We are continuing to address what it means to be a “disciple of the kingdom of heaven,” and we have begun to discuss the high calling. We have been doing this from the remarkable discourse of the Apostle Paul in Philippians Three. There are a number of profound insights in this text that highlight what the life of a disciple of the kingdom of heaven looks like.

          First, they put no confidence in the flesh. If anyone had an occasion to put confidence in the flesh, Paul did. However, to him, and to everyone who grasps what it means to be part of the new creation in Christ, such confidence is “rubbish.” For those who have grasped the new creation, any human identity becomes faint at best.

          Paul was a Jew. Today we have many Gentiles seeking to become Jews, or find any Jewish roots in their family, so they can claim this identity. This only reveals a basic lack of understanding of the new creation we are in Christ. Why would we still care about such things when we have become first generation descendents to the King of kings? Those who do this are still earthly minded and have not perceived the kingdom of heaven.

          There can be some merit to studying genealogies for the sake of honoring our fathers and mothers, but when it is for the purpose of seeking our identity, we still do not know what it means to be found in Christ. Having had every advantage as far as natural genealogy, Paul said that when we see who we are in Christ, these other things become “rubbish” (see Philippians 3:8).

          In Philippians 3:6, Paul claimed that by the Law he was “found blameless.” Any righteousness of his own he put no confidence in, because Christ had become his righteousness. In short, all of Paul’s righteousness and all of his identity was in Christ. His entire devotion was to be found in Him.

          Upon Paul’s conversion to Christ, he became a direct disciple of Christ. He did not turn to men, but went off into the desert to get his revelation straight from the Lord. Then he went to the apostles and elders to test what he had received. This is the only foundation that can really stand. So how does this work when we are also commanded to submit to one another and to find our rightful place in the body of Christ? Why did He give teachers to the body of Christ if He did not want us to get our teaching from them? These are important questions, and the answers to them can keep us on the path of life.

          Most often, the Lord teaches us through those He has given to His church as teachers. He also speaks to us through others whom He has appointed in His body. He also leads us through those whom He has given to His body for leadership. Those who claim that they do not listen to men but only to God will not hear God. This is why they inevitably suffer the shipwreck of their faith. Even so, it is not just hearing the words of the Lord, but hearing the Word Himself that we must seek.

          I recognize someone as a teacher in the body when I see my Teacher in them, not merely because they are knowledgeable or articulate. I recognize someone as a pastor when I see my Shepherd in them, not just because they are caring and wise. Our whole purpose is to see Him and grow up into Him. However, as He said to Jerusalem, “From now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord’” (see Matthew 23:39).

          In other words, we will not see Him unless we see Him in those He is sending to us.