Introduction

In Philippians 3:1–4:1, Paul challenges believers to place their confidence in Christ rather than earthly credentials, to press forward in knowing Him, and to stand firm as citizens of Heaven. He contrasts friends of the cross—those who sacrificially follow Jesus’ example—with enemies of the cross who pursue their own passions. Through exhortation and personal example, Paul reminds believers that true righteousness and future hope lie in Christ alone.

Key Points

Main Point: Christ is far more precious than any worldly achievement and is more than worthy of our lifelong pursuit as citizens of heaven.

Purpose: Persevere in their faith journey until Christ’s return as citizens of heaven by treasuring Christ above everything in life, and even in death.

Philippians 3:1

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice, even amidst troubles, as such suffering aligns them with the footsteps of Christ. Likewise, we too should rejoice daily, especially in trials, knowing that by humbling ourselves and following Christ, we walk in the path of our King.

Philippians 3:2

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

Paul warns against false teachers who insist that Christians must follow Jewish customs like circumcision to be saved, comparing them to scavenger dogs of little worth. In God’s eyes, we are part of His family solely by grace through faith in Christ. Therefore, we must be vigilant against anyone teaching that additional religious acts are required to secure our place in God’s family, remembering that we entered and remain in His grace alone.

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.

Paul expands “circumcision” beyond its outward sign of being a Jew and a member of God’s family to the circumcision of hearts in all Christians, regardless of background, are members of God’s family through the Spirit of God. Our membership is not based on any outward credential, religious or otherwise, but solely on God’s grace. We are saved and sustained by grace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 3:4–6

Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 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; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Paul lists his extensive Jewish credentials—biologically pure, a Bible scholar, and a law-enforcer—to counter the false teachers, only to declare these credentials worthless compared to knowing Christ. If Paul, with such impeccable credentials, considered them insignificant next to Christ, how much more should we view our earthly achievements as nothing compared to the saving grace of our God?

Philippians 3:7–8a

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Paul regarded every credential he once valued as worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus as his Lord and Promised Saviour King. In the same way, we hold a far greater privilege than even the most successful by worldly standards, as we are members of God’s family, know Jesus as our Brother, and are citizens of His kingdom, hailing Him as our Lord.

Philippians 3:8b–9

For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 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 from God that depends on faith…

Paul emphasizes that he considers all his credentials as rubbish compared to gaining Christ and being made righteous by grace through faith in Him. True righteousness is not self-made through religious acts but is a precious gift from God, who declares us righteous through Christ. This grace, achieved by Christ taking our sin upon Himself, is invaluable and beyond the reach of any human achievement.

Philippians 3:10–11

…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Paul shifts from emphasizing the preciousness of Christ’s deeds to the intimacy of knowing Him, becoming like Him in both life and death. To live like Christ involves suffering for the Gospel, and to die like Christ brings the hope of resurrection. In His grace, God has not only saved us but also granted us the privilege of growing closer to Christ, transforming us to be more like Him in life and in death.

Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained the glorified resurrection and is not yet perfect in this regard. However, he strives toward it, assured by Christ Jesus, who has already guaranteed it for him. Similarly, we put in the effort to grow in godliness because Christ has promised that, by remaining in Him, we too will attain the resurrection.

Philippians 3:13–14

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s effort in growing in godliness involves setting aside his past and focusing intently on God’s promise to sustain him to the end. Similarly, while we acknowledge the shameful aspects of our past, we trust that Christ’s promise surpasses our pain. We can rest assured that God has fully forgiven us and put our sinful past aside, just as He declared in His Word (Hebrews 10:17; Jeremiah 31:34).

Philippians 3:15–16

Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Paul identifies mature Christians as those who press on toward Christ despite their past. Maturity involves fully recognizing both the gravity of our sin and the greatness of God’s grace in forgiving it, leading us to respond by continually growing in godliness through that same grace.

Philippians 3:17

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Paul urges the Philippians to emulate his example in suffering for Christ, humbling themselves, and working out their salvation with reverence. Similarly, we can apply God’s Word by following the example of spiritual leaders, as long as they faithfully abide by Scripture. This demonstrates that growing in godliness is a collaborative effort between leaders and laypersons within the body of Christ.

Philippians 3:18–19

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Paul describes the enemies of the cross as those who indulge in self-serving, sinful passions and take pride in them, with their ultimate destiny being judgment by a holy God. In contrast, by emulating spiritual leaders who faithfully follow God’s Word, we align ourselves as friends of the cross—putting others’ interests above our own and striving to become more like Jesus.

Philippians 3:20–4:1

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

The friends of the cross are citizens of heaven, awaiting their Saviour, King Jesus, who will resurrect their bodies beyond suffering and death through the power of the Holy Spirit. This assurance enables us to stand firm and press on toward Christ, knowing that our ultimate home is not in the present world but in the future return of King Jesus, who will reclaim and restore His kingdom.

Conclusion

In Philippians 3:1–4:1, Paul exalts Christ above all human achievements, urging believers to pursue Him wholeheartedly and reject any false reliance on worldly credentials. True righteousness comes by faith in Christ alone. By following faithful examples, suffering for the Gospel, and holding fast to our heavenly citizenship, we can press on toward maturity. Our hope rests not in past accomplishments but in Christ’s complete work and His promise of resurrection.

Summary

• Rejoice in Christ, especially amid troubles (3:1).
• Beware of false teachings that add requirements to grace (3:2–3).
• Worldly achievements are nothing compared to knowing Christ (3:4–8).
• Righteousness comes solely by faith in Christ (3:8b–9).
• Press on in maturity, leaving past failures behind (3:10–14).
• Imitate godly leaders; avoid becoming enemies of the cross (3:15–19).
• Live as citizens of Heaven, awaiting Jesus’ transforming power (3:20–4:1).