Today’s post examine’s Paul’s letter to the Philippians about how righteousness is through Jesus Christ. Here are some of my past studies in the book of Philippians in case you missed them:
- An Introduction to the Book of Philippians
- Paul’s Greeting, Gratitude, and Group Focus (Phil 1:1-11)
- A Leader Rejoices When His Cause Advances (Phil 1:12-18)
- Paul’s Life for Christ (Phil 1:19-26)
- Leaders Lead and Live in an Ethical Way (Phil 1:27-30)
- Leaders Focus on Others (Phil 2:1-4)
- Have the Same Attitude as Christ (Phil 2:5-11)
- Leaders Shine Brightly for Christ (Phil 2:12-18)
- Christian Leaders Have Confidence in Christ (Phil 3:1-6)
Photo Credit: Dennis Jarvis
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Summary of Past Studies
Last week we studied Phil 3:1-6 in which Paul told the Philippians to watch out for the dogs, those mutilators, who teach that you have to be circumcised in order to be saved. Then, we looked at out how circumcision was something done inside of us—a change of heart—not just an outward appearance. Then, to emphasize the work that Christ had done, Paul shared his heritage and work saying that all of that was pointless because of Christ. Today we will examine what it is about Christ and how we are found righteous in him.
B. Text of Phil 3:7-11
7But, whatever I considered a gain for myself I have now considered a loss because of Christ. 8Indeed, more than that I consider it all a loss on account of the surpassingly great knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. I gave up everything because of Christ, and consider everything as garbage, in order that I might gain Christ 9and be found in him not by having my own righteousness from the Law, but my righteousness by the faithfulness of Christ, righteousness from God based on faith, 10in order to know him, mostly the power of his resurrection and participation in his suffering, by means of sharing in his death 11if possible, I might reach resurrection from the dead.
C. Introduction and Joke
A young girl was in her elementary school class when her teacher began teaching about mammals and wales. The teacher said that because mammals have small throats they cannot swallow large animals. The little girl raised her hand and said, “But the Bible says that Jonah–a man–was swallowed by a whale.” The teacher responded, “Well, a man is a large animal, so it is unlikely that a whale could have swallowed Jonah.” The little girl persisted, “Well, the Bible says that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. I believe it. But, how can I be sure?” The teacher smiled and replied, “Well, when you get to heaven you can ask Jonah if it really happened.” The girl, becoming frustrated with the teacher replied, “Okay, when I get to heaven I will ask Jonah. But, if Jonah is not in heaven, then I will let you ask him!”
II. RIGHTEOUSNESS BASED ON FAITH (3:7-9)
“7But, whatever I considered a gain for myself I have now considered a loss because of Christ. 8Indeed, more than that I consider it all a loss on account of the surpassingly great knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. I gave up everything because of Christ, and consider everything as garbage, in order that I might gain Christ 9and be found in him not by having my own righteousness from the Law, but my righteousness by the faithfulness of Christ, righteousness from God based on faith,”
A. Worthless Because of Christ (v. 7)