¹ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

² Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. ³ For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. ⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

 

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul had abandoned confidence in his own works (vv1-6) to trust Christ completely (vv7-11).  All mature believers will follow Paul’s example and press toward this goal (vv12-17), eagerly awaiting Christ’s return and our transformation (vv18-21).
2. Paul had credentials: his family heritage, education, and zeal.  These would have secured him a prominent place in the society.  But Paul’s encounter with Christ radically changed him.  When Paul met the risen Christ, his resume did nothing for him.  What mattered now was relationship with Christ.  Christians learn to recognize and abandon those things that must be counted as losses (possessions, credentials, attitudes, etc.) in light of our encounter with Christ (the gain of our relationship with Christ).
3. What are the things that you count “gain” but actually are “loss” and may become “weight and sin that clings so closely” (Heb 12:1) for your heaven-bound journey?  How can you change your perspective and consider everything as secondary to knowing Jesus as your Lord?
4. Sing this song meditatively as your prayer of dedication to God – “All I once held dear” by Robin Mark.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=09CzdMszUos

All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you,
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, you’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

 

Proverbs for Today 22:13-16

¹³ The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
    I shall be killed in the streets!”
¹⁴ The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;
    he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
¹⁵ Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
¹⁶ Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
    or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.