A Narrative on Philippians 3:7-11 According to the Amplified Bible (AMP)

You want to talk about privilege & authority, how about the privilege & authority to know God not just know about God!

Introduction

Philippians 3:7-11 (AMP) is one of the deepest and most powerful passages in Paul’s epistles, where he expresses the incomparable value of knowing Christ personally rather than relying on any human achievements or religious credentials. Paul, once a Pharisee of high standing, now counts all his former gains as loss for the sake of Christ. This passage emphasizes the privilege and the transformative power of truly "knowing" God—not just intellectually or theologically, but experientially and relationally. It highlights the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him in a personal, intimate way. This knowledge, as Paul describes, leads to a deeper fellowship with Christ, sharing in His sufferings and experiencing the power of His resurrection.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Philippians 3:7-11 (AMP): "But whatever former things were gains to me, as I thought then, these things, once regarded as advancements in merit, I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from my obedience to the Law and its rituals, but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead."

Context of Philippians 3:7-11

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was imprisoned, facing the possibility of death. Despite his circumstances, his letter is filled with joy, gratitude, and encouragement. In Philippians 3, Paul warns against placing confidence in the flesh, meaning human achievements or religious credentials. Before his conversion, Paul had every reason to boast according to Jewish standards—he was a Pharisee, zealous for the Law, and blameless in his observance of it. However, after encountering Christ, Paul came to realize that all these things were worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ personally.

Detailed Exploration of Philippians 3:7-11

The Transition from Earthly Gains to Spiritual Riches

Key Phrase: "But whatever former things were gains to me, as I thought then, these things, once regarded as advancements in merit, I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ."

Paul begins by contrasting his former life—marked by religious accomplishments and societal status—with his new life in Christ. All the things he once valued, he now considers as loss, even as "garbage" compared to the value of knowing Christ. This shift represents a complete reorientation of values, where earthly gains are seen as insignificant in light of the spiritual riches found in Christ.

Matthew 16:26 (AMP): "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

This verse from Matthew highlights the futility of gaining worldly success at the cost of one’s soul. Paul’s experience echoes this teaching, as he willingly forsakes all worldly gains to gain Christ.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: For believers today, Paul’s testimony challenges us to evaluate what we consider valuable in our lives. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, recognizing that the true riches of life are found in knowing Him personally, not in accumulating worldly achievements or possessions.

The Priceless Privilege of Knowing Christ

Key Phrase: "But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]."

Paul emphasizes that knowing Christ is not just beneficial; it is a priceless privilege, a supreme advantage, and a source of unparalleled joy. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational—growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Christ. Paul’s use of the word "knowing" here reflects an intimate, experiential knowledge that transforms the believer’s life.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (AMP): "Thus says the Lord, 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, And let not the mighty man boast in his might; Let not the rich man boast in his riches; But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt that I am the Lord who practices lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight],' says the Lord."

Jeremiah’s words emphasize that the highest privilege and the greatest cause for boasting is not in human wisdom, might, or riches, but in understanding and knowing God. This aligns with Paul’s conviction that knowing Christ surpasses all other gains.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: For believers, this passage invites us to move beyond merely knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and intimate way. It encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, where we experience His presence, understand His character, and grow in our love for Him. This kind of knowledge brings joy that surpasses all earthly pleasures and accomplishments.

The Exchange of Self-Righteousness for Christ’s Righteousness

Key Phrase: "And may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from my obedience to the Law and its rituals, but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith."

Paul recognizes that true righteousness cannot be achieved through human effort or adherence to the Law. Instead, it is a righteousness that comes from God, received through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not earned but is a gift, imputed to those who believe in Jesus. Paul desires to be found "in Christ," meaning that his identity, worth, and righteousness are all rooted in his relationship with Jesus.

Romans 3:22 (AMP): "This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction."

Paul’s teaching in Romans complements his statement in Philippians, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith in Christ and is available to all who believe. This righteousness is the foundation of the believer’s standing before God.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: Believers are reminded that their worth and righteousness are not based on their achievements, moral performance, or religious observance, but solely on their faith in Christ. This truth frees us from striving for self-righteousness and allows us to rest in the righteousness that Christ provides. It encourages us to live out our faith with humility and gratitude, knowing that we are accepted by God simply because of Jesus.

The Desire to Know Christ More Deeply

Key Phrase: "And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely]."

Paul’s ultimate goal is to know Christ more deeply. This knowledge is not static but dynamic, involving a continual growth in understanding and intimacy with Jesus. Paul desires to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection, to share in His sufferings, and to be conformed to His death. This reflects a life of discipleship where knowing Christ means following Him, even through suffering, and becoming like Him in His death.

Ephesians 1:17 (AMP): "[I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him, for we know the Father through the Son."

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians mirrors his desire in Philippians—to know Christ deeply and personally. This knowledge is a gift from God, granted through the Holy Spirit, who reveals the fullness of Christ to the believer.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: For believers today, this passage challenges us to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, where our knowledge of Him is not limited to doctrinal understanding but includes personal experience and transformation. It calls us to embrace both the power and the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings, understanding that true knowledge of Christ involves walking in His footsteps.

The Power of Resurrection and the Fellowship of Suffering

Key Phrase: "And [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]."

Paul desires to experience both the power of Christ’s resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. The power of the resurrection refers to the life-giving, transformative power of the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and now works in believers to bring new life and spiritual vitality. The fellowship of suffering means sharing in Christ’s sufferings, not as a punishment, but as a way to grow closer to Him and to be conformed to His likeness.

Romans 8:17 (AMP): "And if we are [His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory."

Paul teaches in Romans that suffering with Christ is part of the believer’s journey, leading to a deeper participation in His glory. Suffering, when embraced with faith, becomes a means of transformation and deeper fellowship with Christ.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: As Believers we are encouraged to embrace both the power of the resurrection and the fellowship of suffering as essential aspects of the Christian life. This passage teaches that knowing Christ involves both experiencing His power and walking through suffering with Him. It invites believers to trust in the resurrection power that brings new life and to see suffering as a means of deeper union with Christ.

The Hope of Resurrection

Key Phrase: "So that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead."

Paul’s ultimate goal is to attain the resurrection from the dead. This refers not only to the physical resurrection at the end of time but also to the spiritual resurrection that believers experience in this life as they are raised to new life in Christ. The hope of resurrection is the culmination of the believer’s journey, where they are fully conformed to the image of Christ and share in His eternal glory. Selah!

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (AMP): "But now [as things really are] Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the firstfruits [that is, the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body] of those who have fallen asleep [in death]. For since [it was] by a man that death came [into the world], it is also by a Man that the resurrection of the dead has come. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive."

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians affirms the certainty of resurrection for all who are in Christ. This certainty is not just for the future but also affects how believers live in the present, with the absolute assurance that they will be raised to eternal life.

Relevance to Today’s Believers: For believers, the hope of resurrection provides comfort and motivation to live faithfully in this life. It reassures them that suffering and death are not the end, but that they will be raised to eternal life with Christ. This certainty encourages us believers to persevere in our faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Summary

Philippians 3:7-11 is a powerful expression of Paul’s transformation from a life focused on religious achievements to one centered on knowing Christ personally and intimately. Paul contrasts his former gains—his status, accomplishments, and religious zeal—with the surpassing value of knowing Christ. For Paul, everything he once valued is now considered worthless compared to the privilege of knowing Jesus. This knowledge is not just intellectual but deeply experiential, involving a personal relationship with Christ that transforms every aspect of life.

Paul emphasizes that true righteousness is not based on human effort but is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ. He expresses a desire to know Christ more deeply, to experience the power of His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings. For Paul, knowing Christ involves being conformed to His likeness, even in suffering, with the ultimate goal of attaining the resurrection from the dead.

For today’s believers, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege of knowing God personally, rather than just knowing about Him. It challenges us believers to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, to seek a deeper and more intimate knowledge of Him, and to embrace both the power and the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. The passage also reassures us believers of the certainty of resurrection, encouraging us to live faithfully and to persevere in our faith, knowing that we will share in Christ’s eternal glory.

In conclusion, Philippians 3:7-11 calls us believers to a life centered on knowing Christ, experiencing His power, sharing in His sufferings, and living in the certainty of resurrection. It invites us believers to exchange our earthly gains for the priceless privilege of knowing Jesus, to rest in the righteousness that comes through faith, and to pursue a deeper relationship with the One who gave His life for us.

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