Philippians 3
Philippians 3 is a passage in which the Apostle Paul confesses his faith journey and the change in his values, and it speaks to the believers of the Philippian church with messages of spiritual vigilance and encouragement. Paul emphasizes the preciousness of knowing Jesus Christ and the uselessness, before God, of what people have to brag about in a human sense. He also likens the Christian life in this world to a race run with full speed, and he makes clear that the ultimate goal is union with Christ and citizenship in heaven.
1verseFinally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
2verseBeware of the dogs; beware of the evil workers; beware of the false circumcision.
3verseFor we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;
4versethough I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
5versecircumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6verseconcerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7verseHowever, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ.
8verseYes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
9verseand be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith,
10versethat I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death,
11verseif by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12verseNot that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13verseBrothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before,
14verseI press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15verseLet us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
16verseNevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let’s walk by the same rule. Let’s be of the same mind.
17verseBrothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
18verseFor many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,
19versewhose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.
20verseFor our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21versewho will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
Structure and Flow
- Warning (verses 1–3): Paul delivers a message warning against legalistic teachers, emphasizing that true circumcision is not of the body but of serving God spiritually.
- A new understanding of boasting (verses 4–11): Paul mentions his Jewish background and the righteousness of the law, confessing that when compared with knowing Christ, all of those things have become harmful to him. He explains that righteousness is truly obtained only through faith in Christ.
- The spiritual race (verses 12–16): Paul says that although he has not yet been made complete, he keeps moving forward without interruption according to the mission Christ has given. He urges believers to forget what lies behind and to run toward the goal ahead.
- Citizenship in heaven (verses 17–21): Paul encourages believers to follow his example of faith and reminds them that our citizenship is in heaven. He also expresses hope that Jesus Christ will transform our lowly bodies into glorious bodies.
The Overall Meaning of Philippians 3
This chapter points out the limits of a life that makes legalistic deeds and human achievements the foundation of faith. Paul shows that the center of faith is personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ. He also describes the life of following Christ as being like a race that presses on toward the ultimate purpose, even while admitting present shortcomings. As those who have citizenship in heaven, believers are reminded that the value of this world is only temporary, and the passage contains an exhortation to hold on to true glory and hope in Christ.
Meditation Points
- What am I using as my boast in faith? Reflect on what true boasting, which Paul emphasized, actually is.
- If there are any legalistic ways of thinking or outward standards that repeat themselves during my faith journey, take time to examine what they might be.
- Reflect on how you can apply the attitude of the "race"—pressing forward toward Christ—into your own life.
Applying It to Myself
- Focus on the core of faith—not on outward actions or human achievements, but on knowing Jesus Christ and the relationship with Him.
- Do not remain stuck in past accomplishments and mistakes; instead, make a decision to run anew each day according to Christ’s grace.
- Remember that the glory of this world is only temporary, and commit to living with ultimate hope, since we are citizens of heaven.
