As Paul continues to encourage the Philippians, he gives a stark contrast between disciples and those who reject Christ.

You can see this week’s passage in Philippians 3:17-18:

First off, Paul encourages the Philippian believers to follow the example set for them by himself and his coworkers when they were in Philippi. Paul gave the believers there an example and a pattern. Both of these terms express the same idea. Paul lived what he taught, and he expected the churches he started to do the same. Take for example, his admonition to the Corinthians in chapter 11, where he states: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

For Paul, the ultimate example was that of Christ. And his urging to the Philippian believers was set to follow those who followed that perfect example. He is not setting himself as the final example. He has already deferred that authority, and shown himself to be worthless on his own. His ego is not emerging here, nor is his pride. He is merely setting an example to be followed, and encouraging the believers in Philippi to do so carefully.

In contrast, he shows those on the opposite side of this example. In the following verses, he gives a bleak description of those who oppose Christ, which will be looked at in more depth next week. Here however, here in verse 18, he shows just how heartbreaking it is to see some turn their backs on Jesus.

This week’s passage concluded the previous section, urging those who are spiritually mature to continue to press on.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 3:15-16:

This is perhaps one of the strongest exhortation in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul is encouraging all those who are spiritually mature to share his dedication. But not all who will read this are necessarily mature. He encourages those individuals to seek such a maturity.

Paul views spiritual maturity as a lifestyle. This is not just intellectually knowing the tenets of the faith. This means living them out in everyday circumstances and situations.

The second half of this statement provides some confusion in interpretation. This is probably not just a matter of doctrinal differences, but lifestyle. The spiritually immature are simply not prepared to live the same level of lifestyle and faith that Paul demonstrates, or that the more spiritually mature display.

Paul’s firm belief is that God will continue to reveal truth to those who are growing, and will bring them up into greater maturity. Believers are all at different stages in their maturity, and God leads each of us as we need, and as we are ready.

After repeating the unworthiness of his own efforts and achievements, Paul turns to the positive, and gives one the most encouraging passages in the entire letter to the church in Philippi.

You can see these encouraging words in Philippians 3:13-14:

Paul stresses an important point again for the third time: that of his own unworthiness and incompleteness. Of all people, Paul has the human credentials that would place him at the top. And yet, he sees those as inconsequential. In Christ, he is still straining forward, and his own efforts are not enough.

But Paul knows one thing for certain. This could be his life credo or motto. Paul leaves everything that he has accomplished behind. It holds no value compared to what he is striving for. This is the goal of his life, and should be the goal of ours as well.

Paul uses the imagery of a race here. For a runner, there is no looking back. A runner may occasionally glance to the side to see where his competition is, but this must not distract him from running the race. His eyes must remain on the goal. His efforts must be in striving for that goal.

Paul has forgotten what is behind. Certainly, this refers to his own achievements and accomplishments. But might it also include the wrongs done to him, the persecution received, the hurts received? Though this may not be the intent of his thoughts here, it definitely fits. We need to forget what lies behind, simply because it is behind us. Let us instead focus on what is ahead.

Growth and progress in Christ are pulsing through this passage, as Paul describes how he is continuing to strive for the goal of Christlikeness.

Take at look at this week’s passage in Philippians 3:12:

What Paul states in this verse begins one of the most familiar paragraphs in his letter to the Philippians. In this passage, he begins to describe what it looks like to press on to the prize.

It is unclear what it is that Paul is referring to as he begins this passage. Just what is it that he has not yet obtained? He has just finished speaking about the resurrection of the dead, and becoming like Christ in his sufferings. That could be what he is talking about here, but it leaves something to be desired.

He has already been accounted righteousness, because of Christ’s actions on the cross, so that is probably not what he is talking about here either.

Most likely, he is speaking of continued growth in Christ. He realizes that he has not reached perfection. He knows that continued growth is required. And his use of the term “press on” shows that he will continue to work toward this goal, for as long as he is able.

After Paul’s pointed statements to the Philippians about his own achievements, he moves directly to that which is worth more than all of our own efforts.

See what he says for yourself in Philippians 3:10-11:

When all is said and done, nothing compares to what we have in Christ. Our own achievements and accomplishments are to be considered as rubbish and worthless in comparison with being found in Christ. With that in mind, Paul makes yet another forceful statement, this time viewing the benefits of knowing Christ instead of the worthlessness of our own attempts.

Paul longs to have the reality of Christ in his life beyond anything else. When we truly long for such things, it affects our entire lifestyle, and everything about us.

In this passage, Paul expresses two things that he wants to know, and that we can know, and two things that he longs to experience, as should we.

Paul’s comments concerning the things that he once considered worthy and valuable have been forceful and solid. But with verse 8 and the phrase, “what is more”, they become even more so.

Take a look at the passage in Philippians 3:8-9:

Paul has a pedigree that would be the envy of almost everyone else. But he has stated that it is worth nothing. In this passage, he takes that thought to its logical conclusion. And he expands his thoughts from his Jewish background and accomplishments to a more universal idea. Literally everything is now included as a loss.

Paul’s progression here goes from what is loss to what has been gained. Everything that was held in high esteem, in the world’s eyes, he counts as loss, for the ultimate gain.

Paul uses a very forceful term to describe this. What many have translated as “rubbish” or “garbage” is a Greek word that can be translated as dung, waste, or muck. Paul’s point is clear: you’ll find more of value in the refuse pile than in any list of accomplishments outside of Christ.

Paul began the third chapter of Philippians by expressing how there is no use for confidence in the flesh. In the previous verses, he listed his own accomplishments, but here he makes it clear just how little it matters.

See it for yourself in Philippians 3:7:

Paul’s language in this passage borrows language from the financial world, and he expresses things in terms of “profit” and “loss.” He will continue using this terminology in verse 8 as well.

What he has accomplished in life, which he recounted in verses 4-6, he now puts in the clearest light possible. What the world sees as an exquisite list of achievements, Paul places in the “loss” column.

It is interesting to note that Paul uses the plural form for the word “profit.” It is as if he takes his list of accomplishments and reviews them one by one, just as a miser hoards his pennies. Then Paul uses the singular form of the word “loss.” All of those achievements, Paul lumps together into one pile and casts it aside.

And he does not merely set it aside and forget about it, he views it as a liability, and regards it with disgust!