Jul 13, 2014
Philippians 3:7-11
Loss is Gain . . .
The reasons Paul considered everything loss is because . . .
· Meaning and significance do not come from a list of achievements or titles, but from being identified with Christ.
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (v.7)
· Everything else greatly pales in comparison to surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
“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.” (v.8)
o In light of knowing Christ, the things we often perceive as gain are just empty treasures painted with fool’s gold.
o To give up what you have in order to pursue that which is of most worth is really no sacrifice in light of what you gain. (Matthew 13:44-46)
· Righteousness depends on faith in Christ, not in keeping religious rules.
“ . . . 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 of God that depends on faith . . .” (v.9)
o Our righteousness is not secured in what we are identified with, but rather it is secured in finding our identity in Christ.
· Knowing Christ intimately requires treasuring Christ fully above all things.
“ . . . that I may know Him . . .” (v.10)
o I will never gain a clear understanding of the intrinsic worth of that which I do not intimately know.
§ The power of His resurrection: to live in the power of the One who raised Christ from the dead.
§ To share in His sufferings: living in a way that is worthy of the gospel; unashamed and willing to count the cost of following after Him.
§ To become like Him in His death: obedient to the end, for the glory of God.