Introduction

Good morning, family! We've got some deeply enriching spiritual food to dig into today. We're going to take a deep dive into Philippians 3:7-11.

Now these verses remind us of a truth that Watchman Nee once expressed so well, "May the things of this world so lose their power over us that we do not in the slightest wish to be ‘worldly’; nay, we even delight in not remaining ‘in the world.’"

Let's read together from the Apostle Paul's letter to Philippi:

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)

Let's pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and for your word that guides us, teaches us, and helps us understand your love and plan for us. As we delve into this scripture today, open our hearts and minds to understand the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and how everything else pales in comparison. Help us to align our lives and our goals with you, knowing that the ultimate goal of life is to know and serve you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's unpack this scripture together...

The Pursuit of Knowing Christ

The pursuit of knowing Christ, as Paul so passionately expresses in Philippians 3:7-11, is the ultimate goal and the ultimate reward of the Christian life. It is a pursuit that surpasses all worldly gains and ambitions, and it is a pursuit that brings us into the very heart of God's love and purpose for us.

Verse 7: Paul begins by stating that whatever were gains to him, he now considers loss for the sake of Christ. This is a profound statement that challenges our modern culture's obsession with material wealth, status, and personal achievement. Paul is essentially saying that all the things that the world values and strives for are worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This is not a call to asceticism or a rejection of the world, but rather a call to a higher and more fulfilling pursuit.

Greek translation: The Greek word for "know" used in this passage is "ginosko," which implies a deep, intimate, experiential knowledge. It is not merely intellectual or theoretical knowledge, but a personal and relational knowledge. This is the kind of knowledge that transforms us, shapes our identity, and gives meaning and purpose to our lives.

Verse 8: Paul goes on to say that he has lost all things for the sake of gaining Christ. This is a radical statement that challenges us to consider what we are willing to give up in order to know Christ more deeply. It is a call to surrender, to let go of our own plans and ambitions, and to embrace the plans and purposes that God has for us. It is a call to die to self and to live for Christ.

Verse 9: Paul talks about not having a righteousness of his own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ. This is a crucial point that underscores the grace and mercy of God. We cannot earn our way to God through our own efforts or good deeds. Our righteousness comes from Christ alone, through faith. This is a liberating truth that frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Verse 10: Paul expresses his desire to know the power of Christ's resurrection and to participate in his sufferings. This is a sobering reminder that the pursuit of knowing Christ is not a path of ease and comfort. It involves sharing in Christ's sufferings and becoming like him in his death. But it also involves sharing in his resurrection power and experiencing the new life that he offers.

A lifelong journey: It is a journey of transformation, surrender, faith, and of deep, intimate relationship with our Savior. It is a journey that brings us into the very heart of God's love and purpose for us.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you had to let go of something you valued in order to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ. How did this affect your life and your faith?

The Worthlessness of Everything Else

Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was a respected Pharisee, a man of status and influence in the Jewish community ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO