Counting All as Loss for Christ's Worth

Devotional

Day 1: The Incomparable Value of Knowing Christ

Paul’s life transformation underscores the incomparable value of knowing Jesus. Everything he once valued, he now considers loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:7-11 reveal a profound shift in his values. Despite his impressive religious credentials and societal status, Paul now sees these as insignificant compared to the treasure of knowing Christ. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply personal and relational. Paul’s desire is to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his own, but one that comes through faith in Jesus. This righteousness is a gift from God, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. [04:42]

Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What are the things in your life that you hold dear and value the most? Are you willing to count them as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ? How can you begin to prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else today?

Day 2: Righteousness Through Faith

Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes not from our own efforts but through faith in Christ. This righteousness is a gift from God, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It calls us to trust in Christ’s finished work rather than our own abilities. Paul’s past was filled with religious accomplishments and societal status, but he now understands that these cannot earn him righteousness. Instead, he relies on the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not based on human effort but is a gift from God, given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This truth calls us to place our trust in Christ’s finished work rather than our own abilities. [08:15]

Romans 3:22-24 (ESV): "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself relying on your own efforts to achieve righteousness? How can you shift your focus to trust in Christ’s finished work instead?

Day 3: Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings

Paul’s willingness to share in Christ’s sufferings reveals a profound truth: suffering for Christ is a pathway to deeper fellowship with Him. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, seeing it as an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to experience His resurrection power. Paul speaks of sharing in Christ’s sufferings and becoming like Him in His death, with the hope of attaining the resurrection from the dead. This perspective transforms suffering from a source of despair into a means of deeper fellowship with Christ. Paul’s ultimate goal is to endure faithfully to the end, confident that the power of Christ’s resurrection will bring him into eternal life. [27:06]

2 Corinthians 4:10-11 (ESV): "Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."

Reflection: How do you currently view suffering in your life? Can you see it as an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to experience His resurrection power? What steps can you take to embrace this perspective?

Day 4: Enduring Faithfully to the End

Paul’s desire to endure faithfully, regardless of his circumstances, is a powerful example for us. His confidence in the resurrection power of Christ motivates him to remain steadfast. This encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that our ultimate hope is in the resurrection. Paul’s ultimate goal is to endure faithfully to the end, confident that the power of Christ’s resurrection will bring him into eternal life. This perspective transforms suffering from a source of despair into a means of deeper fellowship with Christ. Paul’s example encourages us to place Christ at the center of our lives, allowing His resurrection power to redefine our values and priorities. [27:49]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What are the challenges or circumstances in your life that make it difficult to endure faithfully? How can you draw strength from the resurrection power of Christ to remain steadfast in your faith?

Day 5: The Power of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. It assures us that death is not the end and that we will be raised to eternal life with Christ. This hope empowers us to face suffering and challenges with confidence, knowing that the resurrection power of Christ will bring us through. Paul’s ultimate goal is to endure faithfully to the end, confident that the power of Christ’s resurrection will bring him into eternal life. This perspective transforms suffering from a source of despair into a means of deeper fellowship with Christ. Paul’s example encourages us to place Christ at the center of our lives, allowing His resurrection power to redefine our values and priorities. [30:17]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How does the hope of the resurrection impact your daily life and perspective on suffering? What steps can you take to live more fully in the power of the resurrection today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Philippians chapter 3, focusing on verses 7-11, where the Apostle Paul speaks from a place of imprisonment, yet with profound peace and joy. Paul’s words challenge us to reconsider what we value most in life. Despite being chained to a Roman guard, Paul expresses that everything he once considered gain, he now counts as loss for the sake of Christ. His life, once filled with achievements and status, is now wholly dedicated to knowing Jesus Christ more deeply. This passage reveals Paul's unwavering commitment to the gospel, even in the face of suffering and uncertainty.

Paul’s transformation is a testament to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He emphasizes that his previous life, filled with religious accomplishments and societal status, pales in comparison to the value of knowing Jesus. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply personal and relational. Paul’s desire is to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his own, but one that comes through faith in Jesus. This righteousness is a gift from God, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Paul also speaks of sharing in Christ’s sufferings and becoming like Him in His death, with the hope of attaining the resurrection from the dead. This perspective transforms suffering from a source of despair into a means of deeper fellowship with Christ. Paul’s ultimate goal is to endure faithfully to the end, confident that the power of Christ’s resurrection will bring him into eternal life.

This passage calls us to evaluate our own lives. Are we willing to count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ? Do we see our sufferings as opportunities to know Jesus more intimately? Paul’s example encourages us to place Christ at the center of our lives, allowing His resurrection power to redefine our values and priorities.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ: Paul’s life transformation underscores the incomparable value of knowing Jesus. Everything he once valued, he now considers loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. [04:42]
2. Righteousness Through Faith: Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes not from our own efforts but through faith in Christ. This righteousness is a gift from God, rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It calls us to trust in Christ’s finished work rather than our own abilities. [08:15]
3. Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings: Paul’s willingness to share in Christ’s sufferings reveals a profound truth: suffering for Christ is a pathway to deeper fellowship with Him. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, seeing it as an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to experience His resurrection power. [27:06]
4. Enduring Faithfully to the End: Paul’s desire to endure faithfully, regardless of his circumstances, is a powerful example for us. His confidence in the resurrection power of Christ motivates him to remain steadfast. This encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that our ultimate hope is in the resurrection. [27:49]
5. The Power of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. It assures us that death is not the end and that we will be raised to eternal life with Christ. This hope empowers us to face suffering and challenges with confidence, knowing that the resurrection power of Christ will bring us through. [30:17]
### [30:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:35] - Paul's Peace in Prison
[03:09] - Paul's Commitment to the Gospel
[04:42] - The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ
[06:32] - Paul's Evaluation of Life
[08:15] - Righteousness Through Faith
[09:44] - Paul's Past and Present Perspective
[11:22] - The Cost of Following Christ
[12:56] - The Example of Christ
[14:25] - Being Found in Christ
[15:50] - Reordering Our Lives
[17:17] - Knowing Jesus Personally
[20:38] - The Value of Personal Knowledge
[22:22] - The Exchange of Righteousness
[24:10] - The Power of the Cross
[26:10] - The Power of the Resurrection
[27:06] - Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings
[27:49] - Enduring Faithfully to the End
[30:17] - The Power of the Resurrection
[31:00] - Redeeming Suffering
[32:32] - Suffering and Redemption
[34:20] - Confidence in Christ
[36:03] - The Power of Resurrection Over Suffering
[37:40] - Redemptive Suffering
[38:23] - Suffering for the Cause of Christ
[39:30] - The Cost of Following Christ Publicly
[40:06] - Example of Pastor Wang Yi
[41:24] - The Greater Power of the Risen Christ
[41:24] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Paul mean when he says he counts everything as loss for the sake of Christ? ([04:42])
How does Paul describe the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ? ([08:15])
What is Paul's perspective on suffering for Christ, and how does he view it in relation to knowing Jesus more deeply? ([27:06])
What is Paul's ultimate goal as he endures his current circumstances, according to Philippians 3:11? ([27:49])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul consider his past achievements and status as "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ? How does this reflect his transformation? ([04:42])
How does Paul’s understanding of righteousness through faith challenge common perceptions of self-righteousness and religious accomplishments? ([08:15])
In what ways does Paul’s willingness to share in Christ’s sufferings provide a model for how believers should view their own hardships? ([27:06])
How does the hope of the resurrection influence Paul’s attitude towards his present suffering and future? ([27:49])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there things you currently value that might be considered "loss" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ? How can you begin to reprioritize these values? ([04:42])
Paul speaks of a righteousness that comes through faith in Christ rather than through personal achievements. How can you shift your focus from self-reliance to trusting in Christ’s finished work? ([08:15])
Think about a recent time of suffering or hardship in your life. How can you view this experience as an opportunity to know Jesus more intimately, as Paul did? ([27:06])
Paul’s desire to endure faithfully to the end is rooted in his confidence in the resurrection. How can this perspective help you remain steadfast in your faith during challenging times? ([27:49])
Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-26). What specific steps can you take this week to deny yourself and follow Jesus more closely?
Paul’s life transformation was marked by a deep personal relationship with Jesus. How can you cultivate a more personal and relational knowledge of Christ in your daily life? ([20:38])
The resurrection power of Christ redefines our values and priorities. Identify one area of your life where you need to experience this resurrection power. What practical steps can you take to invite Christ’s power into this area? ([30:17])

Sermon Clips

1. "He does not know. And he is perfectly at peace. He is in prison. He's not a psychopath who has no regrets and no moral core. He is a man who has found himself where he is because he has done exactly what God has called him to do. He has done it faithfully. He has done it with courage. And now he is chained up to a Roman guard, but he is perfectly at peace." [01:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul's enemies, the enemies of the church, they really think they can threaten Paul into silence. They really think they can suppress the work of the kingdom of God if they chain someone like Paul up. But Paul sees something, and Paul sees an opportunity to get to know Jesus Christ even more. Think about that for a second, because that's going to become central to what we talk about this morning, where he is, why he is there. Paul has found another reason to get to know Jesus even more." [04:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ. This really is an amazing thing, given all that Paul has endured. He says that knowing Christ and having a chance to know him more and more surpasses the value of all that he could have been given, all that he could have attained, all that he could have become." [06:32] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So following Christ, we mentioned this last time, it just comes with a cost. We can't just add Christ onto the rest of our lives, continue along our way and think, well, my house, my life is a little bit like a house. I've got most of it under control, but some of the plumbing is beyond me. So I'm going to let Jesus fix those couple of things. You see, when Jesus walks into our lives, he doesn't come in and remove, redecorate the furniture and change the paint on the walls. He levels it to the ground and he rebuilds it the way it's supposed to be. It comes with a cost." [11:22] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There's nothing else in this world worth pursuing more than knowing Jesus Christ. That doesn't eliminate everything else that we know and do and love. And that's good. In fact, what it does is it puts all those things in the right place. And it puts all those things in the right place. And it puts all those things in the right place. And it puts all those things in their rightful and good place. If our surpassing value is in knowing Jesus Christ." [14:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When Christ is in his rightful place, then friends, everything else that is good and valuable in my life gets reordered. It's no longer in the driver's seat. See, the possibility of knowing Jesus Christ, the man who had something else in the driver's seat of his life, and that was his ambition. He was a Pharisee. He had these things that were of value. He had the zeal to persecute the church, put Christians in prison, kill as many of them as he possibly could. That was driving his life, and it got changed by Jesus Christ. And because now Christ is the Lord of his life instead of something else, then everything else is reordered." [17:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Paul could tell you what Jesus is like. He could tell you what his voice sounds like. He knows what it's like to obey Jesus Christ, his Lord. When he says go, Paul goes. Even when it lands him in prison, he says, you know what? That wasn't a mistake. I don't wish I had done something differently. While I am here, because I have followed Jesus Christ, I want to know him more. He's found something that he wants more of. It's incredible." [20:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Friends, you and I, every now and then need to come to terms with the value of my own righteousness and to realize how worthless and broken it really is. And then to realize that God has set up this exchange that no one would ever set up, but God has set it up. He says, you give me something that is not just worthless and broken, but you give me something about you that is actually aimed against me. I will take it and I will give you something pure and infinite and good and righteous. You give me your sin and I will give you life. This is the exchange that God makes with sinners. It's incredible." [24:10] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Paul is stating his desire to endure faithfully to the end. Whatever happens to me here in prison, whether I'm let go and allowed to do this again, they'll probably pick me up someplace else and I'll probably find myself back in prison. I don't know. But my intention is to endure faithfully to the end. That if by any means I might attain to the resurrection. And when he says, by any means possible, he's not worried about it. This is not lack of confidence when he says this. This is amazement born of humility. This is amazement born of humility that his resurrection is actually a part of. It is a sign of the victory of Jesus Christ over death itself." [27:49] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Because Jesus has risen from the dead, our suffering can be redeemed. Our suffering in this life, whatever it looks like for each and every one of us, if you're a follower of Jesus Christ, it does not need to be meaningless or pointless. Suffering does not need to be the doorway into anger or despair. This so often, is sort of the knee jerk reaction inside of the human soul, inside of the human heart. Something goes wrong. Some version of suffering, whether it be minor or major and really, really serious, happens to us or someone we love. Something happened that we didn't want to have happen. And inside of our hearts, there's this thing that rises up and goes, God did this to me. And we become angry and frustrated with God. We grow distant with God." [32:32] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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