Knowing Christ

Welcome everyone!

Below is a rundown from our Pastor's sermon from Philippians 3:1-11 on Saturday night, we praise the Lord for Pastor Scott being back and feeling much better!

Counting Everything as Loss: A Reflection on Philippians 3:1-11

In Philippians 3:1-11, the Apostle Paul delivers a powerful message about the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This passage challenges us to examine what we value most and calls us to find our true righteousness in Christ alone.

Rejoicing in the Lord (v.1)

Paul begins by urging believers to rejoice in the Lord. This joy is not rooted in circumstances but in a relationship with Christ. Rejoicing in Him provides stability in a world filled with uncertainty.

Warnings Against False Confidence (vv. 2-6)

Paul warns against placing confidence in the flesh, listing his own credentials as a devout Jew—circumcised on the eighth day, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, zealous for the law, and blameless by human standards. However, he considers these accomplishments worthless compared to knowing Christ. This serves as a stark reminder that religious achievements, heritage, or personal effort cannot bring us righteousness before God.

The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ (vv. 7-9)

Paul declares that everything he once valued is now counted as loss for the sake of Christ. He emphasizes that true righteousness does not come from the law but through faith in Christ. His desire is not merely to know about Christ but to know Him personally and to be found in Him. This challenges us to consider whether we are relying on our own works or fully trusting in Christ’s righteousness.

Knowing Christ Through Suffering and Resurrection (vv. 10-11)

Paul expresses a deep longing to know Christ in both His suffering and resurrection. To know Christ is to share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, with the hope of attaining the resurrection. This is an invitation to a life of surrender, where our greatest joy is not in avoiding hardship but in becoming more like Christ.

Application for Today

1. Where is your confidence? Are you relying on personal achievements, good works, or reputation? Paul reminds us that these things cannot save us—only Christ can.
2. Do you count everything as loss for Christ? What in your life competes with the surpassing worth of knowing Him?
3. Are you willing to share in Christ’s sufferings? True discipleship involves embracing both the cost and the joy of following Jesus.

Paul’s words call us to a radical shift in perspective—away from worldly gain and self-righteousness and toward a life that treasures Christ above all. May we, like Paul, seek to be found in Him, not having a righteousness of our own, but that which comes through faith in Christ.

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8, ESV)

We hope and pray this sermon, and video are of great benefit to you.  We also encourage you to always check everything through the lens of the scriptures, as in Jude, we must contend earnestly for the faith, given once for all time to the saints.  We hope to see you next week and encourage you to come and worship with us, share a meal after service and fellowship with other brothers and sisters! 

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family