It Starts Small

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:7-11

whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Paul’s reflection on his past as the ideal Jew resonates powerfully in verse 7. Before his salvation, he viewed these attributes as treasures of immeasurable worth. Yet afterward, they transformed into nothing more than burdens—an accounting term that strikes deep! “Loss” signified that these elements were not merely neutral. They dragged him into the perilous red zone. They drew him further away from the true essence of life. Why?

These pursuits drew him ever further from Christ, fostering a dangerous pride in his own accomplishments. They encouraged him to trust in his strength rather than surrendering his faith to Christ. This is why Paul boldly declared that those who preach the significance of such matters are nothing but evil workers. While these things are not inherently evil, they change into something sinister with our dependence on them. They usurp God’s rightful place in our lives.

Satan often operates in a cunning manner. He realizes that urging many Jews to embark on violent acts of murder, theft, and assault would be utterly absurd. Such acts would provoke nothing but scorn. Instead, he deftly entices them to embrace a plethora of external traditions. They seek the admiration of society and perform good deeds. Meanwhile, they create a dangerous illusion. They believe they are virtuous enough to tackle the sin problem on their own. This insidious temptation has proven extraordinarily effective over the centuries, ensnaring countless souls.

However, Paul had an eye-opening revelation by the incredible grace of God. He realized that these traditions were actually widening the chasm between him and his Creator. Fueled by this newfound clarity, he boldly cast them aside. He resolutely abandoned his misplaced confidence in them. He passionately set out to chase after what was profoundly valuable! Have you ever chased a worldly ambition in the past? Is there one you are still chasing? You must relinquish it to wholeheartedly pursue Christ.

the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord

• What is the most precious treasure we could ever possess?
• Can you sincerely echo Paul’s profound declaration in verse 8?
• What are those enticing distractions that tempt you to elevate their worth above your invaluable relationship with Christ?
• When you weigh these things against your fervent love for Christ, do you truly see them as mere rubbish?

If you believe Paul was too extreme, consider his categorical rejection of these seemingly valuable things. Brace yourself for what he declares in verse 8! He boldly likens these treasures to nothing more than garbage! Yes, this powerful term can even be translated as manure—an astonishing revelation that demands your attention!

⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean,
    and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
    and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Isaiah 64:6

The absolute pinnacle of what this world presents does not compare to truly knowing Christ. Our greatest achievements pale in comparison to the profound significance of this knowledge. It is essential for us to perceive these worldly possessions and accolades for what they genuinely are. We must approach all these matters with the discerning eyes of Christ, uncovering their true nature and value.

Compared with knowing Christ, EVERYTHING is a profound loss! The truth is unmistakable—Christ is the ultimate treasure that we can possess in our lives. We joyfully sing this truth in our churches. It resonates in beloved hymns like “More Precious Than Silver” and “You Are My Hiding Place.” Each time we lift our voices in worship, we boldly declare that Christ is the heartbeat of our existence. He is the cornerstone of our lives. Yet, the pressing question remains: do we truly embody this commitment? Do our actions resonate with this anthem of faith?

Actions resonate profoundly, echoing louder than mere words! Are we lifting our own accomplishments to heights of pride, or are we clinging to transient treasures of this world? Do we strut before others and boast about our deeds for God? Or do our hearts truly recognize that all worldly accolades pale in comparison to divine truth? Is it possible that we genuinely see our earthly triumphs as nothing but refuse?

We must be ready to lay every single dollar we have on the table. We should set it ablaze if it hinders our pursuit of Christ! In the grand scheme of knowing Him, our wealth is nothing but refuse. Yes, we have a duty to manage our resources wisely. However, money must not disrupt our sacred bond with the Lord. Nothing else should ever ascend to that treasured space in our hearts!

What is one thing you can give up for Christ this week?

not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law

We should genuinely cherish Christ. We must wholeheartedly place our faith in Him rather than relying on our own strength. Then, He will graciously bestow upon us the profound gift of true righteousness!

⁶ David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

Romans 4:6

³ What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:3

Righteousness is not something we can earn through mere toil and effort. It is a glorious gift bestowed upon us by God. This happens when we wholeheartedly place our faith in Him. It is through this divine act that we are transformed, made truly righteous in His sight!

I want to know Christ

Knowing Him goes beyond merely hearing His name. It is more than being acquainted with His story. It is an intimate relationship that ignites our very souls! Knowing God means engaging in a profound fellowship, where we encounter the breathtaking power of the resurrection. If we find ourselves in Christ, we are reborn from the dead, alive with divine purpose and vigor! This exhilarating journey compels us to identify with Christ. We embrace His sufferings. With every taste of persecution we endure, we resonate with the depths of His own trials and triumphs.

Also, knowing God ignites a fire within us. It compels us to follow Jesus’ extraordinary example of self-sacrifice. We die to our selfish desires and boldly live for Christ. We pray fervently and immerse ourselves in the Word. Through these actions, we can cultivate a profound, personal connection to Christ. This connection transforms our entire existence and is grounded in unwavering faith.

somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead

² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12:2

The final resurrection is a profound truth woven throughout the fabric of the Bible! As Daniel proclaimed, some will rise again, destined for punishment, while others will bask in the glory of eternal life. Paul longed to be part of that blessed second category! All his earthly accomplishments were insignificant. Even the judgments of his fellow Jews seemed small compared to the radiant hope of the resurrection. Would he confront the agony of eternal punishment or embrace the joy of eternal life? That is the burning question! Nothing else holds any weight. In the light of one’s everlasting destiny, everything else in life fades into utter insignificance.

Application: How can you make sure that you will be resurrected to eternal life? How can you make sure of your salvation?

---

Cross-References

• Matthew 16:24-26
• Luke 14:33
• Romans 12:1-2
• John 17:3
• 2 Corinthians 4:6
• Hebrews 4:15

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean that Paul has counted the things listed in verses 4-6 as loss?
• What are some earthly or religious achievements that you may need to count as “loss”?
• What have you given up for the sake of following Christ? Was it worth it?
• Based on verses 7-8, does your perspective toward this world need to change? If so, how?
• What is Paul’s goal in verse 9?
• What is the difference between righteousness that comes from following the law and the righteousness from God?
• What does it mean to “know” Him?
• What is the difference between this knowledge and how you might know an acquaintance?
• What specific ways are given that we should strive to know God more deeply in?
• What does “fellowship of His sufferings” mean?

---