Relentlessly Pursuing What Matters

Philippians 3:7-11   Loss is Gain . . .   The reasons Paul considered everything loss is because . . .   ·         Meaning and significance do not come from a list of achievements or titles, but from being identified with Christ. “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (v.7)   ·         Everything else greatly pales in comparison to surpassing worth of knowing Christ. “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.” (v.8)   o   In light of knowing Christ, the things we often perceive as gain are just empty treasures painted with fool’s gold.   o   To give up what you have in order to pursue that which is of most worth is really no sacrifice in light of what you gain.  (Matthew 13:44-46)   ·         Righteousness depends on faith in Christ, not in keeping religious rules. “ . . . and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness of God that depends on faith . . .” (v.9)   o   Our righteousness is not secured in what we are identified with, but rather it is secured in finding our identity in Christ.    ·         Knowing Christ intimately requires treasuring Christ fully above all things. “ . . . that I may know Him . . .” (v.10) o   I will never gain a clear understanding of the intrinsic worth of that which I do not intimately know. §  The power of His resurrection:  to live in the power of the One who raised Christ from the dead. §  To share in His sufferings: living in a way that is worthy of the gospel; unashamed and willing to count the cost of following after Him. §  To become like Him in His death:  obedient to the end, for the glory of God.