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Knowing Jesus Matters - Philippians, Part 7 Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Sep 11, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: Think of your most favorite possession, if that were taken away for the sake of the Gospel, would you be OK with it? This is the calling and the encouragement of Paul's letter.
“Knowing Jesus Matters” - Philippians, Part 7
Philippians Sermon Series, Part 7
Introduction
- Reminder about our level-set from series opener:
1. Christians must reflect the joy of Christ in everything we do
2. This means you and I are to make the Gospel personal, because it is!
3. Not telling shows them that we have nothing different/special to offer others
- This is a great book of discipleship; prayerfully help us draw closer to Christ
-- Living worthy of the Gospel means that we are to be found doing the work
-- RE: As Christians, we are in this together – but not for our ego, desires, or needs
- Quick summary of last week:
- In legal worship, we trust in something we create (rules, boundaries, ceremonies)
- Christian worship begins internally:
-- It flows from the workings of the Holy Spirit (from within us)
-- It is NOT related to certain isolated acts, but embracing a whole life concept
-- It comes from a proven character in faithfulness to Jesus Christ!
- Paul said, “put no confidence in human effort” … but RELY on Christ! (v4)
-- There is nothing we can do without Christ – b/c of what He’s already done
-- Take note of the cross – none of us has sacrificed to that level, so we follow Him
- Read (NLT Version) Philippians 3:5-14 / Pray
Point 1 – What is knowing Jesus worth?
- Paul makes a terrific case for “if anyone can boast I certainly can”
-- But hang with me, because I don’t want you to miss why he does this
-- EX: Some may think Paul is about to go an ego trip, but watch this closely
- In three observations he shows how he “might have confidence in the flesh”
1. His pure Jewish blood
2. His legal preciseness and high status
3. His zeal for the law
- Paul is basically saying, “I am one of the original ones, obedient from my birth”
-- So much so, he was accepted and installed as a Pharisee (elected)
-- He is from the tribe of Benjamin, a son of Rachel, not from an outside mix
-- Calls himself a Hebrew of Hebrews; neither parent being of Gentile descent
- When it comes to the Law, he knew it fully (was highly trusted and respected)
-- Confirms it in Acts 26:5, “If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion.”
-- His acts in the Jewish faith set him apart as one worthy of respect
-- In the Jewish faith, he is a man who is blameless when it comes to the Law
- But why is this important? Why does his “resume” matter?
-- Consider who he is talking to … humans who like to exalt themselves (sinful)
-- But to the reader, he’s encouraging us to see ourselves here, to know yourself
- Now don’t miss this … Ref verses 7-8
-- Paraphrase: “Whatever I may have gained (because of my resume) …”
-- This would include all possible advantages of outward status, esp. in customs
-- Let’s be honest, he enjoyed some serious status during the first century
-- RE: He ordered the stoning of believers; chief persecutor of the Church – BUT!
- Of all the things he had, he counted them a loss compared to KNOWING Jesus
-- Note how Paul says it in verse 7: I consider them (the things) worthless
-- All of these things he has gained they are insignificant, trivial, or small
-- Consider: Jesus in Matthew 16:26, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
- I would like to expound just a bit on v7-8 just to provide added thoughts
- Why would Paul say these things are not worth anything?
-- Ask yourself: What can compare to what we gain in Jesus Christ?
-- Christians are called to look ahead - to know that our reward is NOT here
- It’s important to emphasize: Our best life is NOT lived today
-- IMP: If it was, how could we possibly tell others about something greater?
-- Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
- Paul demonstrates for us that his testimony is more valuable than worldly stuff!
- HUGE: In all I have gained, life is STILL not about me or “what I’ve done”
- TR: This is where Paul’s heart and focus is, and leads us into next point
Point 2 – Why is knowing Jesus critical?
- v9, he is an implied question: “Who would you rather be living for?”
