GAINS THAT WE SHOULD LOSE
Philippians 3:7, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
Paul had established a reputation in his life prior to his salvation. His pedigree was also impressive. Paul stated, "If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. BUT WHAT THINGS WERE GAIN TO ME, THOSE I COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST.”
The word "gain" means to get an increase, to acquire, to increase profit or advantage by hard work. Paul had a pedigree of which he was proud and accomplished things that he worked hard to acquire. "Counted loss" speaks of considering, accounting, or deeming something as forfeited, damaged, or destroyed. The Pulpit Commentary states: "...but such things as used to be gains to me, those I have counted as loss for Christ's sake. He used to regard these outward privileges, one by one, as so many items of gain; now he has learned to regard them, all in the aggregate, as so much loss because of Christ. They were loss because confidence in outward things tends to keep the soul from Christ."
All of Paul's gains, including his pedigree, were deemed useless and destroyed because of his desire to gain Christ. Note Philippians 3:8, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win (or gain) Christ."
Are you willing to part ways with things that you have, in the past, counted as gain? Knowing, loving, walking with, and rejoicing in Jesus is worth more than all the gains the world could ever grant. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36)
Have a great day counting your gains forfeited for Christ. For, as John the Baptist stated, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How might worldly gains keep one from honoring and serving Christ?
2. Is there anything in your life keeping you from being loyal in your relationship to Jesus?
3. Are you willing to part with “past gains” so that you can grow in your walk with God?
4. Write out John 3:30 and describe what this verse means to you.