Pursuing the Infinite Worth of Christ – Philippians chapter 3 verses 7 to 9
Paul’s Concern: Some were teaching the believers in Christ Jesus that trusting in what He had done was not enough – “You need more!” “You need Jesus plus loads of rules and regulations to keep.” Paul would have none of this bondage – that was where he had been before he met Jesus.
The Value of Knowing Christ: Verse 7 – the pursuit of knowing Jesus changes your perspective from your own righteousness to that of Christ. What he thought was profit was a loss, a liability condemning him to hell. When we find were making no profit, it is natural to work harder. This was Paul past tense.
The Value of Christ Himself: Verse 8 – here we see Paul present tense. Our works are not merely profit-less, but rubbish. The great thing is to be found in Christ. It is a real danger to think we can cling to Him by our own efforts, where as it is He who holds on to us. Our works are a privilege and worship, not an entitlement.
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.
Philippians 3:7-9 New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.