Exploring Philippians 3:7-11
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of personal achievements, accolades, and material gains. Often we measure our worth by the standards of this world, forgetting that true value lies in something far greater. This brings us to a profound passage from Philippians 3, starting at verse 7, which challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and find our true worth in Christ.
The Great Exchange: Counting All as Loss
Philippians 3:7-8 says, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” The Apostle Paul, once a man of great status and accomplishments, came to a radical realization. All his earthly gains, his prestigious background, and his rigorous adherence to the law were nothing compared to the value of knowing Christ.
Paul’s words invite us to reflect on our own lives. What are we holding onto that we consider valuable? Is it our career, our social status, or perhaps our possessions? Paul challenges us to see these things as “rubbish” in comparison to the infinite worth of knowing Jesus. This doesn’t mean that our achievements and possessions are inherently bad, but they should not be the foundation of our identity and worth.
Righteousness from God
Continuing in verse 9, Paul writes, “And be found in him, 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, Paul emphasizes a crucial aspect of the Christian faith: righteousness is not something we can earn through our own efforts. It is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
This is a humbling truth. It reminds us that no matter how hard we try, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Our good deeds, while important, are not the basis of our salvation or our value. Instead, it is through faith in Christ that we are made righteous. This shifts the focus from our own efforts to the grace and mercy of God.
Opening Our Hearts
As followers of Jesus, we have to prepare our minds and hearts and take on a posture of humility. It’s not about what we have gained by our own hands, but about what Christ has done for us. When we partake of communion on Sundays, we should reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus who gave His life so that we might have eternal life. It is a reminder that our worth is not found in our accomplishments, but in the love and grace of our Savior.
We want to have a posture of gratitude and humility. We want to acknowledge that it is only through Christ’s sacrifice that we are made whole. This act of remembrance helps us to realign our priorities and focus on what truly matters and what has eternal worth.
The Conviction of the Spirit
The message of Philippians 3:7-11 is not always easy to hear. It can be convicting, as it challenges us to let go of the things we hold dear and to place our trust fully in Christ. As Pastor Jim mentioned in Sunday’s sermon, there may be moments when we feel like our toes are being stepped on. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, gently nudging us to examine our hearts and make necessary changes.
Feeling convicted is not a bad thing. It is a helpful sign that God is at work in our lives, shaping us to be more like Christ. When we feel that conviction, we should not resist it, but embrace it as an opportunity for growth. God wants to work in, with, and through us—not for our glory, but for His.
Living for God’s Glory
Ultimately, the message of Philippians 3:7-11 calls us to live for God’s glory. When we count all things as loss for the sake of Christ, we are making a powerful statement. We are declaring that our worth is not found in the things of this world or how much stuff we can accumulate, but in our relationship with Jesus. This shift in perspective changes the way we live our lives and what kind of things we pursue. It helps to bring balance into our lives.
When we live for God’s glory, our actions reflect His character, His love and grace. We become more compassionate, more generous, and more humble. Our lives become a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. People around us begin to see the difference that Christ makes, and God is magnified through our actions.
Conclusion: Embracing True Worth
In conclusion, Philippians 3:7-11 challenges us to embrace the true worth and immeasurable value of knowing Christ. It calls us to count all things as loss in comparison to a relationship with Jesus. Let’s do so with humility, recognizing that our righteousness comes from God through faith in Christ and there is nothing that has greater worth.
Let’s be open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, too, allowing God to work in, with, and through us. And most importantly, let’s live for God’s glory, emulating His love and grace in all that we do. In a world that often measures worth by achievements and possessions, let’s be different and understand our eternal worth in Christ alone and share this truth with others so they may know the value and joy of knowing our Savior.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
