Philippians 3:18 – Doing and Saying

Picture of a heart-shaped jewelry box, standing open empty. (Grok)

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Summary: Paul touches on a topic that challenges every thoughtful and well-meaning Christian. Ironically, those who are not thoughtful and well-meaning might not feel challenged at all.   

This verse shifts gears rather rapidly. If the resulting head-bob makes your neck hurt, don’t feel alone. We are all in the same situation. 

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Philippians 3:17b – Learning to Live

Hands forming a clay model of a person. (Grok)

… and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 

Summary: Learning how to follow Jesus is like learning to dance. A good teacher makes it easy.   

Who do you know that lives as Paul did? 

Anybody? 

Maybe you have never run across his twin, but there are a lot of people who model their lives after Paul. Even if they are not one hundred percent successful, there is usually something we can learn by watching them. 

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Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize

St Paul crosses the finish line in a footrace dragging his chains behind him (Grok)

… and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Summary: Life is not a game, but sometimes thinking in terms of a contest helps us visualize what is at stake in life.   

What kind of prize motivates you? 

Is it a trophy? 

Are you excited by the thought of having your picture and name in the paper? 

Do you work extra hard if the prize is money? 

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Philippians 3:12a – The Reason for Faith

Wax seal marked "Holy Spirit" (Grok)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal…

Summary: Paul’s understanding of the Gospel shines through in this passage. As we unpack his words, we discover a roadmap to using our time in the service of God.   

In this passage, Paul confronts an unpleasant truth: If you are reading this, we have not yet obtained “the power of the resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). 

So where are we? What have we obtained? 

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Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death

a picture of a wilderness scene at sunset. In the center of the image stands a doorframe by itself. The door is open and a bright white light beams out through the doorframe into the twilight. (Grok)

 I want to know Christ—

Summary: Paul has been talking about his relationship with Jesus. In this passage, he looks forward to something most people fear.   

These five words, “I want to know Christ —,“ are a stunning statement coming from a man who has actually MET the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9). He was personally chosen by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15). Paul received his Gospel by direct revelation from Christ (Titus 1:3). Paul knows Christ rather well. 

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Philippians 3:8b – All Things

Picture of a shipwreck (Grok) - Acts 27

… for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage…

Summary: Paul’s assessment of the things in his life gives us a reason to pause and consider what it is that we value, too.   

Sometimes people say things and they don’t really mean it. 

For example, if I said, “If I don’t get to go on vacation soon, I’m just going to die!,” you would understand that I am exaggerating. Some call it hyperbole. Everyone “get’s it.” 

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Philippians 3:6a – Flipped

Picture of a gold coin marked with a cross and the words "IN GOD WE TRUST" (Grok)

… as for zeal, persecuting the church;

Summary: Paul’s zeal for persecuting the church provides a window into who Paul is and the depth of his love for God.   

The keyword in this passage is “zeal,” so let’s take a closer look at what it means. 

Interestingly, the Greek word for “zeal” is very similar to our English word. In Greek, the word is “zẽlos.” (Zee, I told you! 🙂 )

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