Main Idea of Philippians:
Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering.
Questions to Consider:
What reasons does Paul give for his former confidence in the flesh?
How does he now view these things?
What does it mean to “gain Christ” and be found “in him”?
How does Paul describe the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus?
How does this passage connect to the theme of joy in Philippians, even when it involves suffering and loss?
The Text:
“although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.
But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.
More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ — the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.”
– Philippians 3:4b-11 (CSB)
Observations:
Past Confidence (v. 4b-6): Paul recounts his impressive credentials according to Jewish standards: lineage, religious zeal, and legalistic righteousness. He asserts that if anyone had reason for confidence in external things, he certainly did. As Hawthorne notes, “Paul’s credentials were impeccable.” (Hawthorne, 1983, p. 139)
Radical Shift (v. 7-8): Paul makes a dramatic shift, declaring that everything he once valued, he now considers “loss” and “rubbish” (σκύβαλα) compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. D.A. Carson observes that this term “σκύβαλα” is “deliberately vulgar,” emphasizing the utter worthlessness of Paul’s former pursuits in light of Christ. (Carson, 1997, p. 156)
Present Confidence (v. 9-11): Paul expresses his new confidence, which is not in his own righteousness derived from the law, but in the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ. He longs for deeper intimacy with Christ, to experience the power of His resurrection, to share in His sufferings, and to ultimately attain the resurrection from the dead. Moo highlights that this passionate pursuit of Christ is “the heart of Paul’s theology and experience.” (Moo, 2009, p. 202)
Interpretation (v. 4b-11):
From External to Internal: Paul’s testimony reveals a profound transformation. He has moved from confidence in external factors, such as lineage, religious activity, and legalistic obedience, to a confidence rooted in Christ alone.
The Supremacy of Christ (v. 4b-11): Paul’s willingness to discard everything he once valued demonstrates the absolute supremacy of Christ. Nothing compares to knowing Him.
Transformation and Hope (v. 4b-11): Paul’s passionate pursuit of Christ exemplifies the transformative power of the gospel. It leads to a deep desire for intimacy with Christ, a willingness to participate in His sufferings, and a confident hope in the resurrection.
Application (v. 4b-11):
Reject Self-Reliance: We must be willing to abandon any confidence in our own achievements, heritage, or religious performance. True faith rests solely on Christ.
Embrace True Value: We must recognize that Christ is the ultimate treasure, worth sacrificing everything for. Our pursuits and desires should reflect this.
Live by Faith: We must embrace the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ, not our own efforts. This is the only way to be right with God.
Pursue Christ: We must pursue a deeper knowledge of Christ, a willingness to share in His sufferings, and a confident hope in the resurrection.
Connection to the Main Idea:
This passage connects to the main idea of Philippians by showing that true joy is found in Christ alone, not in external achievements or self-righteousness. Paul’s radical re-evaluation of his past and his passionate pursuit of Christ demonstrate that true joy comes from knowing and following Jesus, even if it means suffering and loss.
How does this text point to Christ?
This text points to Christ by highlighting His absolute supremacy and the all-surpassing worth of knowing Him. Paul’s willingness to count everything as loss for Christ demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel and the centrality of Christ in the Christian life. Jesus is the ultimate treasure, the one in whom we find true righteousness, joy, and hope.
Summary:
Paul contrasts his former confidence in the flesh with his current confidence in Christ, emphasizing the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus and the life changing power of the gospel.
Be Intentional:
Forsake any reliance on self-righteousness.
Treasure Christ above all else.
Embrace the righteousness that comes from God through faith.
Pursue a deeper knowledge of Christ and a willingness to share in His sufferings.
Ask Yourself:
What am I trusting in for my salvation?
Is it my own works or Christ alone?
Am I willing to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ?
How can I deepen my knowledge of Christ and experience the power of His resurrection?
Bibliography:
Carson, D. A. (1997). The Epistle to the Philippians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Hawthorne, G. F. (1983). Philippians. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word Books.
Merida, T. (2013). Philippians. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.
Moo, D. J. (2009). The Epistle to the Philippians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
White, A. B. (2015). Joyful Unity in the Gospel (The Call of Philippians). Cross to Crown Ministries.
