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Philippians 3

Philippians 3 provides insight into Paul's personal journey and the spiritual maturity he encourages in the believers at Philippi. He emphasizes the value of righteousness through faith in Christ over any earthly or legalistic credentials. The chapter highlights the importance of pursuing spiritual goals and warns against those who advocate for circumcision as necessary for salvation, using his own life as an example of shifting from Jewish legalism to a Christ-centered faith.

Philippians 3:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 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
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Paul urges the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord and warns them against Judaizers who insist on circumcision for salvation. He explains that true believers are marked by worship in the Spirit and faith in Christ, rather than confidence in fleshly achievements. Paul lists his impressive Jewish credentials to show that if anyone could trust in flesh, it would be him, but he considers these things worthless compared to knowing Christ. His desire is to gain Christ and be found in Him, relying not on legalistic righteousness but on the righteousness that comes from faith.

Philippians 3:11-14 (NKJV)
11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul expresses a continuous pursuit towards spiritual perfection and the resurrection from the dead, acknowledging that he has not yet achieved these. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and focus in the Christian life, aiming to fulfill God's purpose for him. By forgetting past achievements and failures, he concentrates on moving forward toward the ultimate goal of eternal life in Christ.

Philippians 3:15-16 (NKJV)
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Paul calls on mature believers to share this mindset of continual growth and pursuit of Christ. He acknowledges that some may not yet share this perspective but expresses confidence that God will reveal the truth to them in time. He encourages unity and consistency in the faith among the believers, urging them to live according to the spiritual progress they have already made.

Philippians 3:17-21 (NKJV)
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Paul calls believers to follow his example and that of other faithful Christians who live according to heavenly principles. He contrasts this with those who live as "enemies of the cross of Christ," driven by earthly desires and self-indulgence, whose end is destruction because their focus is on temporary, worldly things rather than eternal truths. Paul reminds believers that their true citizenship is in heaven, and they eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ, who will transform their lowly bodies into glorious, immortal bodies like His own. This transformation signifies the ultimate victory over sin and death, demonstrating that believers’ hope lies not in earthly achievements but in the promised resurrection and eternal life. Paul’s encouragement serves as a reminder to live with a heavenly mindset, trusting in Christ’s power to fulfill His promises and prepare His people for His return.

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