Philippians 3:7–8 (NKJV) — 7 But what things were gain to me, these I
have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the
excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain
Christ.
What is the most important thing, possession, or person in your life? What is
the one thing you would put before God? Is there one thing you would never
be willing to give up to follow Christ?
Whatever you would hold on to and cause you to forsake following Christ has
become the god of your life. Do you overlook sin in your life? If so, then sin
has become the god of your life. Sin no matter how small must be confessed
and turned away from. We must not only turn from sin but mourn sin in our
lives. Joel 2:12–13, “Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all
your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend
your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your
God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.
The smallest sin unconfessed and practiced keeps us from following Christ
and being productive in God’s kingdom. Paul knew he could never be perfect.
His only hope for living forever was the righteousness of perfection found in
Jesus Christ. He had to trust Christ and focus his heart and life upon Christ.
Our focus must be Jesus Christ. He must be the central focus of our lives. It
is not just about us it is all about Christ. All Paul had and was he was willing
to let go of and dedicate his life to God. Paul was willing to be imprisoned
and die for the sake of Christ.
Philippians 1:19–26, “19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance
through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20
according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be
ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be
magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to
live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this
will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I
am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be
with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the
flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that
I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26
that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my
coming to you again.”