Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith –
Luke 12:7 (NLT)
The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ
Philippians 3:8-9 is a profound declaration by the Apostle Paul about the value of knowing Christ. These verses encapsulate the essence of Paul’s faith and the transformation it wrought in his life.
Renouncing All for Christ
Paul speaks of renouncing all things for the sake of Christ. He considers them “loss” compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus as his Lord. For Paul, this knowledge is not merely intellectual; it is a relational, experiential knowledge that has the power to transform one’s entire being.
The Righteousness from God
In verse 9, Paul contrasts his former life of legalistic righteousness with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not self-derived; it is given by God on the basis of faith. It is a righteousness that aligns us with God’s own character and purposes.
The Intimate Knowledge of Christ
Paul’s desire to “gain Christ” and be found in Him is an intimate expression of union with the Savior. It is a picture of complete identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, leading to a life that is fully immersed in the presence and power of Jesus.
Philippians 3:8-9 invites us to consider the value of our own pursuits in light of the incomparable worth of knowing Christ. It challenges us to find our identity, not in our achievements or religious credentials, but in the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus.
In this world, when we walk around in recognition of Christ and all He is – we are able to fulfill His will and purpose in our life more readily, when we are reinforced by His Word and love.
Being able to walk in confidence and know that He is with us always, we are able to do all things through Him who strengthens us. We are able to attain things easily and are able to proceed in all we endeavor during our day.
Christ is the One who is worthy and the One we should put first at all times, today, tomorrow and always. When we do that – we live a LIFE worth LIVING – because He is LIFE itself! Amen!
Let us pray:
“Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of knowing Christ, which surpasses all earthly gains. Help me to count all things as loss in comparison to the treasure of Your presence. May I be found in Christ, clothed in Your righteousness, and living by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”