Philippians 3
Philippians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 8 viewsPhilippians 3 warns against placing confidence in human efforts or qualifications, focusing instead on the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the call to spiritual maturity as citizens of heaven.
Notes
Transcript
Context
The letter to the Philippians, often referred to as Paul's "joy letter," was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in the region of Macedonia. Philippians 3 is deeply personal and provides insights into Paul's life, theology, and experiences.
Historically, Paul founded the church in Philippi during his second missionary journey (Acts 16). The believers in Philippi held a special place in Paul's heart, as they were among the first converts in Europe and had shown consistent support for his ministry. At the time of writing this epistle, Paul was in prison, most likely in Rome, facing an uncertain future.
Philippians 3 reveals a mature Paul reflecting on his past as a zealous Pharisee and contrasting it with his current beliefs as a follower of Christ. He warns against placing confidence in the flesh or in human achievements and emphasizes the supreme value of knowing Christ.
Theme and Outline
Philippians 3: An Exhortation to Press On in Christ
Warning against False Confidence (Philippians 3:1-3)
Paul starts the chapter with a reminder to rejoice in the Lord. Yet, he quickly shifts to warn the Philippians about those who advocate for the necessity of circumcision — referring to them as "dogs" and "evildoers." The real circumcision, Paul says, is the one of the heart by the Spirit, not by the written code.
Paul’s Credentials and Loss for Christ (Philippians 3:4-8)
Paul provides a list of his personal achievements, from being circumcised on the eighth day to being a Pharisee and zealous enough to persecute the church. However, he counts all these accomplishments as "loss" when compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. The gain of Christ surpasses all other worldly or religious attainments.
Righteousness through Faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9-11)
Here, Paul dives deep into the theology of righteousness. Instead of a righteousness of his own that comes from the law, Paul desires the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. This faith leads to knowing Christ, sharing in his sufferings, and attaining to the resurrection of the dead.
The Call to Press On (Philippians 3:12-14)
Paul acknowledges that he hasn't attained full spiritual maturity or already obtained all the promises in Christ. Instead, he presses on, striving forward, much like a runner in a race. The goal? The prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
A Plea for Maturity and Imitation (Philippians 3:15-17)
Paul appeals to believers to have the same mindset as him. He urges them to imitate his example and take note of others who live according to the pattern they've seen in him and other faithful believers.
Warning against Enemies of the Cross (Philippians 3:18-19)
With deep emotion, Paul speaks of many who live as "enemies of the cross of Christ." Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. They set their minds on earthly things, a stark contrast to the believer who sets their mind on heavenly things.
Our Citizenship in Heaven (Philippians 3:20-21)
Paul concludes the chapter by reminding believers of their true citizenship in heaven. He points to the future hope when the Lord Jesus Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Throughout this chapter, there's a pulsating theme: the unmatched value of knowing Christ and the call to live in light of that relationship. All worldly gains, achievements, and accolades pale in comparison to the immeasurable worth of knowing and being found in Him.
You should press on toward Christ.
This proposition is derived from the heart of Philippians 3, especially verses 12-14. The Apostle Paul, even with his vast knowledge and experience, didn't consider himself to have "arrived" spiritually. He recognized the ongoing nature of the Christian journey. With the imagery of a race, Paul expressed the active and persistent effort needed to pursue Christ and the fullness of life in Him. The phrase "press on" captures the essence of this determination and diligence in the Christian walk. It's not passive or complacent; it's active, forward-moving, and Christ-centered. In the face of challenges, distractions, or past achievements, believers are encouraged to keep pressing on, aiming for the prize – the fullness of life and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Illustrations
Abraham's Journey of Faith
Abraham, originally named Abram, was called by God from his homeland to a land he did not know. With faith, he obeyed, not knowing where he was going. Even when faced with the challenge of sacrificing his son Isaac, he pressed on in faith, believing that God could raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:8-19). Abraham's life illustrates pressing on through uncertainty, waiting, and severe tests, always trusting in God's promises and faithfulness.
Jacob Wrestling with God
In Genesis 32, Jacob spent a night wrestling with a man, later revealed as God. He said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Despite his past of deceit and manipulation, Jacob had a pivotal moment where he earnestly sought God's blessing and new identity. God renamed him Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." Jacob's experience shows the determination to press on, even in wrestling with God, until receiving His blessing.
The Apostle Peter's Restoration
Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, denied Him three times on the eve of the crucifixion. Yet, after Jesus' resurrection, there was a beautiful moment by the Sea of Galilee where Jesus reinstated Peter (John 21). Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, mirroring the three denials, and each time Peter affirmed his love. Jesus then commissioned Peter to "feed His sheep." Peter's life was transformed from one of denial to one of bold proclamation for Christ. This transformation illustrates pressing on from failure and shame to restoration and purpose in Christ.
Each of these biblical figures faced challenges, failures, and moments of doubt. Yet, in their unique ways, they pressed on toward a deeper relationship with God, embodying the essence of Paul's call in Philippians 3 to continually pursue Christ.
Reasons You should press on toward Christ
Because Christ first Seized Us (Philippians 3:12)
The Greek word for "took hold" is "katalambanō." This word means to seize or grasp firmly. Another occurrence of this word can be seen in John 1:5, where the darkness did not "overcome" (katalambanō) the light. Here in Philippians, the emphasis is on Christ's initiative in saving and holding onto Paul (and by extension, all believers). An example from the Bible that illustrates this is the calling of Matthew, the tax collector. Without any merit of his own, Jesus approached Matthew's tax booth and said, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9). Jesus takes the initiative to call sinners to Himself.
Because Christ’s Resurrection Empowers Us (Philippians 3:10)
The term "power" is translated from the Greek word "dynamis," from which we derive the English word "dynamite." This word appears in places like Romans 1:16, where the gospel is the "power" (dynamis) of God for salvation. It represents a mighty and effective force. The resurrection's power is the transformative energy that raised Christ from the dead and works in believers' lives. Lazarus' resurrection from the dead in John 11 exemplifies this mighty power where death was reversed, pointing to the ultimate resurrection power demonstrated in Christ.
Because Heaven Awaits us (Philippians 3:20)
The word "citizenship" is derived from the Greek word "politeuma," which relates to being a member of a state. In Acts 23:1, Paul speaks about living his life with a clear conscience before God up to that day. While this doesn't use the exact term, the concept of living as citizens with responsibilities is evident. For believers, the reality of their heavenly citizenship should shape their earthly conduct. Abraham's life, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:10, exemplifies this. He was looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Because We Will See Jesus (Philippians 3:20)
This waiting is not passive but filled with hope and expectation. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the coming Messiah, and Simeon, in Luke 2:25-32, embodies this anticipation. He was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. When he held baby Jesus, he recognized Him as the fulfillment of God's promise.
By reflecting on these reasons, it becomes clear that pressing on toward Christ isn't a mere suggestion but an imperative grounded in profound spiritual realities. From Christ's initiative in our salvation to the transforming power of His resurrection, from our heavenly allegiance to our eager anticipation for His return, every reason pushes the believer to pursue Christ with relentless dedication.
Ways You should press on toward Christ
By forgetting what's behind (Philippians 3:13)
The word "forgetting" is derived from the Greek word "epilanthanomai." It implies no longer being influenced or affected by. We see this word in Hebrews 13:2 where believers are told not to "forget" to show hospitality, suggesting they should always be influenced by love and kindness. In the context of Philippians 3, it emphasizes not dwelling on past failures or successes. An example from the Bible is David. After his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent repentance, he moved forward to lead Israel and write profound psalms of worship (2 Samuel 12, Psalms 51).
By straining toward what's ahead (Philippians 3:13)
The word "straining" comes from the Greek "epekteinómenos," which depicts a runner stretching forward to the finish line. A usage of this term, although in a different context, is found in Luke 8:44 where a woman, desiring to be healed, "reached out" (epekteinómenos) to touch Jesus' cloak. This act demonstrated her desperate effort to receive healing. In Philippians, this emphasizes the believer's effort in spiritual growth and pursuit of Christ. A biblical illustration would be the life of Joseph. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he always looked forward, trusting in God's providence, which eventually led him to become the second in command in Egypt (Genesis 39-41).
By Marching In Line (Philippians 3:16)
The phrase "live up to" translates the Greek "stoicheó," meaning to walk or march in line. This term appears in Galatians 5:25, suggesting that if we live by the Spirit, we should also "keep in step" with the Spirit. It's about consistency in our Christian life, aligning our conduct with our beliefs. Daniel is a prime example. When taken captive to Babylon, he remained committed to God's ways, not defiling himself with the king's food and later continuing his practice of praying three times a day despite the edict against it (Daniel 1, 6).
By following godly examples (Philippians 3:17)
Paul urges believers to imitate him and observe others who walk according to the example they've seen in him. The act of imitation is central to discipleship. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Timothy serves as a biblical representation of this, being a disciple of Paul and becoming a stalwart of the faith, shepherding the early churches with the teachings and examples he had received (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
Every way described in Philippians 3 anchors the believer in a proactive journey of faith. The Christian life is not static but dynamic, always pressing on, always growing, and always seeking to reflect Christ more clearly.
Pointing to Christ
Philippians 3 is saturated with the centrality of Jesus Christ and how He shapes and defines the believer's life. Let's explore how the New Testament underscores Christ's fulfillment of the themes and doctrines presented in this chapter:
The Supreme Value of Christ
Paul considers everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). The New Testament continually elevates Jesus as the treasure of inestimable value. In Matthew 13:44, Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Here, Christ Himself is that treasure, and knowing Him is worth the surrender of all else.
Righteousness through Faith
Paul's deep desire was to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his own from the law but through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). Romans 3:21-22 affirms this, stating that apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, and it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.
The Power of Christ's Resurrection
Paul yearns to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10). Romans 6:4-5 elaborates on this by explaining that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, believers too might walk in newness of life. If we've been united with Him in a death like His, we'll certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.
The Expectation of Christ's Return
Believers eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21). 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 echoes this by proclaiming that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air.
Every facet of Philippians 3 directs our gaze to Christ, whether it's the righteousness we receive, the power we experience, or the future hope we have. The New Testament consistently shows that all of Christian life and doctrine orbits around the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Gospel Invitation
In Philippians 3, Paul unveils the beauty of a life wrapped up in Christ. Every accolade, every human achievement, every worldly gain pales in the light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. As Paul expresses his profound desire to be found in Christ, not trusting in his righteousness but in the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith, we're reminded of the core of the gospel message.
You might find yourself striving, like Paul once did, to achieve a righteousness of your own. Yet, the Bible declares that all our righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). But the good news is that in Christ, God offers us a gift – His own righteousness. This is the heart of justification. By faith in Jesus' death and resurrection, we are declared righteous before a holy God. Our sins, which warranted eternal separation from God, were placed on Christ at the cross, and His righteousness is credited to our account.
But the gospel doesn't stop at justification. The power of Christ's resurrection, which Paul longed to know intimately (Philippians 3:10), offers us sanctification – deliverance from the power of sin in our daily lives. As we press on to know Christ, we find that the same power that raised Him from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to walk in victory over sin's temptations and bondages.
Furthermore, our hope in Christ extends beyond this life. Philippians 3 speaks of our heavenly citizenship and the transformation of our bodies to be like Christ's glorious body. This is the hope of glorification, where one day we will be free from the very presence of sin, forever in the presence of our Savior.
Have you come to the point where, like Paul, you see the worthlessness of relying on your own efforts and achievements? Do you recognize the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as your Lord? Today, you can step into the freedom of justification, begin the transformative journey of sanctification, and anchor your hope in the promise of glorification. Turn to Christ, entrust your life to Him, and find true life in His name.
Bibliography
OpenAI ChatGPT. "Detailed Study on Philippians 3." OpenAI, 2023.