Verse
Context
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.8More 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
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But what things were gain - The credit and respect which I had, as being zealously attached to the law, and to the traditions of the elders, I counted loss for Christ - I saw that this could stand me in no stead; that all my acts of righteousness were nothing on which I could depend for salvation; and that Christ crucified could alone profit me; for I found that it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
gain--rather as Greek, "gains"; including all possible advantages of outward status, which he had heretofore enjoyed. I counted--Greek, "I have counted for Christ's sake loss." He no longer uses the plural as in "gains"; for he counts them all but one great "loss" (Mat 16:26; Luk 9:25).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But what things were gain to me,.... As circumcision, and the observance of the ceremonial law, which he thought were necessary to salvation; and his natural and lineal descent from Abraham, which he supposed entitled him to the favour of God, and eternal life, as well as to outward privileges; and his being of that strict sect of religion, a Pharisee, which he doubted not, being brought up and continued in, would secure to him everlasting happiness; and his zeal in persecuting the church of Christ, in which he thought he did God good service, and merited heaven for himself; and his legal righteousness, which he fancied was perfect, and so justified him in the sight of God, and rendered him acceptable to him: for the apostle's meaning is, not only that these things were judged by him, while in an unconverted state, good in themselves, and in some respects useful, but that they were really gainful, and meritorious of happiness in another world. But being converted, he saw all those things in a different light, and had a different opinion of them: those I counted loss for Christ; circumcision he saw was now abolished, and was nothing, and that the circumcision of the heart was the main thing; and that the other was so far from being useful and necessary to salvation, that it was hurtful, was a yoke of bondage, bound men over to keep the whole law, and made Christ of none effect to them; and the same opinion he had of the whole ceremonial law: as for natural descent, which he once valued and trusted in, he now rejected it, well knowing it signified not whether a man was a Greek, or a Jew, a Barbarian, or Scythian, provided he was but a believer in Christ, Col 3:11; and as for any outward form or sect of religion, he knew there was no salvation in it, nor in any other name but that of Christ, Act 4:12; and he was so far from thinking, that on account of his zeal in persecuting the church he was deserving of heaven, that for that reason he was not worthy to be called an apostle of Christ; and as for his legal righteousness, he now saw it to be as filthy rags, Isa 64:6; that many things in it were really evil in themselves, such as his observance of the traditions of the elders, whereby the commands of God were transgressed, and his mad zeal in persecuting the followers of Christ; and other things, which had the appearance of good works, were not truly so, did not spring from love, were not done in faith, and with a view to the glory of God; and that the best of them were very imperfect, and exceeding blamable; yea, that if they had been perfect, they could not have been meritorious of eternal life, as he once thought them to be; he saw now they were of no use in justification and salvation; nay, that they were hurtful and pernicious, being trusted to, as keeping persons off from Christ, and his righteousness: wherefore, he gladly suffered the loss of all his legal righteousness, and renounced and disclaimed it, and all pretensions to justification and salvation by it, for the sake of Christ; of life and salvation by him, and in comparison of him; of the knowledge of him, and of his justifying righteousness, as the following verses show. Hence, what before he pleased himself much with, and promised himself much from, he could not now reflect upon with any pleasure and satisfaction of mind; which is the sense of this phrase with Jewish writers (x): so it is observed of a drunken man, when he comes to himself; and it is told him what he did when in liquor, he grieves at it, , "and counts all loss and not gain"; i.e. can take no pleasure in a reflection on it, (x) Sepher Cosri, p. 3, sect. 16. fol. 152. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:7-8 As a Christian, Paul now regarded these things (3:5-6) as worthless because of what Christ has done: A believer’s relationship with God is defined by knowing Christ (cp. 3:10; John 17:3) and nothing else. The only important thing is to gain Christ, thus receiving the gift of eternal salvation (cp. John 3:16; 1 Jn 5:11-13). By comparison, all other things are meaningless garbage (or excrement).
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.8More 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
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Learning to Be a Minister
By Leonard Ravenhill5.0K1:26:10ISA 40:29DAN 6:22MAT 6:33ACT 9:5PHP 3:7PHP 3:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about John Wesley and his commitment to spending time with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to God and suggests that two hours and twenty-four minutes is a suitable amount of time to give to God each day. He also mentions the value of personal experience with God, stating that those who have encountered God in their lives are not easily swayed by arguments or criticisms. The speaker encourages the audience to prioritize their relationship with God over scholarly pursuits and to seek wisdom from the book of Proverbs.
Apostleship - Part 1
By Norman Grubb4.6K27:43Apostleship1CO 4:15PHP 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of missions and the willingness to face opposition and even death for the sake of spreading the word of God. He refers to the apostles as being set forth at the point of death and making a spectacle of themselves to angels and men. The speaker also discusses the concept of being established as a father in the faith, combining authority and intercession. He highlights the need for a revolution of consciousness and the importance of questioning and discarding the alternatives of the flesh in order to fully operate in the spirit.
Eternity
By Leonard Ravenhill4.6K28:52EternityPSA 90:12ACT 9:4ROM 1:14ROM 3:23PHP 3:7HEB 11:33The sermon transcript discusses the urgency of preaching the gospel of the kingdom in every land before the glorious day of the son of Manuel's appearance. It emphasizes the need to save the souls of the lost, as a thousand million souls are being lost every day. The sermon also highlights the concept of eternity and its impact on motivating believers to work for God. The theme of judgment is explored through a poem that depicts the consequences faced by different individuals, including the rich, the great, the gambler, and the model man, in the afterlife. The sermon concludes with a plea for repentance and salvation before it is too late.
Paul's Self-Distrust
By A.W. Tozer3.3K24:32DistrustPHP 3:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of relying on our own virtues and stability. He explains that God teaches us to distrust ourselves in four ways, including through holy inspiration and going through difficult experiences. The preacher also warns against sympathizing with Job's suffering and taking his side against God. He highlights the humility of the apostle Paul, who recognized that his abilities and power came from God alone. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need to trust in God rather than ourselves and to acknowledge our own shortcomings.
Travailing - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K09:302CO 5:14GAL 2:20GAL 4:19GAL 6:14PHP 3:7This sermon delves into the profound courage, faith, and love displayed by the apostle Paul as seen in his letter to the Galatians. It explores how Paul's unwavering commitment to the message of the cross and his identification with Christ's crucifixion shaped his perspective on the world and his sacrificial love. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of fully surrendering to Christ and the radical nature of living out the gospel message.
The Spirit of Travail by Leonard Ravenhil
By Leonard Ravenhill2.5K1:00:00PHP 3:7This sermon emphasizes the need for a deep transformation in believers, focusing on the sacrificial love and unshakable faith of the Apostle Paul. It delves into Paul's unwavering commitment to Christ, his willingness to surrender all for the gospel, and the desperate need for a revival of holy passion, anointing, and vision in the Church today.
Wanting More
By Jim Cymbala1.8K17:33HungerPHP 3:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the important principle found in Philippians chapter 3. The apostle Paul shares his testimony, highlighting his religious accomplishments and zeal for persecuting Christians. However, Paul declares that he now considers all these things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus. He emphasizes that true righteousness does not come from following the law or earning salvation through good works, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the gospel's foundation, which is that believers are accepted by God solely because of their relationship with Jesus, not based on their own efforts or performance.
The Highest Priority in Life
By Bob Hoekstra1.0K53:42PHP 3:7This sermon emphasizes the highest priority in life, which is knowing God. It highlights the importance of meeting the Lord, renouncing self-righteousness, and growing in an intimate relationship with Christ. The passage in Philippians chapter 3 is explored, focusing on the marks of knowing the Lord, the surpassing value of knowing Christ, and being found in Him for righteousness through faith.
Try and See
By Basilea Schlink58704:35Radio ShowMAT 16:25LUK 9:23PHP 3:7In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of dissatisfaction in life and offers a solution found in the life of Jesus. The speaker shares their personal experience of feeling dissatisfied and trapped by unfulfilled demands. They emphasize that the way to true satisfaction is through letting go and giving up everything, as Jesus calls us to do. By relinquishing our desires for material possessions, power, and love, we can experience true joy and fulfillment. The speaker encourages listeners to try this approach and promises that by following in Jesus' footsteps, we will find happiness.
Are You Running for Jesus
By G.W. North5861:16:39JesusMAT 6:33ROM 6:6ROM 12:2GAL 2:16GAL 2:18PHP 3:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to take responsibility for their spiritual growth and to actively pursue a life of destruction of worldly desires and ambitions. He encourages the audience to run the race for Jesus and not be hindered by criticism or fear. The preacher shares the example of Paul, who immediately started running for Jesus after his conversion and continued to witness for Christ despite facing challenges. He challenges the audience to examine their own lives and ask if they have experienced a true and complete destruction of their old ways, emphasizing the power of the cross in bringing about this transformation.
Blessed Are the Pure
By Leonard Ravenhill891:17:47Surrender to GodBlessedPurity of HeartMAT 5:8PHP 3:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound truth of being 'pure in heart' as a pathway to seeing God, reflecting on the deep spiritual implications of purity and the necessity of surrendering all to Christ. He draws parallels between the struggles of biblical figures like Paul and the modern Christian experience, urging believers to recognize their spiritual poverty and the need for divine grace. Ravenhill challenges the congregation to pursue a deeper relationship with God, understanding that true fulfillment comes from a heart aligned with His will, rather than worldly accolades or riches. He highlights the paradox of the Christian life, where losing oneself leads to true gain in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live out the Beatitudes, particularly the call to purity, as a reflection of Christ's character in a world that often values the opposite.
That I Might Know Him - Part 2
By Peter Brandon6552:15Intimacy with ChristCost Of DiscipleshipPHP 3:7Peter Brandon emphasizes the profound difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Him personally and experientially. He draws from Philippians 3:7-14, illustrating how the Apostle Paul counted all his gains as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, highlighting the cost of discipleship and the necessity of suffering to truly understand the power of His resurrection. Brandon challenges the congregation to reflect on their own relationship with Christ, urging them to seek an intimate and transformative knowledge of Him rather than mere intellectual understanding. He encourages believers to embrace the losses that come with following Christ, as they lead to a deeper fellowship with Him and a greater understanding of His glory. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to live out the reality of Christ in their lives, pressing toward the heavenly prize.
That I Might Know Him Phil 3+4
By Phil Beach Jr.3220:30Spiritual PrioritiesKnowing GodKnowing ChristPHP 3:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound importance of knowing Jesus Christ over earthly achievements, as illustrated by Paul's reflections in Philippians 3 and 4. He urges believers to adopt a heart posture that values Christ above all else, recognizing that worldly accomplishments are insignificant in comparison. Beach encourages the congregation to reject distractions and false teachings that undermine the centrality of the cross and to focus on living a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. He concludes with practical advice on maintaining a mindset aligned with God's truth, promising that the God of peace will be with those who do so.
Gentiles Seek Things - Sons Seek Gods Kingdom - No Part Darkness - Part 2 - Possessing the Goal
By Phil Beach Jr.321:06:59Trusting God's ProvisionTransformation in ChristKingdom Of GodPHP 3:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in revealing the character of Christ to believers, urging them to trust in God's provision and not be troubled by worldly concerns. He encourages the congregation to focus on the eternal and to cast their cares upon the Lord, reminding them that their true hope lies in heaven, not earthly possessions. Beach highlights the importance of having a single focus on Christ, as the ideal standard for living, and challenges believers to strive for a life that reflects His glory. He reassures that in moments of impossibility, God is able to manifest His power and grace, urging the church to seek transformation into the likeness of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart posture of dependence on God, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning with His will and purpose.
The Deep Dealings of God - Part 3 - Knowing the Lord
By Phil Beach Jr.291:00:42Divine SeparationKnowing GodPHP 3:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the deep dealings of God in our lives, focusing on the necessity of knowing the Lord through a profound process of divine separation and heart transformation. He reflects on the Apostle Paul's journey, illustrating how true knowledge of Christ requires counting all things as loss and being stripped of self-righteousness. Beach encourages believers to embrace the trials and challenges as opportunities for deeper intimacy with God, highlighting that the desire to know Him is a sign of His grace at work in our hearts. He draws parallels with Abraham's life, showing that hearing God's call leads to a journey of faith and separation from worldly attachments. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to seek God above all else, allowing Him to establish His lordship in our lives.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 3
By Phil Beach Jr.231:22:20Greatness in GodChristian LifeSurrenderLUK 1:38ACT 9:6PHP 3:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound love of God and the importance of surrendering to His will, drawing parallels between the lives of Mary and Paul. He highlights that true greatness, especially for mothers, lies not in perfection but in being a servant of the Lord and responding to His word with obedience. The sermon encourages believers to seek God's guidance in their lives, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from living through Christ rather than relying on personal strength. Beach Jr. calls for a deeper understanding of our captivity to self and the need for God's grace to free us, ultimately leading to a life that reflects Christ's image.
(The New Covenant Servant) 7. Building the Church
By Zac Poonen1MAT 7:29MAT 18:18JHN 17:10JHN 17:171CO 14:24EPH 2:15PHP 3:71TI 3:152PE 1:19Zac Poonen preaches on the ultimate purpose of God in the new covenant, emphasizing the importance of unity in the Body of Christ. Under the new covenant, God desires a unified Body, not just individual godly persons. The presence of God is crucial in a new-covenant church, where Divine life should be evident, convicting hearts and manifesting God's glory. The church should be a place where the truth sets people free, guided by the Spirit of truth. Spiritual authority is essential for building the Body of Christ, requiring sacrificial living and a willingness to give all to God.
First Things First
By Samuel Logan Brengle1Spiritual FulfillmentPrioritizing GodMAT 6:33LUK 9:62PHP 3:7Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all else in his sermon 'First Things First.' He illustrates how history judges individuals not by their titles or ranks but by the quality of their deeds and character, highlighting figures like Nero and Marcus Aurelius, and John and Judas. Brengle warns against allowing work, family, or personal ambition to take precedence over one's relationship with God, stressing that losing sight of this priority can lead to spiritual barrenness. He encourages listeners to seek God first, as true fulfillment and purpose come from a deep connection with Him. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to ensure that God remains at the forefront of their lives.
Step 17 on Poverty (That Hastens Heavenwards).
By St. John Climacus0MAT 6:19MRK 8:34LUK 12:15PHP 3:71TI 6:10St. John Climacus preaches on the virtues of poverty and detachment, emphasizing the freedom from anxiety and worldly cares that come with entrusting everything to God. He highlights the purity in prayer and the detachment from material possessions that monks and ascetics should strive for, as well as the dangers of avarice and the love of money. Climacus encourages a life of pilgrimage for the Lord, renouncing possessions and one's own will to inherit eternal life and experience true joy in spiritual treasures.
I counted...and I Count
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Commitment to ChristConsecrationPHP 3:7Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the transformative power of unconditional surrender to Christ, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul, who counted all things as loss for the sake of knowing Jesus. He warns that youth is the ideal time for such a commitment, as age often brings caution and compromise. Brengle illustrates the dangers of half-hearted faith through the examples of Solomon, Ananias and Sapphira, and Demas, stressing that true satisfaction and fulfillment come only through complete devotion to Christ. He calls believers to recognize the weight of their commitment and the impact of their lives on the world, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith. Ultimately, he reassures that the Lord will provide strength and guidance to those who fully dedicate themselves to Him.
1 Corinthians 14:1
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 13:8GEN 23:6ACT 14:131CO 14:1PHP 3:71TI 6:8John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being consumed by the desire for wealth and the importance of using wealth for the benefit of others. He emphasizes the need to prioritize virtue over material possessions, highlighting how wealth can lead to various troubles and even disrespect after death. Chrysostom urges the congregation to seek contentment in all circumstances, whether in poverty or wealth, and to focus on building a soul that can withstand any situation. He warns against the tyranny of covetousness and encourages the faithful to bind wealth to acts of mercy and charity, ensuring it is used for good.
Seeking and Finding
By T.M. Anderson0JER 29:13LUK 11:10JHN 14:21JHN 16:131CO 2:92CO 4:18PHP 3:7HEB 11:6T.M. Anderson preaches on the power of prayer and seeking God, emphasizing that through prayer, important discoveries can be made about Christ and His provision for His children. He challenges believers to diligently seek God's treasures, assured that the Father will grant their requests and provide rest, strength, and health. Anderson highlights that the Holy Spirit enables believers to seek and find the treasures of truth, guiding them into all truth. He stresses the importance of seeking God with all our hearts, denying ourselves of worldly cares to find the possessions of the Father revealed in His Son.
Be Still and Know That I Am God
By Richard E. Bieber0PHP 3:7Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of being still before God, drawing from examples of Jesus and Paul. He emphasizes the need to quiet our hearts and minds, seeking solitude and inner quietness before the Father to allow God's life to flow through us. By focusing on knowing Christ deeply and abiding in Him, we can bear fruit and experience true effectiveness in our lives. The sermon highlights the significance of daily discipline, instant repentance, facing problems with stillness, and reflecting on victories in silence before God.
Wanting Jesus (And So Counting All Things but Refuse)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Desire for ChristForsaking the WorldPHP 3:7Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound desire to know Jesus Christ above all else, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul, who counted all his gains as loss for the sake of Christ. Waldvogel urges believers to forsake worldly pursuits and self-reliance, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. He highlights the necessity of a renewed mind and the importance of opening one's heart to the indwelling presence of Christ, which transforms our desires and priorities. The preacher calls for a hunger for Jesus that surpasses all earthly attachments, encouraging believers to embrace the resurrection power of Christ in their lives. Ultimately, Waldvogel challenges the congregation to reflect on their true desires and to seek a genuine connection with the Savior.
John Sung
By David Smithers0PHP 3:7David Smithers preaches about the uncomfortable relationship between the modern Church and God's prophetic people, drawing parallels to ancient Israel's resistance. He emphasizes the true role of prophets as alarm systems for the House of God, calling for repentance and revival rather than just predicting future events. Smithers highlights the life and ministry of John Sung, a powerful revivalist in the 20th century, who exemplified New Testament purity, power, and a genuine prophetic anointing, urging believers to embrace a similar zeal and fearlessness for God's Kingdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But what things were gain - The credit and respect which I had, as being zealously attached to the law, and to the traditions of the elders, I counted loss for Christ - I saw that this could stand me in no stead; that all my acts of righteousness were nothing on which I could depend for salvation; and that Christ crucified could alone profit me; for I found that it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
gain--rather as Greek, "gains"; including all possible advantages of outward status, which he had heretofore enjoyed. I counted--Greek, "I have counted for Christ's sake loss." He no longer uses the plural as in "gains"; for he counts them all but one great "loss" (Mat 16:26; Luk 9:25).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But what things were gain to me,.... As circumcision, and the observance of the ceremonial law, which he thought were necessary to salvation; and his natural and lineal descent from Abraham, which he supposed entitled him to the favour of God, and eternal life, as well as to outward privileges; and his being of that strict sect of religion, a Pharisee, which he doubted not, being brought up and continued in, would secure to him everlasting happiness; and his zeal in persecuting the church of Christ, in which he thought he did God good service, and merited heaven for himself; and his legal righteousness, which he fancied was perfect, and so justified him in the sight of God, and rendered him acceptable to him: for the apostle's meaning is, not only that these things were judged by him, while in an unconverted state, good in themselves, and in some respects useful, but that they were really gainful, and meritorious of happiness in another world. But being converted, he saw all those things in a different light, and had a different opinion of them: those I counted loss for Christ; circumcision he saw was now abolished, and was nothing, and that the circumcision of the heart was the main thing; and that the other was so far from being useful and necessary to salvation, that it was hurtful, was a yoke of bondage, bound men over to keep the whole law, and made Christ of none effect to them; and the same opinion he had of the whole ceremonial law: as for natural descent, which he once valued and trusted in, he now rejected it, well knowing it signified not whether a man was a Greek, or a Jew, a Barbarian, or Scythian, provided he was but a believer in Christ, Col 3:11; and as for any outward form or sect of religion, he knew there was no salvation in it, nor in any other name but that of Christ, Act 4:12; and he was so far from thinking, that on account of his zeal in persecuting the church he was deserving of heaven, that for that reason he was not worthy to be called an apostle of Christ; and as for his legal righteousness, he now saw it to be as filthy rags, Isa 64:6; that many things in it were really evil in themselves, such as his observance of the traditions of the elders, whereby the commands of God were transgressed, and his mad zeal in persecuting the followers of Christ; and other things, which had the appearance of good works, were not truly so, did not spring from love, were not done in faith, and with a view to the glory of God; and that the best of them were very imperfect, and exceeding blamable; yea, that if they had been perfect, they could not have been meritorious of eternal life, as he once thought them to be; he saw now they were of no use in justification and salvation; nay, that they were hurtful and pernicious, being trusted to, as keeping persons off from Christ, and his righteousness: wherefore, he gladly suffered the loss of all his legal righteousness, and renounced and disclaimed it, and all pretensions to justification and salvation by it, for the sake of Christ; of life and salvation by him, and in comparison of him; of the knowledge of him, and of his justifying righteousness, as the following verses show. Hence, what before he pleased himself much with, and promised himself much from, he could not now reflect upon with any pleasure and satisfaction of mind; which is the sense of this phrase with Jewish writers (x): so it is observed of a drunken man, when he comes to himself; and it is told him what he did when in liquor, he grieves at it, , "and counts all loss and not gain"; i.e. can take no pleasure in a reflection on it, (x) Sepher Cosri, p. 3, sect. 16. fol. 152. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:7-8 As a Christian, Paul now regarded these things (3:5-6) as worthless because of what Christ has done: A believer’s relationship with God is defined by knowing Christ (cp. 3:10; John 17:3) and nothing else. The only important thing is to gain Christ, thus receiving the gift of eternal salvation (cp. John 3:16; 1 Jn 5:11-13). By comparison, all other things are meaningless garbage (or excrement).