Philippians 3
BSB1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh! 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. 7 But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well. 16 Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. 18 For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Study Notes — Philippians 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Philippians 3
- Themes from Philippians 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Philippians 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul warns the Philippians against the dangers of false teachers who emphasize circumcision and works as a means of achieving righteousness. Paul argues that his own impressive resume, including his Jewish heritage and Pharisaic training, is worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. He expresses his desire to know Christ and be found in Him, and to be conformed to His death and resurrection. Paul encourages the Philippians to press on towards the goal of knowing Christ, and to forget what is behind them. He warns them against enemies of the cross, who are focused on earthly things, and encourages them to set their minds on things above. The chapter concludes with a call to stand firm in the Lord, and to rejoice in Him.
Context for the Chapter
Philippians 3 is part of a larger letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians, a church that he had founded during his second missionary journey. The chapter is situated in the midst of a discussion of the importance of unity and humility in the Christian life, and serves as a warning against the dangers of false teachers and the importance of trusting in Christ's righteousness. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Philippians 3, we are encouraged to examine our own lives and motivations. Are we trusting in our own works or accomplishments, or are we relying on Christ's righteousness? Are we pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ, or are we getting bogged down in the challenges and pressures of the Christian life? This chapter encourages us to stay focused on our goal, and to trust in Christ's work on our behalf.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Philippians 3 is a chapter that emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ's righteousness, rather than our own works or accomplishments. Paul argues that true righteousness comes from God through faith in Christ, and encourages believers to press on towards the goal of knowing Christ. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own lives and motivations, and to trust in Christ's work on our behalf. For example, in Philippians 3:9, Paul says that he wants to be found in Christ, with a righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest enemy to the cross of Christ is not the infidel, but the man who is self-righteous and thinks that he can save himself by his own works.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We are not saved by our own works, but by the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us through faith.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Warning Against False Teachers (3:1-6) — Paul warns the Philippians against the dangers of false teachers who emphasize circumcision and works as a means of achieving righteousness.
- Paul's Testimony (3:7-11) — Paul shares his own testimony, counting his impressive resume as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ.
- Pressing On Towards the Goal (3:12-16) — Paul encourages the Philippians to press on towards the goal of knowing Christ, and to forget what is behind them.
- Warning Against Enemies of the Cross (3:17-19) — Paul warns the Philippians against enemies of the cross, who are focused on earthly things.
- Conclusion (3:20-21) — The chapter concludes with a call to stand firm in the Lord, and to rejoice in Him.
Core Doctrines
- Justification by Faith
- This chapter teaches that justification comes through faith in Christ, rather than through works or earthly accomplishments.
- The Depravity of Man
- The chapter highlights the importance of recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and trusting in Christ's work on our behalf.
- The Importance of Perseverance
- Paul's emphasis on pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ highlights the importance of perseverance in the Christian life.
- The Centrality of Christ
- The chapter presents Christ as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in His righteousness and work on our behalf.
Lessons from Philippians 3
- The Importance of Humility — Paul's willingness to count his impressive resume as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ is a striking example of humility.
- The Danger of Self-Righteousness — The chapter warns against the dangers of self-righteousness, and encourages believers to trust in Christ's righteousness rather than their own works or accomplishments.
- The Importance of Perseverance — Paul's emphasis on pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ highlights the importance of perseverance in the Christian life.
- The Centrality of Christ — The chapter presents Christ as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in His righteousness and work on our behalf.
- The Importance of Discernment — The chapter encourages believers to be discerning and careful in their evaluation of different teachings and ideologies.
Themes from Philippians 3
- Righteousness Through Faith — This theme is central to the chapter, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Christ's righteousness rather than our own works or accomplishments.
- The Importance of Humility — Paul's willingness to count his impressive resume as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ is a striking example of humility.
- The Danger of Self-Righteousness — The chapter warns against the dangers of self-righteousness, and encourages believers to trust in Christ's righteousness rather than their own works or accomplishments.
- The Importance of Perseverance — Paul's emphasis on pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ highlights the importance of perseverance in the Christian life.
- The Centrality of Christ — The chapter presents Christ as the ultimate goal of the Christian life, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in His righteousness and work on our behalf.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you are tempted to trust in your own works or accomplishments, rather than in Christ's righteousness?
- How can you press on towards the goal of knowing Christ, despite the challenges and pressures of the Christian life?
- What are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper knowledge of Christ, and be conformed to His image?
- How can you stand firm in the Lord, and rejoice in Him, despite the challenges and pressures of the Christian life?
- What are some ways that you can warn others against the dangers of false teachers, and encourage them to trust in Christ's righteousness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Warning Against False Teachers (3:1-6)
| 3:1 | Paul warns the Philippians to beware of dogs, evil workers, and mutilators of the flesh, who are false teachers that emphasize circumcision and works as a means of achieving righteousness. |
| 3:2 | Paul argues that these false teachers are enemies of the cross of Christ, and that their emphasis on circumcision and works is a form of mutilation of the flesh. |
| 3:3 | In contrast, Paul argues that true believers worship God in the Spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. |
| 3:4 | Paul shares his own impressive resume, including his Jewish heritage and Pharisaic training, but counts it all as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. |
| 3:5 | Paul was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee |
| 3:6 | Paul was a persecutor of the church, and was blameless according to the righteousness which is in the Law. |
2. Paul's Testimony (3:7-11)
| 3:7 | Paul counts all his impressive resume as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ, and considers them all as rubbish in order that he may gain Christ. |
| 3:8 | Paul wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. |
| 3:9 | Paul wants to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his 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. |
| 3:10 | Paul wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. |
| 3:11 | Paul wants to attain to the resurrection from the dead. |
3. Pressing On Towards the Goal (3:12-16)
| 3:12 | Paul has not yet attained to the goal of knowing Christ, but he presses on towards it, that he may lay hold of that for which he was laid hold of by Christ. |
| 3:13 | Paul forgets what is behind him and reaches forward to what is ahead, pressing on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. |
| 3:14 | Paul presses on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. |
| 3:15 | All who are mature should have the same mind as Paul, and if anyone is otherwise-minded, God will reveal that also to him. |
| 3:16 | However, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. |
4. Warning Against Enemies of the Cross (3:17-19)
| 3:17 | Paul encourages the Philippians to join in following his example, and to observe those who walk according to the pattern they have in him. |
| 3:18 | Many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. |
| 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. |
5. Conclusion (3:20-21)
| 3:20 | The Philippians' citizenship is in heaven, from which they also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 3:21 | The Lord Jesus Christ will transform the body of their humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Philippians 3?
The main theme of Philippians 3 is the importance of trusting in Christ's righteousness, rather than our own works or accomplishments. As Paul says in Philippians 3:9, he wants to be found in Christ, with a righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
What is the danger of false teachers?
The danger of false teachers is that they emphasize works and circumcision as a means of achieving righteousness, rather than trusting in Christ's righteousness. As Paul warns in Philippians 3:2, these false teachers are enemies of the cross of Christ.
How can we press on towards the goal of knowing Christ?
We can press on towards the goal of knowing Christ by forgetting what is behind us and reaching forward to what is ahead, and by trusting in Christ's righteousness and work on our behalf. As Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, we must press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippians 3:3 → Romans 2:29 | The idea of worshiping God in the Spirit and glorying in Christ Jesus is also found in Romans 2:29, where Paul argues that true circumcision is a matter of the heart. |
| 2 | Philippians 3:5 → Acts 22:3 | Paul's statement that he was a Pharisee is also found in Acts 22:3, where he shares his testimony with the crowd in Jerusalem. |
| 3 | Philippians 3:7 → Matthew 13:44 | The idea of counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ is similar to the parable of the treasure in the field, where the man sells all that he has to buy the field. As Jesus says in Matthew 13:44, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that is worth giving up everything to obtain. |
| 4 | Philippians 3:9 → Romans 3:24 | The idea of being justified by faith is also found in Romans 3:24, where Paul argues that we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. |
| 5 | Philippians 3:10 → 2 Corinthians 5:15 | The idea of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection is also found in 2 Corinthians 5:15, where Paul argues that Christ died for all, and that we should no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again. |
| 6 | Philippians 3:12 → 1 Corinthians 9:24 | The idea of pressing on towards a goal is also found in 1 Corinthians 9:24, where Paul argues that we should run the race with perseverance, and that only one person can receive the prize. |
| 7 | Philippians 3:14 → Hebrews 12:1 | The idea of laying aside weights and sins, and running with perseverance the race that is set before us, is also found in Hebrews 12:1, where the author encourages believers to look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. |
| 8 | Philippians 3:20 → Colossians 3:1 | The idea of our citizenship being in heaven is also found in Colossians 3:1, where Paul encourages believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. |
| 9 | Philippians 3:21 → 1 John 3:2 | The idea of being transformed into the image of Christ is also found in 1 John 3:2, where John argues that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. |
| 10 | Philippians 3:21 → 1 Corinthians 15:49 | The idea of being transformed into the image of Christ is also found in 1 Corinthians 15:49, where Paul argues that we will bear the image of the heavenly man, just as we have borne the image of the earthly man. |
Sermons on Philippians 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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The Lord's Work by D.L. Moody | In this sermon by D.L. Moody, he emphasizes the importance of courage, enthusiasm, perseverance, and sympathy in doing the Lord's work. He shares examples of individuals who demons |
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(1 Peter - Part 4): The Christians Inheritance by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking forward and not dwelling on the past. He uses the example of a baseball player who never looks back and trusts tha |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's h |
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need |
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The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c |
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A Passion to Know Him by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord. Many people are content with knowing Jesus as their Savior becaus |
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Testimony - Part 1 by Corrie Ten Boom | In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitar |
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Brokenness Study #2 - the Purpose by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the incredible task that God gave to Moses. He was instructed to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Hebrew people. Moses was initiall |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Arrogance and Defeat by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to take the defeat and discouragement out of their spirits and hearts. He emphasizes that failure, whether in business or any othe |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Philippians 3
In Philippians 3, Matthew Henry argues that the apostle Paul is warning the Philippians against the dangers of false teachers, who emphasize circumcision and works as a means of achieving righteousness. Henry notes that Paul's own impressive resume is worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ, and that he counts all things as loss for the sake of knowing Him. Henry also emphasizes the importance of pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ, and of trusting in His righteousness and work on our behalf. As Henry says, 'The apostle's design is to show that all our justification and salvation are owing to the free grace of God, and the righteousness of Christ, and not to any thing in ourselves, or done by ourselves.' (Matthew Henry Commentary, Philippians 3:9). This highlights the importance of trusting in Christ's righteousness, rather than our own works or accomplishments, and of pressing on towards the goal of knowing Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Humility
Paul's willingness to count his impressive resume as worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ is a striking example of humility. This highlights the importance of recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and trusting in Christ's work on our behalf.
The Danger of False Teachers
The chapter warns against the dangers of false teachers who emphasize circumcision and works as a means of achieving righteousness. This highlights the importance of being discerning and careful in our evaluation of different teachings and ideologies.
The Importance of Perseverance
Paul's emphasis on pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ highlights the importance of perseverance in the Christian life. This encourages believers to stay focused on their goal, despite the challenges and pressures that they may face.