Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Philippians+003

 Chapter 3 (ESV)

¹ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

² Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. ³ For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. ⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ 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 ⁹ 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— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

REFLECTION:

1. Chapter at a Glance: Paul had abandoned confidence in his own works (vv1-6) to trust Christ completely (vv7-11). All mature believers will follow Paul’s example and press toward this goal (vv12-17), eagerly awaiting Christ’s return and our transformation (vv18-21).
2. Paul had credentials: his family heritage, education, and zeal. These would have secured him a prominent place in society.  But Paul’s encounter with Christ radically changed him.  When Paul met the risen Christ, his résumé did nothing for him.  What mattered thereafter was relationship with Christ.  As Christians, we must learn to recognize and abandon those things that must be counted as losses (possessions, credentials, attitudes, etc.) in light of our encounter with Christ (the gain of our relationship with Christ).
3. What are the things that you count “gain” but actually are “loss” and may become “weight and sin that clings so closely” (Heb. 12:1) for your heaven-bound journey? How can you change your perspective and consider everything as secondary to knowing Jesus as your Lord?

PRAYER:

Dear God! Paul’s life serves as my inspiration. He had an impressive résumé, noble lineage, education, and religious zeal. However, when he encountered Christ and truly knew Him, his life was completely transformed. What he once considered beneficial, he now regarded as loss. I pray that You would help me follow Paul’s example—to forget what lies behind, press forward, and aim for the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

HYMN:

All I Once Held Dear – www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4IgusP8Z8w