A study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, a righteousness determined by faith, and the attainment of a resurrected life.
A Study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus
V.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Paul counted everything as loss for the sake of Christ in V.7. But in V.8, he counts it as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.
The Greek word for surpassing worth is hyperéchō, which means to surpass, exceed, amount to more. In his previous, religious life, Paul had an enviable life. One of position, power, and influence. But here he says knowing Jesus as Lord is way better.
“Knowing” is the Greek word Gnosis and implies a personal relationship. There’s a difference in knowing about someone and actually knowing someone. Because the first is intellectual and the second relational. Lordship goes even further by submitting to Jesus’ leadership. And in Paul’s case, it led him to prison and a potential death.
Do you know and follow Jesus with this kind of zeal?
REFLECT AND RECORD
Describe your current relationship with Jesus. Do you call him Lord? What does that mean to you? How is it evident in your life? If not, what do you think submitting to Lordship looks like for you?
A Study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals a righteousness determined by faith
V.9 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—
Here’s the problem with works-based religion. When you follow religious rules, you can take the credit for your efforts. Feel good about your worthy accomplishments. In a sense, own your faith. Although it easily leads to self-righteousness and pride.
The Greek word for faith is pisteúō and means to believe and trust. But it’s not blind.
Biblical faith demonstrates a sense of confidence. It uses your senses to observe and a reasoning mind to perceive the presence of God. To study scripture and recognize it describes the world better than any other worldview. But then to act on that faith by engaging the person of Jesus Christ.
A Study of Philippians 3:8-11 reveals the attainment of a resurrected life
V.10-11 that I may know him
Paul repeats what he said in V.8 to reinforce his point. Knowing Jesus relationally involves an investment of your time and energy. And requires spending time in his Word and in prayer. This is how you learn to follow Jesus and where he guides you in that pursuit.
may share his sufferings…
Was Paul, perhaps, remembering his part in persecuting other believers? And now it’s his turn to take what he used to dish out it? It’s a good question for us to consider. Just how serious am I about following Jesus? How much will I suffer for it?
becoming like him in his death…
Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins. Therefore, Paul is ready to sacrifice himself for his faith. The first represents salvation for humanity. And the second martyrdom for faith.
I may attain the resurrection from the dead…
Paul’s confidence includes an eternal promise. Following Jesus in life and death on earth includes the assurance of a resurrected life in heaven with Jesus. It is this confidence…this hope that empowers him to endure. And is still available to Christ-followers today.
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A study of Philippians 3:4-7 presents Paul’s religious credentials, affirms his religious devotion, and discounts it all for the sake of Christ.
A study of Philippians 3:4-7 presents Paul’s religious credentials
There’s a popular “one up” game we often play. Sometimes called bragging rights. I tell you about the 10 pound bass I caught and you tell me about the 15 pounder you snagged. And Paul plays the game masterfully with a specific teaching point in mind.
V.4 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more.
Experts who speak to audiences usually list credentials that support their expertise. And in Philippians 3:4-7, Paul shares his. Not to brag. But to say he has plenty to brag about if he put his confidence in the flesh. In other words, from strictly a human perspective, his qualifications are outstanding.
V. 5 circumcised on the eighth day…
A highly regarded family name reflects favorably on individual family members. So Paul begins with his family’s good reputation in the Jewish community. They properly followed the religious law that required circumcising boys on the eighth day after birth.
The people of Israel…
He’s also a citizen by birth in the nation of Israel. And therefore part of God’s chosen people.
The tribe of Benjamin…
The small tribe of Benjamin held a special position and played an important role in the history of Israel. It also produced several significant people including Ehud, a warrior and one of Israel’s Judges, Queen Esther who saved her people from genocide, and Saul, the first king of Israel.
A Hebrew of Hebrews…
Paul preached to the gentiles and wrote his New Testament letters in Greek. But he was raised in and spoke Hebrew–the ancient language of his race. And scholars say the language in spoke in Acts 22:2 was probably Aramaic, another distinctly Jewish language. His fluency in both demonstrates his faithfulness to traditional Hebrew culture.
As to the law, a Pharisee…
He’s talking about the Jewish, religious law. The Pharisees were a religious, Jewish group who rigorously upheld it. They were the super religious people of their day and demonstrated a zeal that bordered on fanatical. But were also the ones Jesus criticized the most for their self-righteousness and hypocrisy.
REFLECT AND RECORD
Think about a time you engaged in bragging competition. What did it involve? How did it end? What are your thoughts about the motivations behind comparing and competing? How is this transferred to our spiritual lives?
A study of Philippians 3:4-7 affirms Paul’s religious devotion
Paul possessed more than a religious pedigree. He demonstrated religious action. Did the right things. Walked his talk.
As to zeal a persecutor of the church…
His zeal as a Pharisee is shown in his active participation in persecuting the early Christian church. Although it was a misguided zeal that Jesus corrected when he appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus.
Righteousness under the law, blameless…
Paul is not claiming perfection before God. But is referring to his commitment to the Old Testament law. In other words, he’s saying if following the law is how you grade righteousness, then I score at the top of the class.
A study of Philippians 3:4-7 discounts it all for the sake of Christ
All those religious credits. Accomplishments. And good works tokens. They meant nothing to Paul. Because they were all about punching a religious “do good” ticket. Even though it characterized his religious life before he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. That’s when God redirected Paul and he made a spiritual U-turn.
From good works, to a relationship with Jesus.
V. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
And now, Paul makes his main point. If good works is the measurement God uses for judging righteousness then Paul’s in good standing compared to other people. But it’s a relationship with Jesus that makes us righteous before God. Therefore, all he gains through good works, he counts as loss. Because his attention is focused on Jesus Christ. And where we should focus our attention too.
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A study of Philippians 3:1-3 begins with a positive praise, pauses to present a warning, and gives evidence of a true follower.
A study of Philippians 3:1-3 begins with a positive praise
Paul starts the chapter on a positive note by repeating an encouragement to “rejoice in the Lord.” Or maybe better said “because you are the Lord’s.” The Greek word for “rejoice” is charo, which is also translated joy. And this is the tenth time Paul has used it so far in the letter.
Keep in mind, Paul is in prison and unsure about his release. And yet, he rejoices. Why? Perhaps, because of Paul’s eternal perspective. This perspective appears in Philippians 1:21 where he says, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” In other words, I’m good with however this turns out. Paul doesn’t let his circumstances drive his attitude. He lives with an assurance that his ultimate destination is with Jesus in heaven.
Are you struggling in your circumstances? An uncertain future? As a Christ-follower, your eternal future is secure. Let that encouragement drive your perspective. And then rejoice.
A study of Philippians 3:1-3 pauses to present a warning
Paul turns from rejoicing to a warning about people the Philippian church should watch out for. And his tone grows scathing.
Who is he talking about it? Most likely Jews or Jewish Christians who followed him during his evangelistic travels. Because they distorted his message of grace by teaching new converts there were additional religious practices they had to follow. They were adding “works” on to the Gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus. And it irritated Paul.
Look out for the dogs…
These dogs weren’t the cuddly, domestic pets we love today. They were dangerous canines that roamed wild, feeding off trash in the streets. And were considered unclean by the Jews. It’s the word Goliath used in his a rhetorical question when David faced him in a one on one fight. Using a mocking tone like, “Seriously? Is this the best you can do?” To call someone a dog demeaned them in the lowest manner.
Look out for the evildoers…
The Greek word for evildoers is tous kakous ergatas and literally means the evil workers. Is Paul accusing them of purposely leading new believers away from the faith? Not necessarily. Sometimes people are sincere in their misunderstanding of scriptural truth. But are adamant that others believe and practice the Christian faith the way they do. And in Paul’s mind, any teaching that misrepresented God’s truth was evil.
We all grow comfortable around certain practices that help us live out our faith. And that’s fine. But don’t insist others adopt the same practices and beliefs beyond the gospel that you do.
Look out for those who mutilate the flesh…Philippians 3:1-3
In Acts 15:1, there’s an example of teachers who contradicted Paul’s teaching. They insisted that circumcision was a requirement for salvation.
Circumcision was a universal practice by the Jews as part of the Old Testament Law. It was introduced as a sign of God’s special covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:9-11. But notice. It was a sign of the covenant with God. Not a practice that guaranteed the covenant.
A similar example today is baptism. It too is a symbol…a public demonstration of faith. New believers follow Jesus in baptism to publicly demonstrate their faith. Not to insure salvation.
The Greek word for circumcision is peritome. But in this verse, Paul uses the Greek katatome, which means to cut or mutilate. Essentially he’s saying if you’re practicing circumcision as an “add-on” to insure salvation. All you’re really doing is mutilating yourself. A bit blunt, right? But obviously, Paul’s using sarcasm to discourage them from a painful practice that had nothing to do with salvation by grace.
REFLECT & RECORD
In what ways do people “add-on” to the gospel? What impact do you think that has on someone’s faith? Where do you have that tendency?
A study of Philippians 3:1-3 gives evidence of a true follower
V. 3 For we are the circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God…
Scripture reminds us that God’s first concern is always the condition of our heart. And Paul goes on to describe Christian circumcision as a spiritual transformation within the heart.
Although this spiritual circumcision does manifest itself in three ways:
In worship by the Spirit of God
Glory in Christ Jesus
Putting no confidence in the flesh
Good works are important in living out your faith as a Christ-follower. But they should be motivated by a heart that is devoted to God. In order to please God.
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Philippians 2:25-30 describes the importance of Christian community along with the risk and the reward of ministry.
Philippians 2:25-30 describes the importance of Christian community
V.25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus
REFLECT AND RECORD
Consider a difficult time in your life when someone came alongside of you. Or perhaps, you came alongside of another. How was comfort provided? What are helpful things to keep in mind in those situations?
Christian community is powerful. It provides mutual encouragement, accountability, and support. A safety net when Christ-followers encounter difficult circumstances. To relieve hardship and ease suffering. Although sometimes there is nothing you can actually do. Just be there. Which is often more helpful than you think. Because it’s not about saying comforting words. Quoting the right scripture passage. Or even talking at all. Your concerned presence says it all.
Epaphroditus was that presence for Paul. He was sent as the official representative for the Philippian church. And he served Paul well. Because Paul described him in glowing terms.
brother
fellow worker
fellow soldier
your messenger
minister to my need
That’s a pretty impressive list for someone coming to the aid of a fellow Christ-follower. Is there someone in your life that represents that to you? Or you to someone else?
Philippians 2:25-30 describes the risk of ministry
V.27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me…
Unfortunately, Epaphroditus became seriously ill while serving Paul. And it stressed them both out. Epaphroditus worried that his fellow church members thought he was flaking out on his ministry assignment and Paul worried Epaphroditus would die on his watch. Paul was also concerned about the reception Epaphroditus would get when he returned home.
It’s a reminder that ministry offers no guarantees. God does not automatically put a hedge of protection around you because you serve in His name. Even though we often think he is supposed to. Instead Jesus says to take up a cross and follow him. Wow! That’s an effective recruitment slogan. Serve the kingdom of God. See the world. Oh yeah, and by the way, it might cost you.
Philippians 2:25-30 describes the reward of ministry
V.29-30 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ
The Greek word for “honor” is ĕntimŏs, which means valued, more honorable, precious, in reputation. In other words, Paul tells the Philippian church to give Epaphroditus a hero’s welcome when he returns home.
And so we’re presented with a puzzling paradox. A confusing conflict of competing values. How giving is better than receiving? Serving better than being served? The hardship of ministry more rewarding than the pleasure of comfort?
Obviously, the reward is intangible, not material. A spiritual dividend that floods the heart with overflowing joy. And a fulfilling sense of contentment. Unmoved by hazards. Even the possibility of death.
Is this what you signed up for? And are you all in?
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Philippians 2:19-24 discusses the importance of celebrating the spiritual success of other Christ-followers, focusing on Jesus, and mentoring Christian leaders.
Philippians 2:19-24 reminds Christ-followers the importance of celebrating one another’s spiritual successes
V.19 that I too may be cheered by news of you.
Paul is uncertain of his future. There’s a chance he isn’t released from prison. And he acknowledges it when he says, “as I see how it will go with me.”
Still, he is encouraged by the prospect of hearing a good report about their welfare. Even though his own welfare may not look so bright. And that is a distinguishing characteristic of Christianity. It’s not all about you, but the Kingdom of God. Even in the midst of your own difficult circumstances, you can still celebrate the spiritual victories of others. And why mutual encouragement is a valued practice among Christ-followers.
Hebrews 12:1-2 offers a picture of this encouragement. Like a stadium of believers who have finished their race, now the spectators cheering on those still racing.
Where do you find encouragement in your own spiritual race? Have you ever considered that encouraging someone else might encourage you? Who might that someone be for you?
Read Proverbs 11:25. Record your thoughts on what it says to you.
Philippians 2:19-24 reminds Christ-followers to focus on Jesus
V.21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ
It’s a constant drum beat in scripture. Take your eyes of yourself and keep them on Jesus. So why is it so hard? Probably because our sin nature is inherently selfish. And we’re easily distracted by so many concerns in this life. Of course those concerns are real and we all must navigate them. But Jesus is Lord over them. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And the main point of reference for keeping life in focus.
Look at what happened to Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus.
REFLECT AND RECORD
Where have you failed to make Jesus first and let selfishness rule this week? Take a moment to identify it, confess it and seek God’s forgiveness.
Philippians 2:19-24 Demonstrates the importance of mentoring Christian leaders
V.22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
The apostle Paul was a busy guy. He evangelized heathens, started churches with the Christian converts, equipped the church members with doctrinal teaching and provided pastoral guidance.
But he still took time to mentor young leaders for ministry. Because one pastor can’t do it all. So Paul mentored young, spiritual leaders. And Timothy was one of them. Paul took him on several missionary journeys, and trained him as a coworker. He praised him as a man tested and proven. And eventually assigned him leadership roles in the churches of Thessalonica, Corinth, Philippi and Ephesus.
The type of mentoring Paul demonstrated is life on life. The same way Jesus trained his disciples. The spiritually mature investing in the spiritually young by rubbing off through a Godly relationship.
Who is God presenting to you as someone to mentor?
Join me next week in a study of Philippians 2:25-30. Have you checked out my Christian detective novels Soul Pursuit, or Finding Grace yet? Hope you will. I’ve also published some non-fiction Christian books. Take a look here.
Philippians 2:12-18 discusses what it means to be a proactive disciple of Jesus Christ, what motivates disciples, and the key to faithful discipleship.
Discipleship requires balance. Because on one side it invites God’s Spirit to work within you. And letting him transform you from the inside out. However, on the other, it’s engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible Study. And striving to apply God’s truth to your life. But leaning too much either way causes trouble.
REFLECT AND RECORD
Describe the discipleship balance in your spiritual life. What does out of balance look like? What does a healthy balance look like? How balanced are you at the moment?
V. 12 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
At the start of chapter one in Philippians, Paul calls his audience “saints.” Which means they have all responded to the Gospel and are followers of Jesus. And in many of his other writings, Paul teaches that salvation is by grace. It is not earned or deserved. Is he saying something different here?
No. The Greek word for “work out” is katergázomai and means to overcome, work at, prepare and equip. So Paul’s not saying work FOR your salvation. He’s telling the Philippians not to put their spiritual life on cruise control. Sit back, let the Holy Spirit guide you, and enjoy the ride. But that disciples should actively participate in their own spiritual growth.
Philippians 2:12-18 Discusses The Motivation That Promotes Discipleship
V. 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Even though discipleship involves a personal effort on your part, it shouldn’t be a drudgery. A list of religious duties you perform or else you feel guilty you’re not a “good Christian.” It’s focusing your activities on things that please God because you want to. Like a child doing things to please his parents. Or you wanting to please a spouse or other loved one.
Jesus did this too. In Matthew 3:17, following Jesus’ baptism, God spoke from heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
And the Greek word for “well pleased” is eudokéō–the same one used here for “good pleasure.” Did Jesus need to be baptized? No. Because he was without sin. But he did so as an act of obedience. In order to please his Heavenly father. It is this desire that should motivate Christ-followers today.
If following Jesus feels like a burden to you, perhaps you should ask yourself why?
Philippians 2:12-18 Reveals The Key To Faithful Discipleship
V. 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain
The Greek for “word” is lŏgŏs and generally indicates something said. In Jewish thought the sayings of God were of great importance. And in John 1:1, lŏgŏs is used to describe Jesus Christ as the living Word of God. Which represents the entire theme in the Gospel of John.
And while we absolutely should cling to Jesus as disciples, the context in this passage suggests Paul means the word relating to the truth of the gospel, rather than specifically Jesus. In other words, hold on to the words of the gospel as your source of truth and spiritual nourishment.
This encouragement is especially true for disciples of Jesus today. We are bombarded with competing voices, messages, and talking points from all directions. How do we identify what is false? By knowing and holding on to God’s truth revealed in scripture.
This is how you stay the course and run the race to the glory of God.
Join me next week in a study of Philippians 2:19-24.
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