Northside Church of God
The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ - A Study of Philippians 3 Part 2
Welcome to the second installment of our sermon series, "The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ: A Study of Philippians 3." In this powerful chapter, the Apostle Paul takes us on a transformative journey, revealing the profound depth and significance of knowing Christ above all else. Paul, once a man of impressive credentials and accomplishments, now considers all his past gains as loss compared to the invaluable treasure of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This series challenges us to reassess our priorities, encouraging us to find our true worth and identity in Christ alone. This week, we will focus on Philippians 3:7-13, where Paul vividly describes the shift in his values and aspirations. He passionately articulates how everything he once considered valuable is now seen as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. We will explore Paul's relentless pursuit of righteousness through faith, not by the law, and his determination to know Christ deeply and experientially. Join us as we delve into these verses and uncover the essence of living a life centered on Christ, marked by faith, humility, and a relentless dedication to spiritual growth.
Locations & Times
Northside Church of God
3225 Cairo Rd, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Introduction
a.In Philippians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, contrasting it with the futility of placing confidence in the flesh.
b.As we delve into this chapter, we will uncover profound truths that call us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else.
a.In Philippians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, contrasting it with the futility of placing confidence in the flesh.
b.As we delve into this chapter, we will uncover profound truths that call us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else.
I.Gaining Christ (vv. 7-11)
Counting all as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Righteousness through faith in Christ.
Counting all as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Righteousness through faith in Christ.
Paul declares that whatever gains he had, he counts as loss for the sake of Christ. He considers everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.
- R.C. Sproul explains that Paul's experience teaches us the true nature of salvation: it is about gaining Christ and being found in Him, not through our righteousness but through faith.
- This righteousness from God is the only ground on which we can stand before Him (Sproul’s St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary).
- John Wesley echoes this by noting that Paul esteems even the highest privileges and righteousness of the law as nothing compared to the righteousness which is by faith.
- Paul’s ultimate goal is to know Christ, experience the power of His resurrection, and share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and ultimately attain the resurrection from the dead (Wesley's Notes on the Bible).
- R.C. Sproul explains that Paul's experience teaches us the true nature of salvation: it is about gaining Christ and being found in Him, not through our righteousness but through faith.
- This righteousness from God is the only ground on which we can stand before Him (Sproul’s St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary).
- John Wesley echoes this by noting that Paul esteems even the highest privileges and righteousness of the law as nothing compared to the righteousness which is by faith.
- Paul’s ultimate goal is to know Christ, experience the power of His resurrection, and share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and ultimately attain the resurrection from the dead (Wesley's Notes on the Bible).
Acknowledgment of Imperfection (v. 12)
Paul has not yet reached perfection but presses on to make Christ's righteousness his own.
Paul admits that he has not yet reached perfection but is determined to press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him.
J.I. Packer notes that "Christian maturity is about understanding that we have not yet 'arrived' but continually pressing forward. It’s a lifelong journey of growing in Christlikeness" (Knowing God).
Max Lucado reinforces this idea by reminding us that "Paul’s words remind us that the Christian journey is not about reaching perfection but about constantly striving to know Christ more deeply" (The Applause of Heaven).
Together, these insights emphasize that the Christian life is a continuous pursuit of deeper relationship with Christ and ongoing spiritual growth.
Paul has not yet reached perfection but presses on to make Christ's righteousness his own.
Paul admits that he has not yet reached perfection but is determined to press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him.
J.I. Packer notes that "Christian maturity is about understanding that we have not yet 'arrived' but continually pressing forward. It’s a lifelong journey of growing in Christlikeness" (Knowing God).
Max Lucado reinforces this idea by reminding us that "Paul’s words remind us that the Christian journey is not about reaching perfection but about constantly striving to know Christ more deeply" (The Applause of Heaven).
Together, these insights emphasize that the Christian life is a continuous pursuit of deeper relationship with Christ and ongoing spiritual growth.
Forgetting What Lies Behind (v. 13)
Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Voddie Baucham explains that "we must not allow our past to define us but should always be looking forward to what God has prepared for us in Christ" (Expository Apologetics).
N.T. Wright adds that "forgetting what lies behind is essential for moving forward in the Christian life. Our past, whether good or bad, should not hinder our progress in Christ" (Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters).
Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Voddie Baucham explains that "we must not allow our past to define us but should always be looking forward to what God has prepared for us in Christ" (Expository Apologetics).
N.T. Wright adds that "forgetting what lies behind is essential for moving forward in the Christian life. Our past, whether good or bad, should not hinder our progress in Christ" (Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters).
Straining Forward to What Lies Ahead (v. 14)
Paul speaks of forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Jonathan Edwards captures this by saying, "True Christianity is a race toward the heavenly prize, requiring perseverance, effort, and a focus on Christ above all else" (The Works of Jonathan Edwards).
Rick Warren adds, "Life is a race that God has set before us, and the ultimate goal is becoming like Jesus Christ. This is our highest calling and greatest purpose" (The Purpose Driven Life).
These insights underscore Paul's message that the Christian life is a continuous and dedicated pursuit of Christlikeness, requiring us to persevere and stay focused on our heavenly calling.
Paul speaks of forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Jonathan Edwards captures this by saying, "True Christianity is a race toward the heavenly prize, requiring perseverance, effort, and a focus on Christ above all else" (The Works of Jonathan Edwards).
Rick Warren adds, "Life is a race that God has set before us, and the ultimate goal is becoming like Jesus Christ. This is our highest calling and greatest purpose" (The Purpose Driven Life).
These insights underscore Paul's message that the Christian life is a continuous and dedicated pursuit of Christlikeness, requiring us to persevere and stay focused on our heavenly calling.
Exhortation to Maturity (vv. 15-16)
Paul calls mature believers to adopt the same mindset of pressing on toward spiritual growth and remaining faithful to the truth they have received.
Kevin DeYoung explains that "maturity in Christ involves a constant striving for growth, a humble acknowledgment of where we fall short, and a commitment to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel" (The Hole in Our Holiness).
Oswald Chambers adds that "spiritual maturity means persevering in the midst of trials, maintaining a focus on God’s truth, and growing in Christlikeness daily" (My Utmost for His Highest).
These insights highlight Paul's exhortation for believers to continually pursue spiritual maturity, persevere through challenges, and steadfastly adhere to the gospel's truth.
Paul calls mature believers to adopt the same mindset of pressing on toward spiritual growth and remaining faithful to the truth they have received.
Kevin DeYoung explains that "maturity in Christ involves a constant striving for growth, a humble acknowledgment of where we fall short, and a commitment to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel" (The Hole in Our Holiness).
Oswald Chambers adds that "spiritual maturity means persevering in the midst of trials, maintaining a focus on God’s truth, and growing in Christlikeness daily" (My Utmost for His Highest).
These insights highlight Paul's exhortation for believers to continually pursue spiritual maturity, persevere through challenges, and steadfastly adhere to the gospel's truth.
Imitating Paul and Other Godly Examples (v. 17)
Paul urges believers to follow his example and observe those who live according to the pattern he set.
Sinclair Ferguson explains that "Paul’s call to imitation is not a call to look at him alone but to look at Christ whom he follows. Our lives should reflect those who walk faithfully in Christ" (In Christ Alone).
A.W. Tozer adds, "Imitating godly examples helps us grow in our faith and stay true to the teachings of Christ. We should always look for those who embody Christ’s character" (The Pursuit of God).
Together, these insights highlight Paul's message that by following the example of faithful Christians, we can grow in our faith and align our lives more closely with Christ's teachings and character.
Paul urges believers to follow his example and observe those who live according to the pattern he set.
Sinclair Ferguson explains that "Paul’s call to imitation is not a call to look at him alone but to look at Christ whom he follows. Our lives should reflect those who walk faithfully in Christ" (In Christ Alone).
A.W. Tozer adds, "Imitating godly examples helps us grow in our faith and stay true to the teachings of Christ. We should always look for those who embody Christ’s character" (The Pursuit of God).
Together, these insights highlight Paul's message that by following the example of faithful Christians, we can grow in our faith and align our lives more closely with Christ's teachings and character.
Warning Against Enemies of the Cross (vv. 18-19)
Paul warns with deep sorrow about those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, focusing on earthly things which lead to their destruction.
Charles Hodge explains, "To set our minds on earthly things is to live in opposition to the cross of Christ. The end of such a path is destruction, showing the seriousness of this warning" (Systematic Theology).
Dietrich Bonhoeffer adds, "Living as enemies of the cross means valuing earthly things above Christ. This path leads to destruction and stands in stark contrast to the life of discipleship" (The Cost of Discipleship).
These insights emphasize Paul's grave warning that prioritizing earthly desires over Christ ultimately leads to spiritual ruin, in stark contrast to the life of true discipleship.
Paul warns with deep sorrow about those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, focusing on earthly things which lead to their destruction.
Charles Hodge explains, "To set our minds on earthly things is to live in opposition to the cross of Christ. The end of such a path is destruction, showing the seriousness of this warning" (Systematic Theology).
Dietrich Bonhoeffer adds, "Living as enemies of the cross means valuing earthly things above Christ. This path leads to destruction and stands in stark contrast to the life of discipleship" (The Cost of Discipleship).
These insights emphasize Paul's grave warning that prioritizing earthly desires over Christ ultimately leads to spiritual ruin, in stark contrast to the life of true discipleship.
Heavenly Citizenship (vv. 20-21)
Paul reminds believers that their true citizenship is in heaven and that they await the return of their Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform their earthly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Martin Luther states, "Our true home is not here on earth but in heaven. As citizens of heaven, we should live in anticipation of our Lord’s return and the transformation that awaits us" (Luther’s Works).
C.S. Lewis reinforces this by saying, "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. Our true citizenship is in heaven" (Mere Christianity).
These insights underscore Paul's message that believers should live with an eternal perspective, recognizing their heavenly citizenship and eagerly awaiting the transformative return of Christ.
Paul reminds believers that their true citizenship is in heaven and that they await the return of their Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform their earthly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Martin Luther states, "Our true home is not here on earth but in heaven. As citizens of heaven, we should live in anticipation of our Lord’s return and the transformation that awaits us" (Luther’s Works).
C.S. Lewis reinforces this by saying, "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. Our true citizenship is in heaven" (Mere Christianity).
These insights underscore Paul's message that believers should live with an eternal perspective, recognizing their heavenly citizenship and eagerly awaiting the transformative return of Christ.
Northside Church of God
Northside Church
A PLACE TO FIND FAITH, HOPE AND DIRECTION!
_______________________________
Proud member of the
Church of God (Cleveland, TN)
https://northsidepaducah.org/Tithe and Offering
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJVEvery man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. God's people have always been characterized by giving, but the way they've given has changed over time. Giving is an important aspect of the Christian life. After all, Luke records that Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). At Northside, we want to encourage all members to pray about giving and give as God leads them.
https://northsidepaducah.org/giving-online