Episode 15) Pressing On Toward Christ

Let Us Pray

Our dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving us ears to hear your Holy Word. We pray for the illumination of the Holy Spirit to make these ancient words of Scripture relevant and near to each of us today. Shine your light in our hearts so that we may share it with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

From Paul’s Letter to the Philippians - Chapter 3:1-11

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh![a] 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God[b] and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh— 4 even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh.

If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but one that comes through faith in Christ,[c] the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ[d] and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The surpassing value of knowing Christ

In Philippians 3, Paul asks us to consider what we count as valuable. He had credentials, accomplishments, and a record of observing religious rules. Yet he came to regard them as nothing compared with knowing Christ.

Paul warns the Philippians against placing their confidence in outward achievements or rituals. His hope rests instead in Christ and in the grace received through faith.

What might we be tempted to rely on for our standing before God? Paul invites us to place our trust in Jesus.

Continuing the journey

Paul does not claim to have reached the end of his spiritual journey. He presses on to know Christ more fully and to live the life to which Christ has called him.

That can encourage us when growth feels slow. We are still learning, and we do not walk alone. The same Holy Spirit strengthens us as we continue toward Christ.

Paul closes this section with a loving call to “stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). May we keep pressing on and stand firm in him.

Peace be with you.