Valuing Christ: The Gift of Righteousness Through Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Righteousness as a Divine Gift

True righteousness is not something we can achieve through our own efforts or adherence to the law. Instead, it is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ. This righteousness is surprising and unlikely, given our natural inclination to rely on our own merits. The Apostle Paul, once confident in his own righteousness through the law, discovered that true righteousness comes from God and is received by faith. This realization is a profound shift from self-reliance to reliance on God's grace. [01:17]

Isaiah 61:10 (ESV): "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you begin to rest in the righteousness that God freely gives through faith in Christ today?

Day 2: The Surprise of Being Found in Christ

The phrase "be found in Him" highlights the unexpected nature of being in Christ. Just as Christ was surprisingly found in human form, we are surprisingly found in Him, not through our own righteousness but through God's grace. This discovery is akin to an unexpected treasure, revealing the depth of God's love and grace. It challenges us to let go of our self-made identities and embrace the identity we have in Christ, which is given to us by grace. [03:12]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: How does the idea of being "found in Christ" change your perspective on your identity and worth? What steps can you take to embrace this identity more fully in your daily life?

Day 3: Christ as Supreme Treasure

Experiencing Christ as our supreme value involves a radical reordering of our priorities, where everything else is considered rubbish in comparison. This transformation is essential for entering into union with Christ. Paul describes this shift as a continuous process of counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of valuing Christ above all else. [04:36]

Matthew 13:44 (ESV): "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

Reflection: What are some things in your life that you currently value more than Christ? How can you begin to reorder your priorities to reflect Christ as your supreme treasure?

Day 4: Faith as Experiential Recognition

Faith is not merely intellectual belief but an experiential recognition of Christ's surpassing worth. This faith involves a continuous process of valuing Christ above all else, leading to a deeper union with Him. It is a faith that perseveres, continually counting all else as loss in light of Christ's glory. This kind of faith transforms our lives and aligns our hearts with God's purposes. [06:26]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: How can you move from an intellectual understanding of faith to an experiential recognition of Christ's worth in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to deepen your faith today?

Day 5: The Role of Divine Illumination

Our ability to see Christ as our supreme value is a result of divine illumination. God opens our eyes to the glory of Christ, enabling us to experience true faith and enter into a transformative relationship with Him. This divine illumination is a gift that allows us to perceive the beauty and worth of Christ, leading us to a life of worship and devotion. [09:26]

2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV): "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's illumination in your life? How can you cultivate a heart that is open to seeing and experiencing the glory of Christ more fully?

Sermon Summary

In this exploration of Philippians 3:9, we delve into the profound concept of being "found in Him," which raises the question of how one enters into Christ. Paul contrasts his former confidence in his own righteousness, achieved through the law, with the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not earned but is a divine gift, received by faith. The phrase "be found in Him" suggests an unexpected and surprising discovery, much like Christ being found in human form despite His divine nature. This surprise underscores the unlikely nature of being found in Christ, given Paul's previous reliance on his own righteousness.

The key to being in Christ lies in valuing Him above all else. Paul describes a radical transformation where Christ becomes his supreme treasure, and everything else is considered rubbish in comparison. This shift in values is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process of counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. This ongoing experience of valuing Christ supremely is what Paul equates with faith. Faith, in this context, is not just intellectual assent but an experiential recognition of Christ's surpassing worth.

Paul's journey from persecutor to apostle illustrates this transformation. His former treasures, once worth defending, are now seen as worthless compared to the treasure of knowing Christ. This transformation is initiated by God, who opens our eyes to see the glory of Christ. When we perceive Christ as our supreme value, we experience true faith and enter into union with Him. This faith is not fleeting but persevering, continually counting all else as loss in light of Christ's glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Righteousness as a Gift: True righteousness is not achieved through our efforts or adherence to the law but is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ. This righteousness is surprising and unlikely, given our natural inclination to rely on our own merits. [01:17]
2. The Surprising Nature of Being Found in Christ: The phrase "be found in Him" highlights the unexpected nature of being in Christ. Just as Christ was surprisingly found in human form, we are surprisingly found in Him, not through our own righteousness but through God's grace. [03:12]
3. Christ as Supreme Treasure: Experiencing Christ as our supreme value involves a radical reordering of our priorities, where everything else is considered rubbish in comparison. This transformation is essential for entering into union with Christ. [04:36]
4. Faith as Experiential Recognition: Faith is not merely intellectual belief but an experiential recognition of Christ's surpassing worth. This faith involves a continuous process of valuing Christ above all else, leading to a deeper union with Him. [06:26]
5. The Role of Divine Illumination: Our ability to see Christ as our supreme value is a result of divine illumination. God opens our eyes to the glory of Christ, enabling us to experience true faith and enter into a transformative relationship with Him. [09:26]
** [09:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - Introduction to Philippians 3:9
[00:51] - Paul's Former Confidence in the Law
[01:17] - Righteousness Through Faith
[01:36] - The Surprise of Being Found in Christ
[02:18] - Christ's Humility and Human Form
[02:51] - The Unlikelihood of Being Found in Christ
[03:32] - The Transformation of Values
[04:15] - Counting All as Loss
[05:04] - Experiencing Christ as Supreme Treasure
[05:40] - Faith as Experiential Recognition
[06:26] - The Nature of Persevering Faith
[08:20] - Divine Illumination and Spiritual Sight
[09:26] - The Light of the Glory of Christ
[10:09] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Philippians 3:9

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:9
- Galatians 2:17
- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

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Observation Questions:

In Philippians 3:9, Paul contrasts two types of righteousness. What are they, and how does he describe the source of true righteousness? [01:17]
How does Paul describe his past achievements and confidence in the law in Philippians 3:9, and what does he now consider them to be? [00:51]
What surprising element does Paul highlight about being "found in Him," and how does this relate to Christ's incarnation? [02:32]
According to 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, what role does God play in enabling us to see the glory of Christ?

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Interpretation Questions:

How does Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle illustrate the concept of valuing Christ above all else? [05:19]
What does it mean for faith to be an "experiential recognition" of Christ's worth, and how does this differ from mere intellectual belief? [06:26]
In what ways does the concept of divine illumination in 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 help us understand the process of coming to faith in Christ?
How does the idea of counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ challenge our current values and priorities? [04:15]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are still relying on your own righteousness or achievements? How can you shift your focus to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ? [01:17]
Paul experienced a radical transformation in his values. What are some "treasures" in your life that might need to be reconsidered as "rubbish" in light of Christ's surpassing worth? [05:19]
How can you cultivate a continuous process of valuing Christ above all else in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to make this a reality? [06:26]
Consider a time when you felt spiritually blind or distant from God. How did you experience divine illumination, and what role did it play in your faith journey? [09:26]
Identify one area in your life where you need to experience a deeper union with Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to pursue this union? [05:40]
How can you actively seek to see Christ as your supreme value in your daily interactions and decisions? What might need to change in your routine or mindset to make this happen? [10:36]
Think of someone in your life who might be struggling to see the glory of Christ. How can you be a source of encouragement and light to them this week? [09:41]

Sermon Clips

Instead of having that not having a righteousness of my own that comes from law I have that righteousness which comes through faith in Christ the righteousness from God not from law keeping but from God it's a gift of God and I receive it by faith. [00:75:86]

It seems to me that several times Paul uses the passive of fine to indicate that it's surprising to be found somewhere. For example let's do Philippians two first over here in Philippians earlier though he was in the form of God the Christ was in the form of God he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself taking the form of a servant and being born in the likeness of men and being found in human form that's unlikely he was in the form of God for goodness sakes how could he be found in human form so that be found seems to hint at this is surprising this is unlikely. [00:118:15]

I experienced Christ as so valuable everything is lost by comparison for his sake I have suffered the loss of all things I count them as rubbish Christ is so valuable now I do that that the negative work of counting them as rubbish and the positive experience of a Christ being your treasure your your your highest treasure those two things Christ has become my as treasure I count everything as lost and I experience and I do those in order that two things one I may gain Christ to be found in him. [00:244:95]

In Paul's mind this experience of having his world turned upside down so that Christ is no longer worth killing but his highest treasure that absolute revolution of his heart where everything now is rubbish that was once treasure and everything that was once worth killing is now his treasure that experience is in order that he may be in Christ so I would argue you get into Christ you become immune you go into union with him when this happens to you. [00:304:55]

He calls it faith because he goes on be found in him and in him I don't have my own righteousness I have a righteousness that comes through faith well did it come through experiencing Christ as your supreme value and seeing everything else as rubbish in order that you might be found in him or did it come through faith did it depend on faith or did it depend on experiencing Christ as your surpassing treasure can you see where I'm going I think in Paul's language faith equals is the experience of Christ as our let's use the word surpassing worth or value or treasure so much so that all else is rubbish by comparison. [00:340:99]

Faith here and here is defined by this experience this action and he not only does it once whatever gain I had I counted that's passed a decisive experience I counted as loss for the sake of Christ and I go on counting everything as loss for the sake of Christ for his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and I go on counting them as rubbish because the faith which brings us into union with Christ is the pathway into union with Christ is a persevering faith it's not just a flash in the pan faith. [00:442:72]

In their case the god of this world that Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers what can't unbelievers see he keeps them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ the bright beautiful light spiritual illumining in the heart of the glory of Christ who is the image of God or verse six how does that how does that blindness get removed so this happens God who said let light shine out of darkness has shown that's how it happens this blindness goes away when God has shone in our hearts to give this light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. [00:503:52]

When your eyes are open to see Christ as your surpassing worth so that everything you once boasted in is now rubbish and the one you tried to kill is now your highest treasure what has happened to you this has happened to you the God who said let light shine out of Darkness has shone in your heart to give the light of the glory of God in the face of Christ. [00:566:22]

This surpassing worth this treasure is the sight of Christ as supremely valuable when when you are given the experience of seeing the light of the glory of Christ as your surpassing were and it is so bright beautiful and satisfying that everything else is counted as rubbish you have experienced faith and you now are in Christ Jesus. [00:609:47]

Lord I pray that that experience of eye-opening embrace of the supreme value of Christ Christ as our supreme value would be given to us. [00:648:31]

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Valuing Christ: The Gift of Righteousness Through Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Righteousness as a Divine Gift

Day 2: The Surprise of Being Found in Christ

Day 3: Christ as Supreme Treasure

Day 4: Faith as Experiential Recognition

Day 5: The Role of Divine Illumination

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Valuing Christ: The Gift of Righteousness Through Faith

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