In what ways do you try to impress God? Paul makes it clear in this chapter that the only thing that “impresses” God, the only thing that maintains our right standing with him, is the finished work of Jesus. The more we try to add our own self-righteous efforts, the less we will truly “rejoice in the Lord” (v. 1).

Some Jewish Christians in the early church had made it their mission to visit the Gentile converts in the new church plants (like the one in Philippi) and to convince them that, in addition to faith in Jesus, they needed to obey the Law of Moses and be circumcised. Paul vehemently argues against that, saying circumcision is no longer a matter of cutting off a piece of skin but of worshiping God in the Spirit, glorying in Christ, and putting no confidence in the flesh.

What Paul means by “flesh” is his Jewish lineage, his training as a Pharisee, his law-observing abilities, etc. In light of what Christ has done, all these things are as good as rubbish (v. 8)! Nothing comes even close to the “surpassing worth” of knowing Jesus and the work he accomplished for us on the cross. After all, Christ’s last words were “It is finished!”, not “We’re almost there; now just add your own performance and then you’ll be reconciled to the Father!”

This is a serious issue. We cannot mix grace and self-righteousness.

God is truly a genius. Through Jesus, he represents both sides of the covenant between God and humans. He is both the electing God and the perfect, elected Man. All we need to do is lean on him by faith, trusting that he is enough.

Taking It Home:

• Do you personally know Jesus, and have you fully trusted in him for your right standing with God? 

What things do you need to consider “rubbish”?