NPC MediaChrist's Righteousness, Our Only Gain
However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3, speaks about a profound shift in how he viewed his life and achievements. Before meeting Christ, he had many reasons to boast: his heritage, his strict adherence to the law, his zeal. He considered these things as 'gain' – advantages, accomplishments that gave him standing. Yet, after encountering Jesus, his perspective changed dramatically. He now considered all those things not just worthless, but as a 'loss for Christ.' This means that anything he once relied on for his identity or his standing before God suddenly became a barrier, something that kept him from truly knowing Christ.
He goes further, stating he counts 'all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.' This isn't just about his past; it's about *everything*. He even calls them 'nothing but refuse' – meaning rubbish, something to be discarded. Why such a strong statement? Because his greatest desire was to 'gain Christ and be found in him.' His deep longing was for a relationship with Jesus that surpassed everything else. He understood that relying on his own efforts, rituals, or accomplishments would only separate him from the true righteousness that comes from God.
Paul clarifies that he doesn't want 'a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law.' He is not seeking to be made right with God by his own performance or adherence to rules, no matter how good they seem. Instead, he desires 'that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.' This is crucial for us today. Sometimes, we might be tempted to think that our fasting, our giving, our attendance at church, or even buying special items, can earn us God's favour or secure a miracle. We might unknowingly be trying to build ‘a righteousness of our own’ through these actions.
But just like Paul, we are called to see that the righteousness that matters, the one that truly brings us close to God, comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross is completely sufficient. There is nothing we can add to it, and nothing we need to buy or do to make it more effective. Our acts of faith should flow from a heart that believes in Christ's complete work, not from a desire to earn something from God or to supplement what Jesus has already perfectly accomplished for us.
Let's Pray
Almighty God, we thank You for the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Help us to truly understand and embrace the righteousness that comes only through faith in Him. Forgive us for any times we have relied on our own efforts, rituals, or purchased items, thinking we could earn Your favour or add to the finished work of Your Son. May we count all our achievements as refuse compared to the infinite worth of gaining Christ. Strengthen our faith, that we may always be found in Him, resting in Your perfect provision. Amen.
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