Count it all Loss

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Scripture: Philippians 3:7-11 (ESV)

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 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— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Devotion:

            In this scripture Paul leads us to consider how much faith in Christ is really worth. In today’s culture we are often tempted to value the things we have as more important than our relationship to Jesus. Paul warns us against misplaced values such as these. He confronts this temptation directly in verse 7. In this verse, he plainly says that whatever gain he might have had due to his prior life as a rabbi in training he now knows it to be worthless. It is especially worthless considering what Paul has gained by faith in Christ.

            In the following verse he uses even more vivid words to describe the value he now places on knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul goes on to state that he counts all things he had before his Damascus Road experience as “rubbish.” The Greek word here is skubala which can be translated by the word “dung.” Paul is adamant that he will allow nothing to come between him and Christ because Christ alone is able to save him. Verse 9 continues the line of reasoning. Paul states that he wants to possess the righteousness that comes from faith in God, not that which is obtained on the basis of human effort that comes from obeying the law of Moses.

            In verses 10 and 11 Paul indicates his dedication to know and follow Christ wherever He leads. Paul will follow Jesus even to death itself. Paul earnestly desires that he may gain the resurrection from the dead because of living for Christ. In this scripture we are challenged to have a greater love for Jesus. We are taught that we should follow Him no matter the cost because all things are worthless compared with knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of the work you accomplished through the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and glorification of your son Jesus. Help us to see and understand something of the majesty and power of His life among us 2,000 years ago. May we follow Jesus wherever He leads us and do whatever He gives us to do. Help us to be faithful servants of our risen King Jesus. Help us to love everyone we meet with the same love with which you love us. Amen. 

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