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. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ[.]

 Philippians 3:1-11

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. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ[.] Philippians 3:7-8

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 3:1-11 where Paul gives reason for believers to rejoice in the Lord.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv7-8: Christ is valuable - more valuable than anything else we have.  He is the source of our salvation, and as a result we have hope, peace, etc. Everything else in comparison is "rubbish."  V9: Christ is also the source of our righteousness - imputed to us through faith.  This is not of our own doing - we did not earn it.  He freely offered it and softened our heart to see the need to accept it and surrender our life to Him.  V10: Faith in Christ is power as He gives us the same power that resurrected Him from the grave - see also Romans 8:10-11.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All people sin - Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8 - even believers.  Believers - while also sinful - have power over sin and death through Christ and per v2 we must be careful of the sinful influences that exist in the world as these influences serve as a wedge between us and God when we fall prey to the temptations triggered by these influences. V3: Believers today are set apart as God chose us - just as Israel did.  See this John Piper post from DesiringGod.com.  V4: Believers are called to avoid confidence in the flesh but v7 instead in Christ.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to be alert for and to avoid sinful influences that drag us into sin.  Claim the promise that He gives us the same power that raised Him from the dead.  Follow the example of Paul with his humility that he lost everything but gained Christ and put Christ first.  Rejoice in the Lord!   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation and for the rich mercies You pour out daily for me - incredible!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.