Phili 3:8-9 | MHM | STEP | v. 8 : Paul emphasizes this point, saying, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8 ). For Paul, knowing Christ is far more valuable than anything else. He even calls his former gains “dung” (worthless garbage) compared to Christ. Paul gave up everything—his status, reputation, and comfort—to follow Jesus, but he considered it a small price for the privilege of knowing Him (Isaiah 53:11 ).

‏ Philippians 3:8-9

v. 8: Paul emphasizes this point, saying, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8 ^a). For Paul, knowing Christ is far more valuable than anything else. He even calls his former gains “dung” (worthless garbage) compared to Christ. Paul gave up everything—his status, reputation, and comfort—to follow Jesus, but he considered it a small price for the privilege of knowing Him (Isaiah 53:11 ^b).

The Apostle's Concern, Hope, and Aim.

In these verses, Paul explains what really matters to him now that he has given up all confidence in his own achievements. He wants to be united with Christ, to be made righteous through faith, and to reach the final goal of heaven. Paul’s main focus is on knowing Jesus, becoming like Him, and pressing forward to eternal life.

v. 9: Paul’s desire is to “be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” . He knows that his own good works cannot make him right with God. Only the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus can save him (Isaiah 45:24; Jeremiah 23:6 ^c; Romans 3:25 ^d).