Devotional Reflection on Philippians 3:1–11

The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Chris

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
— Philippians 3:7–9 (KJV)

Paul moves from warning the Philippians about false teachers to his own personal testimony. If anyone could boast in religious credentials, Paul could: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous in persecution, blameless under the law. Yet he declares all these things loss compared to Christ. His language is forceful—he counts them as refuse, utterly worthless, when placed beside the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.

Reflection

This passage challenges our deepest loyalties. Paul shows us that what the world considers gain—status, morality, reputation, even religious zeal—cannot provide righteousness before God. True gain is found only in Christ. To “be found in Him” means abandoning every self-made righteousness and resting entirely in God’s gift of righteousness through faith.

But Paul’s pursuit goes beyond justification. He longs to know Christ more deeply, to share in His sufferings, to experience the power of His resurrection, and to be conformed to His death. The Christian life is not a shallow attachment to Jesus but a lifelong pursuit of intimate communion with Him.

Supporting Scripture

• “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
• “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” (Titus 3:5)
• “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

Application

Where do we place our confidence? Many of us, even unconsciously, lean on our performance, heritage, or good works. But Paul’s example exposes the emptiness of such confidence. The call of this passage is to treasure Christ above all, to daily count worldly gain as loss, and to pursue the knowledge of Christ as life’s supreme goal.

Practically, this means loosening our grip on achievements and possessions, and asking each day: Am I living for my own glory, or for Christ’s? Do I measure my worth by worldly standards, or by being found in Him? True freedom and joy come only when Christ is our righteousness and our treasure.

“The righteousness which Paul renounced was his own; the righteousness which he rejoiced in was the righteousness of God. This is the distinction which every awakened soul must learn.” – J.C. Ryle

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to count all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing You. Strip away every false confidence and clothe me in Your righteousness. May my heart pursue You as my greatest treasure, and may my life reflect the joy of being found in You. Amen.