Philippians 3:7-11
Summary for Phil 3:7-8: 3:7-8 a As a Christian, Paul now regarded these things (3:5-6 b) as worthless because of what Christ has done: A believer’s relationship with God is defined by knowing Christ (cp. 3:10 c; John 17:3 d) and nothing else. The only important thing is to gain Christ, thus receiving the gift of eternal salvation (cp. John 3:16 e; 1 Jn 5:11-13 f). By comparison, all other things are meaningless garbage (or excrement).3:9 g Paul here summarizes the contrast between his understanding of salvation and that of his opponents (3:2 h).
• Believers become one with Christ by trusting him for salvation and sharing his life (cp. John 15:1-5 i).
• We become righteous, not by observing the law of Moses, but through faith in Christ. This is God’s way of making us right with himself: Salvation cannot be earned, but only received as a free gift (see Rom 1:17 j; 3:21-26 k; 4:5-8 l; Gal 2:16 m; Eph 2:8-9 n).
3:10 o to know Christ: In knowing him, a person knows and is accepted by God (cp. 3:7-8 p; John 1:12-13 q; 17:3 r).
• Believers experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead, both now and in eternity (see Rom 6:4-14 s; 8:10-11 t; Col 3:1-4 u).
• to suffer with him, sharing in his death: Joined to Christ, a believer has the privilege of experiencing his life and death (see Phil 1:29 v; 2 Cor 4:10-12 w; Col 1:24 x; 1 Pet 4:13-16 y).
3:11 z To experience the resurrection from the dead is to be saved from judgment and receive eternal life (see Rev 20:4-6 aa). Paul was aware of God’s holiness and the severity of the final judgment (Rev 20:11-15 ab); he knew he must persevere in his pursuit of Christ and salvation (cp. Gal 5:5 ac).
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