12. COUNTING EVERYTHING AS LOSS FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST (PHIL 3:1-7)

12. COUNTING EVERYTHING AS LOSS FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST (PHIL 3:1-7):

Paul writes to the Philippians conclusively by calling them brothers to rejoice in the Lord. He conveys that writing the same things to them is no trouble to him and is safe for them. Paul again emphasizes rejoicing in following the footsteps of Christ. And he wants to convey what has been conveyed differently, without considering it as a worry, but for the welfare of the brothers. Paul then warns to look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. Paul refers to the Jewish people who acted against the Gospel of Christ by referring to their characteristics. They were greedy and referred to the same term that they refer to the Gentiles, and they persecute those who follow Christ and His teachings, and they prioritize the traditions, including the circumcision.

Paul mentions that they are the circumcision, who worship by the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, though he himself has reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone has reason for confidence in the flesh, Paul has more, because he was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and as to the law, a Pharisee, and as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, and as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Paul mentions that the believers in Christ are the circumcision who are set apart for God, as they have received the Spirit of God and are prepared to partake in the glory during the return of the Lord and final judgment without leaning on what is temporary. Paul states that he has many reasons to take pride and confidence in some things that are esteemed as of high value amongst the people there, more than any of the Jews who claim that. Paul started his list by saying that he was circumcised as per the tradition of the Jews on the eighth day, he belongs to the tribe of Benjamin which is one of the 12 tribes of Israel, he was also learned at the feet of Gamaliel to be a Pharisee as per the law, he was very passionate to protect the laws and even went to an extent to persecute the church who trusted and followed Christ thing that it is the righteousness as per the law and considered to be without blame as per the law though what he did was not right.

Paul concludes that, but whatever gain he had, he counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Though, Paul had so many privileges and pride before the eyes of the people, he doesn’t take it as a credit and benefit for him, and irrespective of all those that can be taken to be boasted upon, Paul was able to consider everything of little importance as he was able to receive something of more importance and value, that is Salvation through the belief in Jesus Christ.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      What does Paul write by mentioning his recipients as brothers?

2.      Why does Paul write the same things to the Philippians?

3.      How can we rejoice in the Lord?

4.      For what should the Philippians look out?

5.      Who is mentioned as dogs, evildoers, or those who mutilate the flesh? Why?

6.      How shall we be careful with those whose foundations are not right?

7.      Why does Paul mention themselves as the circumcision?

8.      Why does Paul mention that he has more reason for confidence in the flesh?

9.      What are the reasons that could make Paul have confidence in the flesh?

10.  How did Paul count the gain he had?

11.  What are the things that make to have confidence in the flesh?

How can we count everything as loss for the sake of Christ?

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