READ Philippians 3:4-16

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, “4If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7BUT 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.  What kinds of things did you give up to win (gain) Christ?

2.  Are you continuing to live a sacrificial life, to give up things to win and follow after Christ?

3.  What do you need to give up to be assured that you gain Christ?