Knowing Jesus Matters - Philippians, Part 7 Series

“Knowing Jesus Matters” - Philippians, Part 7

Philippians Sermon Series, Part 7

Philippians 3:5-14

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?”