Philippians 3

In Philippians 3, Paul shifts focus to discuss the true nature of righteousness and the goal of Christian life. He warns against legalism, contrasting the righteousness obtained through faith with the supposed righteousness obtained through the law. The chapter centers on the supremacy of knowing Christ personally and the transformative pursuit of Christlikeness, culminating in the hope of resurrection.

Philippians 3:1-2 (NKJV)
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. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

Paul emphasizes joy in the Lord as a safeguard against spiritual complacency and false teachings. He uses stark language to warn the Philippians about those who distort the gospel, particularly those advocating for circumcision as necessary for salvation, labeling them metaphorically as "dogs" and "evil workers."

Philippians 3:3 (NKJV)
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

The true "circumcision" is spiritual, distinguishing the Christian who worships by the Spirit of God, boasts in Christ, and renounces reliance on human efforts or heritage for salvation. This sets apart believers who embrace faith as the basis of righteousness from those who insist on Jewish ritualistic practices.

Philippians 3:4-6 (NKJV)
Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Paul lists his impressive Jewish credentials to demonstrate that if anyone could have confidence in fleshly qualifications, it would be him. Yet, he will go on to explain that these were meaningless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. His background as a Pharisee and his zeal in persecuting the church ironically highlight the futility of seeking righteousness through the law alone.

Philippians 3:7-8 (NKJV)
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss 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

Paul considers all his previous achievements and status as "loss" compared to the immense value of knowing Christ. This radical reassessment highlights a total transformation in values—where worldly credentials and accomplishments are discarded like rubbish, all for the sake of gaining a deeper, more profound relationship with Jesus.

Philippians 3:9 (NKJV)
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;

Here, Paul clarifies the nature of the true righteousness he seeks: not a self-earned righteousness through legal adherence, but one received through faith in Christ—a righteousness imparted by God Himself. This encapsulates the Christian doctrine of justification by faith, not by works.

Philippians 3:10-11 (NKJV)
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I might attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul expresses his deepest desire: to know Christ intimately, to experience the transformative power of His resurrection, and even share in His sufferings. This fellowship in suffering is seen as a pathway to being shaped into Christ’s image, ultimately leading to the hope of resurrection—mirroring Christ’s own.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
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. 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, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Despite his deep relationship with Christ, Paul acknowledges he hasn't yet reached perfection. His Christian life is described as a dynamic, forward-moving pursuit, marked by a continual striving toward the ultimate goal—the heavenly calling in Christ. This metaphor of a race emphasizes the enduring, active effort required in the Christian journey.

Philippians 3:15-16 (NKJV)
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. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Paul encourages believers who are mature to adopt this mindset of constant pursuit and humility. He acknowledges potential disagreements but trusts that God will clarify any misunderstandings. The call to unity and consistency in the faith encourages believers to align their conduct with their spiritual progress.

Philippians 3:17-19 (NKJV)
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 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 set their mind on earthly things.

Paul warns against those who live in opposition to the teachings of Christ, describing them in stark terms as enemies of the cross. Their end is destruction, driven by earthly desires and values. He urges the Philippians to follow his example and observe those who live according to the gospel, as a safeguard against such corrupt influences.

Philippians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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 concludes by reminding the Philippians of their true home and the ultimate hope of every believer: the return of Jesus Christ. The transformation of our humble bodies into glorious ones like Christ's is assured by His power, reinforcing the Christian hope in eternal life and resurrection. This future transformation is a pivotal element of Christian eschatology, anchoring believers in their heavenly identity and future.