Philippians 3:3-14

Introduction:

1. This being the last day of the year, we look back and we look ahead.

2. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” John Rockefeller.

3. Though speaking of business pursuits, his statement has a spiritual application for us as we use the past only as a catalyst for growth.

Discussion:

I. Reflecting on the Past: Both Good and Bad

A. Paul reflected on his faithfulness to Moses’ Law, a system good in its time and for its purpose (Philippians 3:3-6; Romans 7:7-12; Galatians 3:24).

B. He had lived well under that system (3:6; Acts 23:1).

C. He recognized certain temporal benefits in the law which were a continual draw to Jewish converts (Galatians 1:6-9; 5:1-7; Hebrews 10:26-39).

II. Recognizing the Great

A. Through much struggle and with miraculous intervention, Saul/Paul came to see Jesus for His surpassing worth (3:7-11; Acts 9).

B. Look at his description of Christ in this passage: excellence of His knowledge, righteousness from God, power of His resurrection, etc.

III. Giving Up the Good for the Great

A. When Paul recognized the surpassing value of Christ, he went all in for Him as he had previously done in Judaism (3:7-8).

B. The result was that he counted the “good things” he enjoyed in Judaism as loss, even rubbish to gain Christ (3:7-8).

C. He recognized that he had not yet attained the goal (3:12-13).

D. So, he left the past in the past and reached forward vigorously to obtain “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

Conclusion:

1. There was grave danger for all who sought to turn back to Judaism (Galatians 1:6-9; 4:21-5:7; Hebrews 10:26-39).

2. Likewise, there is danger in turning back to any other system we may have followed before.

3. Have we given up the good for the great?