Episode notes
In this Oak Hill College Chapel Talk, Dr. Eric Ortlund (Lecturer in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew) preaches from Philippians 3:3–10 on the shocking truth behind Paul’s former life as a Pharisee. It was not Paul's moral failures that kept him from Jesus; it was his success and obedience in the flesh.
Dr. Ortlund addresses how Christian ministry, academic excellence, and moral successes can subtlely obscure the grace of the gospel far more than our failures do. Discover what it truly means to receive "a righteousness from God that depends on faith" (v. 9) and to know Christ deeply.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why Paul described his strict biblical obedience as "rubbish" / putrid foul waste
- The crucial difference between fleshly self-righteousness and Christ’s imputed righteousness
- Why moral or ministry successes can make the gospel feel dim and distant
- Practical steps for turning biblical truth into heartfelt prayer and personal fellowship with God
Passage: Philippians 3:3–10
Speaker: Dr. Eric Ortlund (Oak Hill College, London)
00:00 – Intro: A Shocking Truth in Philippians 3
00:15 – Kept from Jesus by Success, Not Failure
01:14 – Counting Past Obedience as "Rubbish"
03:22 – Confidence in the Flesh vs. Righteousness from God
05:31 – The Doctrinal Level: Imputed Righteousness in Devotions
07:45 – The Experiential Level: What Being "Right" Feels Like
11:15 – Why Success Is More Dangerous to Faith Than Failure
15:35 – Justification Depends on Christ, Not Our Feelings
18:35 – From Doctrine to Relationship: "That I May Know Him"
21:45 – God Doesn't Need Slaves: Experiencing Gospel Love