Philippians 3: Finding Our Focus in Christ
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
In Philippians 1 and 2, Paul addressed how believers should respond to suffering, using Christ's obedience as the ultimate example. He encouraged believers to live without complaining or worrying. Now, in Philippians 3, he powerfully contrasts earthly achievements with the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus. This chapter underscores that Christ should be the sole object of a believer's affection and pursuit, setting the stage for the practical exhortations in Philippians 4. This chapter is highly relevant to Philippians 3 study.
Rejoicing in the Lord and Warning Against False Teachers (3:1-3)
Paul begins with a seemingly simple, yet profoundly important, command: "Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 3:1). He emphasizes the importance of this reminder, not because it's new information, but because it acts as a safeguard against discouragement and a constant refocusing on what truly matters. In the midst of trials, rejoicing in the Lord is not optional; it's essential.
However, joy must be coupled with discernment. Paul immediately warns, "Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh" (Philippians 3:2). The "dogs" and "evildoers" likely refer to false teachers, particularly the Judaizers, who insisted on adherence to Old Testament laws, including circumcision, as necessary for salvation. Paul uses strong language to denounce their teachings, viewing them as a distortion of the gospel of grace. These teachers were attempting to combine faith and works, undermining Paul's ministry and the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
The true "circumcision," Paul declares, is comprised of those who "worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). True worship arises from a relationship with God established by the Holy Spirit under the new covenant. To "worship by the Spirit" means to relate to God based on His standards, revealed in His Word, not on self-made standards or religious rituals. Making much of Jesus must be the focus of our worship. The Spirit was sent to magnify Christ.
"Confidence in the flesh" refers to the belief that we can achieve righteousness or spiritual growth through our own efforts. Paul argues that relying on our own abilities or accomplishments nullifies God's work in our lives. We must beware of any theological system that says we must earn our standing with God.
Paul's Credentials and Their True Value (3:4-8)
To further illustrate his point, Paul presents his own impressive "spiritual resume" (Philippians 3:4-6). He lists his qualifications: 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; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. If anyone could boast in their adherence to the law, it was Paul. He was zealous, outwardly righteous, and deeply committed to his religious traditions.
However, Paul radically re-evaluates these accomplishments in light of his encounter with Christ. "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (Philippians 3:7). He goes even further: "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" (Philippians 3:8). The word "rubbish" is a strong term, conveying utter worthlessness. Paul willingly relinquished everything he once valued, considering it all insignificant compared to the immeasurable treasure of knowing Jesus. Placing our confidence in anything other than Christ makes it impossible to rejoice in the Lord when things don't go well.
Righteousness Through Faith and Knowing Christ (3:9-11)
Paul's ultimate desire is to "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" (Philippians 3:9). He seeks a righteousness not based on his own merit or works, but on the imputed righteousness of Christ received through faith.
This leads him to express his deepest longing: "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11). Paul yearns for an intimate, experiential knowledge of Christ. He wants to experience the power of Christ's resurrection in his own life, even if it means sharing in His sufferings and becoming conformed to His death. Suffering, therefore, becomes a pathway to intimacy with Jesus.
Paul desired an outside-the-box experience of the living Christ operating in and through his life, experiencing Jesus’s resurrection power in this life to joyously overcome every challenge.
Pressing On Toward the Goal (3:12-16)
Acknowledging that he has not yet "arrived" or attained perfection, Paul describes his relentless pursuit of Christ: "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own" (Philippians 3:12). He recognizes that Christ has laid hold of him, and he is striving to get closer to that for which Christ has grabbed him. He has a holy discontent that keeps him pressing on.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future, not dwelling on the past: "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). To become an excellent Christian and fulfill your kingdom purpose, you too must have a short memory and a clear direction. The way to get over yesterday is to have a forward focus, to press on.
Paul encourages mature believers to adopt this same mindset: "Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you" (Philippians 3:15). He urges them to "live up to what we have already attained" (Philippians 3:16), continuing to grow in grace and knowledge. We should practice what we know to do.
Imitating Paul and Avoiding Enemies of the Cross (3:17-19)
Paul then calls on the Philippians to imitate him: "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us" (Philippians 3:17). He points them to those who are genuinely pursuing Christ as models for their own lives. We will never ascend to an excellent life if we’re constantly hanging out with get-by people who are thinking in a mediocre way.
In stark contrast, Paul describes those who "live as enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18). These individuals are characterized by their self-indulgence, earthly focus, and shame: "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Philippians 3:19). Paul expresses deep sorrow over their destructive path.
Our Citizenship in Heaven and the Hope of Transformation (3:20-21)
Paul concludes this chapter by reminding the Philippians of their true identity and future hope: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). He emphasizes that their ultimate allegiance and destiny lie in heaven, not on earth. He did not want their earthly experience to crowd out the reality of their heavenly citizenship.
He offers the glorious promise of transformation: "who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Philippians 3:21). Believers eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself. This hope should inspire and motivate them to live lives worthy of their heavenly calling.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
In Philippians 1 and 2, Paul addressed how believers should respond to suffering, using Christ's obedience as the ultimate example. He encouraged believers to live without complaining or worrying. Now, in Philippians 3, he powerfully contrasts earthly achievements with the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus. This chapter underscores that Christ should be the sole object of a believer's affection and pursuit, setting the stage for the practical exhortations in Philippians 4. This chapter is highly relevant to Philippians 3 study.
Rejoicing in the Lord and Warning Against False Teachers (3:1-3)
Paul begins with a seemingly simple, yet profoundly important, command: "Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 3:1). He emphasizes the importance of this reminder, not because it's new information, but because it acts as a safeguard against discouragement and a constant refocusing on what truly matters. In the midst of trials, rejoicing in the Lord is not optional; it's essential.
However, joy must be coupled with discernment. Paul immediately warns, "Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh" (Philippians 3:2). The "dogs" and "evildoers" likely refer to false teachers, particularly the Judaizers, who insisted on adherence to Old Testament laws, including circumcision, as necessary for salvation. Paul uses strong language to denounce their teachings, viewing them as a distortion of the gospel of grace. These teachers were attempting to combine faith and works, undermining Paul's ministry and the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
The true "circumcision," Paul declares, is comprised of those who "worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). True worship arises from a relationship with God established by the Holy Spirit under the new covenant. To "worship by the Spirit" means to relate to God based on His standards, revealed in His Word, not on self-made standards or religious rituals. Making much of Jesus must be the focus of our worship. The Spirit was sent to magnify Christ.
"Confidence in the flesh" refers to the belief that we can achieve righteousness or spiritual growth through our own efforts. Paul argues that relying on our own abilities or accomplishments nullifies God's work in our lives. We must beware of any theological system that says we must earn our standing with God.
Paul's Credentials and Their True Value (3:4-8)
To further illustrate his point, Paul presents his own impressive "spiritual resume" (Philippians 3:4-6). He lists his qualifications: 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; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. If anyone could boast in their adherence to the law, it was Paul. He was zealous, outwardly righteous, and deeply committed to his religious traditions.
However, Paul radically re-evaluates these accomplishments in light of his encounter with Christ. "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (Philippians 3:7). He goes even further: "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" (Philippians 3:8). The word "rubbish" is a strong term, conveying utter worthlessness. Paul willingly relinquished everything he once valued, considering it all insignificant compared to the immeasurable treasure of knowing Jesus. Placing our confidence in anything other than Christ makes it impossible to rejoice in the Lord when things don't go well.
Righteousness Through Faith and Knowing Christ (3:9-11)
Paul's ultimate desire is to "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" (Philippians 3:9). He seeks a righteousness not based on his own merit or works, but on the imputed righteousness of Christ received through faith.
This leads him to express his deepest longing: "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11). Paul yearns for an intimate, experiential knowledge of Christ. He wants to experience the power of Christ's resurrection in his own life, even if it means sharing in His sufferings and becoming conformed to His death. Suffering, therefore, becomes a pathway to intimacy with Jesus.
Paul desired an outside-the-box experience of the living Christ operating in and through his life, experiencing Jesus’s resurrection power in this life to joyously overcome every challenge.
Pressing On Toward the Goal (3:12-16)
Acknowledging that he has not yet "arrived" or attained perfection, Paul describes his relentless pursuit of Christ: "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own" (Philippians 3:12). He recognizes that Christ has laid hold of him, and he is striving to get closer to that for which Christ has grabbed him. He has a holy discontent that keeps him pressing on.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future, not dwelling on the past: "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). To become an excellent Christian and fulfill your kingdom purpose, you too must have a short memory and a clear direction. The way to get over yesterday is to have a forward focus, to press on.
Paul encourages mature believers to adopt this same mindset: "Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you" (Philippians 3:15). He urges them to "live up to what we have already attained" (Philippians 3:16), continuing to grow in grace and knowledge. We should practice what we know to do.
Imitating Paul and Avoiding Enemies of the Cross (3:17-19)
Paul then calls on the Philippians to imitate him: "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us" (Philippians 3:17). He points them to those who are genuinely pursuing Christ as models for their own lives. We will never ascend to an excellent life if we’re constantly hanging out with get-by people who are thinking in a mediocre way.
In stark contrast, Paul describes those who "live as enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18). These individuals are characterized by their self-indulgence, earthly focus, and shame: "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Philippians 3:19). Paul expresses deep sorrow over their destructive path.
Our Citizenship in Heaven and the Hope of Transformation (3:20-21)
Paul concludes this chapter by reminding the Philippians of their true identity and future hope: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). He emphasizes that their ultimate allegiance and destiny lie in heaven, not on earth. He did not want their earthly experience to crowd out the reality of their heavenly citizenship.
He offers the glorious promise of transformation: "who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Philippians 3:21). Believers eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself. This hope should inspire and motivate them to live lives worthy of their heavenly calling.