Having called the Philippians to hold fast to the “word of life” and to “rejoice” in mutual sacrifice for the gospel (Phil. 2:16–18), and having shown Timothy and Epaphroditus to be Christlike models (Phil. 2:19–30), Paul now further expounds upon that “word of life,” contrasting false teaching with his own conversion and present confession (Phil. 3:1–11). Paul writes this passage to the Philippians, so they would follow Paul in rejoicing in the Lord by resisting false teachers who trust in the flesh, and glorying instead in Christ alone as their complete righteousness.

1. Knowing Christ Transforms us to Live a Life of Faith (v.8-9)
2. Knowing Christ Transforms us to Live a Life of Fellowship (v.10-11)

For Paul, salvation, sanctification and spirituality were not of his own human efforts, not some religious process of law-keeping, not a matter of ritual, tradition and custom but was knowing, loving, obeying and serving the person of Jesus Christ.

Paul did not concentrate on the process but the person of Jesus Christ. In this passage, 30 years after his salvation, Paul opens up his own life and shares his desire to 'know Christ" - the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:8). Christ is not merely the means to gain mercy, but mercy is the means by which we “gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). Salvation is a Person. Paul realized that Christianity is Christ, and real meaning, purpose and sense to life was found in one’s relationship with the Saviour.

Paul realized that his own righteousness was as filthy rags in God’s sight. Paul’s own righteousness was not perfect. And so he needed a righteousness that was not his own that would be credited to him. And that was the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And it was received by faith. Paul’s righteousness counted for nothing. Christ’s righteousness counted for everything.