*Philippians 3:1-21
Paul warns against relying on earthly achievements and emphasizes the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus.
- Warning Against False Teachers:
- Paul begins by warning the Philippians to watch out for those he describes as “dogs,” “evil workers,” and those of the “circumcision group.”
- He emphasizes the true circumcision as being that of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law.
- Paul’s Personal History and Transformation:
- Paul shares his own background as a Pharisee and a zealous adherent of the Jewish law, claiming he was faultless in legalistic righteousness.
- He considers all his former privileges and achievements as “loss” for the sake of Christ.
- Everything is considered rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord, for whom he has lost all things.
- Righteousness Through Faith in Christ:
- Paul highlights the difference between having a righteousness of his own from the law and that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
- Goal of Knowing Christ and Resurrection:
- His aim is to know Christ, experience the power of His resurrection, participate in His sufferings, and become like Him in His death.
- Paul expresses his hope to attain the resurrection from the dead, not claiming to have already achieved this goal but pressing on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him.
- Exhortation to Follow His Example:
- Paul encourages the Philippians to follow his example and observe those who live according to the pattern they have in him.
- He contrasts his example with many who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction and who set their minds on earthly things.
- Heavenly Citizenship and Expectation of the Savior:
- The believers are reminded that their citizenship is in heaven, and from there they eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Upon His return, Christ will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control.
Philippians 3:1-21 reminds us to focus on what truly matters—knowing Jesus and living for Him. Instead of chasing after success, money, or approval, we should set our hearts on God’s purpose for us. Paul encourages us to forget the past and keep moving forward in faith. We can apply this by not letting past mistakes or worries hold us back, trusting God with our future, and living each day with the goal of becoming more like Jesus.
Philippians 3:1-21 (WEB)
3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.2 Beware of the dogs; beware of the evil workers; beware of the false circumcision. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.7 However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith, 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death, 11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let’s walk by the same rule. Let’s be of the same mind.17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.