Philippians 3

Pressing On in the Power of Christ — Philippians 3

As we walked through Philippians 3 together this week, we found ourselves deeply challenged and profoundly encouraged. This chapter holds so much weight—not just in terms of theology, but in how we live, speak, and believe in the midst of a confused and often cynical world. Paul doesn’t just offer us doctrine here; he offers us a way of life.

Let’s dig in together.

Watch Out & Stand Firm: Knowing the Truth Matters

Paul opens the chapter with a warning, and it’s not subtle. He tells us to rejoice in the Lord—but immediately shifts to calling out false teachers as “dogs,” “evildoers,” and “mutilators of the flesh.” Strong words, right? But here’s the heart of it: he’s calling out those who demand old covenant rituals, like circumcision, as a requirement for salvation. Paul is clear—salvation isn’t about tradition or external appearance. It’s about Christ alone.

This hits home for us. How often today do people twist scripture for power or control? Many of us have stories of spiritual manipulation or churches hijacked by human agendas. It’s not just history—it’s happening now. Like Paul, we’re called to know the truth and call out distortions, not to shame others, but to protect the purity of the gospel.

We can’t afford to be biblically illiterate. We can’t afford to be silent. Whether we’re discipling our kids or talking with coworkers, we need to be grounded in scripture and filled with grace. As Paul reminds us, real faith isn’t about externals—it’s about a heart transformed by the Spirit.

From Credentials to Christ: Letting Go of the Resume

Paul takes a moment to lay down his spiritual and cultural résumé—and it’s impressive. He was a Pharisee, faultless in the law, zealous in his actions. If anyone had a reason to boast in religious credentials, it was Paul.

But here’s what he says: “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I consider them garbage.” He’s not being dramatic—he’s showing us the depth of transformation. When we find Christ, all the things we once used to measure worth—religious performance, good behavior, reputation—they become trash compared to knowing Him.

That challenges us. Are we clinging to things that look spiritual but are really about control or appearance? Paul calls us to release our grip on our achievements and find our identity in Christ alone.

Justification means we are declared righteous by faith—not by anything we’ve done. And sanctification is the ongoing journey of becoming more like Jesus. We aren’t working for our salvation; we’re working from our salvation. It’s all grace. And that grace produces deep, life-altering gratitude.

Pressing On: What Following Jesus Actually Looks Like

Paul’s not shy about the journey ahead. He says: “Not that I have already obtained all this...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” The Christian life isn’t passive—it’s active, intentional, forward-moving. We strain toward the goal. We don’t live like we’ve already arrived—we live with humble pursuit.

This pressing on can look very practical. It might mean going to bed early so we can actually be present in worship on Sunday. It might mean carving out time in our day to open the Bible instead of scrolling endlessly. It might mean opening our mouths to talk about Jesus, even when it’s awkward. It means we take our faith seriously—not as a checklist, but as a response of love.

And we do this together. Paul tells the Philippians to follow his example and to keep their eyes on those living faithfully. That’s a word for us too—don’t go it alone. Find trusted Christians and learn from them. Ask questions. Learn their rhythms. Let their faithfulness inspire yours.

From Guilt to Gratitude to Glory

Here’s what it comes down to: We are not working out of guilt. We are living out of gratitude.

We were guilty, yes—but God has been gracious. And now, gratitude compels us to glorify Him with our lives. We’re not serving, giving, praying, or podcasting to earn favor—we’re doing it because of who Jesus is and what He’s done. That’s the rhythm of grace.

Paul finishes the chapter reminding us that our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await our Savior from there. Our eyes are set on Christ, not on earthly things. And one day, He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious one.

That’s the hope that fuels our pressing on.

So let’s be people who know the Word, who live in grace, and who keep running toward Christ. Not because we have to—but because we get to.

Let’s press on. Together.