May 4, 2022
Count, Strive, Transform
Philippians 3
Jesse Collins
Central Truth
When we trust in Jesus, our identity changes, we press on to know Him more, and we await the day when we are transformed and join Him in heaven.
Key Verse | Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
Philippians 3
Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
1 Finally, my brothers, 1 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 17 rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God 2 3:3 Some manuscripts God in spirit and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, 3 3:6 Greek in the law blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Philippians 3
In the third chapter of his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul begins with a warning and then gives an overview of the Christian faith. He tells the church to "[l]ook out for the dogs," or the ones who suggest that works are a requirement of salvation, perverting the truth of a saving grace by faith in Christ (Philippians 3:2). Those people put confidence in their own abilities to gain salvation, not in the power of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
If anyone would have reason to be confident in his own abilities or accomplishments, it would be Paul (Philippians 3:4-6)! He was a pure-blooded, educated, and devout Jew, but he knows that his resume amounts to less than nothing compared to knowing Christ as his Savior (Philippians 3:7-8).
We should have the same attitude. No matter how hard we try to do right or be good enough, we fall short of God's perfect standard. Our good deeds and accomplishments are garbage in comparison to knowing Christ.
Isaiah 64:6 says: "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."
By knowing Christ, we take on His righteousness and get to share in the resurrected life of Jesus (Romans 8:17). Once we have a relationship with Christ, we are driven to become like Him. We make it our focus to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
At the end of the chapter, Paul reminds us that when we accept Christ's gift of salvation, we are foreigners on earth. We are citizens of heaven, and we await our Savior, "who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). John 17:3 tells us, "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Praise God for His love, mercy, and gift of eternal life through Jesus!
Discussion Questions
1. What are your "reason[s] for confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:4)?
2. Where do you turn when the "dogs" of our day are barking at you, telling you where they think eternal life is found?
3. Christians, how do you respond to this message from Paul, and how can you take the message into our day? If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, what is your response?