Christ Leads The Way

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” – Philippians 3:7

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In Philippians chapter 3, the apostle Paul again reminds the Christians to rejoice in the Lord (v.1). He also warns them against dogs, evil workers, and the mutilation (v. 2). He is undoubtedly referencing Jews who try to bind earthly things on others. The term dogs is derogatory, probably even more so than what we would view in our times. It denotes how contentious and disdainful they were.

Paul acknowledged that Christians don’t have confidence in the flesh or human credentials. He said that if indeed we did, he could boast more than anyone because he had the following qualities. He was circumcised on the eighth day according to the law; he was from the lineage of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning zeal, he persecuted the church, and; regarding righteousness in the law, he was blameless (vs. 4-6).

But Paul said that all those things he renounced for Christ.

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8

All the human credentials that Paul could boast about, he counted them as a loss and rubbish for the sake of Christ. He only wanted to be found in Christ having, not a righteousness of his own which is from the law but, righteousness which is from God by faith (v. 9).

Paul is a wonderful example for us. Though we may have many credentials that man may esteem and views as laudable, no human credentials matter as much as worshiping God in Spirit (v. 3) and knowing Christ (v.8).

If anyone could boast about accomplishments, it was Paul. Yet, he chose not to do so. It demonstrates to us the superior nature of knowing Christ over earthly achievements. Those things won’t last anyway. Knowing Christ is far better.

Do you know Christ? Have you put Him on in repentance and in baptism (Acts 2:38)? Do you believe that knowing Christ is better than anything you can gain in this world? I do. I hope that you will, too.

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