jesus brings assets and no liabilities (Phil. 3:9! Instead he pays our debt!