Philippians 3:7-14 - Pressing Forward

For what do people live? For what does the Christian live? What if living for Christ costs us greatly? Is it worth it? Paul thinks so.

Much of what Paul is saying in chapter 3 of Philippians is amplifying what he asked the Philippians to do in chapter 2--which is to have the mind of Christ. What Jesus does in the hymn to Christ (Philippians 2:6-11) is mirrored by Paul's description of himself here in this chapter. Just as Jesus had everything, but gave it up to come to earth for the glory of God (and our benefit), so Paul who once had much gain, counted it loss that he might gain Christ. Was it worth it?

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 3:8

Here's what Paul knows. He was chosen by God. Christ Jesus claimed Paul, apprehended Paul, made Paul his own for the purpose of making Paul into the image of Christ--the glorified man. The same is true for all of us who are in Christ. And Paul won't be satisfied until he is what Christ has chosen him to be. Are you? How eager are you to grow in grace, to become more like Christ?

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.--Philippians 3:12

As Christians, a glorious future awaits us. One day we will be shed of this sinful nature. One day all the frailties, infirmities, weaknesses brought about by sin will be done away with. We will live in a world free of sin, free of pain, free of sorrow, and free of death. Christ is preparing us for that place now. Shouldn't we, like Paul, eagerly embrace that?

This is the fourth of our Bible studies covering chapter 3 of Philippians. I hope you will take the time to listen and grow in your understanding of God's word, and in so doing grow in grace and become more like Christ. The link below will take you to a page on SoundCloud where you can stream the MP3 recording of this bible study. God bless.

Click here: Philippians 3:7-14

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