The Joy of Knowing Jesus and Running Strong with Him (preaching resource for October 4, 2026)

This post exegetes Philippians 3:1-16, providing context for the Epistle reading on 10/4/26. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Francis Foulkes ("New Bible Commentary").

"Lost and Found" by Greg Olsen (used with artist's permission)

Introduction 

As we enter Philippians chapter 3, we find Paul starting a new section of his letter with a promise and exhortation: “All joy be yours in your union with the Lord.” (Phil 3:1 TCNT).  Believers have great joy because they know Jesus—they know of and participate in the union that all humanity has with Jesus. Sadly, some Philippian believers were undervaluing that union—failing to understand that their true citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20). 

As a Roman colony, Philippi was a sort of “Rome away from Rome.” Its citizens, though living in Philippi, rightfully saw themselves as citizens of Rome. In similar fashion, though we are earth-bound, Jesus includes us in the heavenly life he shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Our inclusion in the triune life is our true home! But it’s easy to turn our focus to earthly things like jobs, houses, cars, and achievements (including religious ones). It’s not that all earthly things are, of themselves, bad. God knows that we need certain things (Mat 6:31–34), and he “richly provides” them “for our enjoyment” (1Tim. 6:17). But Jesus warns that our lives do not consist in the acquisition of things (Luke 12:15). So Paul challenges us to consider our values (see his use of the word “consider” in Phil 3:7–8, 13). 

Paul makes this appeal by sharing his own story. Before he met Jesus, he was living what many considered a morally upright, religious life. But Paul came to see that this life was bankrupt—devoid of true righteousness and lasting joy. How ironic: Paul had to lose his religion in order to find Jesus! But find Jesus he did; or, more accurately, Jesus found him—struck him down on Damascus Road in the blinding light of his glorious presence. As a result, Paul’s values were transformed (Acts 9:1–31). He discovered that all the things he once held dear were nothing but rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. 

To make his point, Paul compares and contrasts works righteousness (his old way of life under the Law of Moses) with faith righteousness (his new way of life in Christ). Paul learned the vast difference between the two, and wants to share his understanding with us so that we might come to know Jesus deeply, and in doing so, experience true and lasting joy. The joy of knowing Jesus.

Works righteousness 

Philippians 3:1–6

Paul begins by warning us away from an empty life focused on doing good things (works) in order to establish (or improve) one’s standing with God. Paul first gives an exhortation, then his own example.

1. Paul’s exhortation (vv. 1–3) 

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh--

Paul exhorts believers to find their joy—the focus of their life—in Jesus, not in earth-bound things (no matter how good they may be). He warned before of this, and warns once again so that we may be kept safe from certain “dogs”—“evil” men who are “mutilators of the flesh.” To whom is he referring? 

The answer takes us back into early church history. The gospel went out to “the Jew first” (see Acts 3:26; Rom. 1:16), so that the first seven chapters of Acts deal principally with Jewish Christians (Acts 2:10). Then in Acts 8:5–25 the message went to Samaritans, but this did not cause too much of an upheaval since the Samaritans were at least partly Jewish. But when Peter went to full-blooded Gentiles in Acts 10, an uproar resulted. Peter was called on the carpet to explain his activities (Acts 11). Peter had allowed Gentiles to become Christians without first becoming Jews, and this was a scandal for the young church. Peter explained that it was God who had directed him to take this action, and the matter seemed to be settled. But not for long. Paul was sent by the Spirit to minister especially to the Gentiles (Acts 13:1–3; 22:21). It did not take long for the strict Jewish believers to oppose Paul’s ministry and come to Antioch teaching that it was necessary for Gentiles to submit to Jewish religious practices before they could be included in the Christian fellowship (Acts 15:1). This disagreement led to the calling of an elders conference at Jerusalem (Acts 15). The result was approval of Paul’s ministry and victory for the gospel of the grace of God. Gentiles did not have to become Jewish proselytes in order to become Christians! 

But the dissenters were not content. Having failed in their opposition to Paul at Antioch and now at the Jerusalem conference, they followed Paul wherever he went and tried to steal his converts and his churches. This group is often referred to as the “Judaizers.” Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written primarily to combat their false teaching, which combined grace and law. It is apparently these Judaizers that Paul is referring to in Philippians 3:1–2. He uses three terms to describe them:

a. “Dogs.” Orthodox Jews referred derisively to Gentiles as “dogs,” but here Paul calls these Jews (Judaizers) “dogs.” Paul compares them to dirty scavengers. Like dogs, these Judaizers snapped at Paul’s heels and followed him from place to place “barking” their false doctrines. They were troublemakers and carriers of dangerous vermin. 

b. “Men who do evil.” These men taught that we are saved by faith plus good works, especially the works of the Law of Moses. But Paul states that their good works are actually evil works because they are performed in the flesh (the old nature) and not in the Spirit; they glorify themselves instead of Jesus. Ephesians 2:8–10 and Titus 3:3–7 make it clear that no one is saved by good works, even ones based on commands of the Law of Moses.  

c. “Mutilators of the flesh.” Here Paul uses a pun on the word “circumcision.” The word translated “circumcision” literally means “a mutilation.” The Judaizers taught that circumcision (which is required of Jewish males in the Law of Moses) was essential to salvation (Acts 15:1; Gal 6:12–18); but Paul states that circumcision of itself is only a mutilation! The Christian believer has experienced spiritual circumcision in Christ (Col 2:11). They have no need of a fleshly operation. What counts is what Jesus has done for them, and their participation in his life through faith. They put no confidence in the flesh. 

In contrast to these Judaizers; Paul describes true believers (the true “circumcision,” Phil 3:3) as those who exhibit certain characteristics that flow by the Spirit from the life they share with Jesus:

a. They worship by the Spirit. True believers worship God “in Spirit and in truth”(John 4:19–24), they do not confuse religious activity with true worship.

b. They glory in Christ Jesus. Unlike people who depend on their religious activity, boasting of what they have accomplished; believers depend upon and boast in Jesus and in what he has done for them. In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus contrasted these two attitudes. 

c. They put no confidence in the flesh. A very unfortunate, though popular religious slogan today is, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” It was also popular in Paul’s day, and it is just as wrong today as it was then. The Bible has nothing good to say about “flesh” (the carnal, fleshly nature) and yet most people today depend on what they themselves can do to please God. But the flesh profits nothing as far as spiritual life is concerned (John 6:63). Indeed, it has, of itself, nothing good to offer (Rom 7:18). Only Jesus is good, and he shares his good life with us—that’s where we place our confidence (and find our joy). 

2. Paul’s example (vv. 4–6) 

4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Paul personally knew the futility of trying to attain salvation or to add to salvation by means of good works. As a young student of Judaism, he learned the Law at the feet of Gamaliel, the great Jewish rabbi (Acts 22:3). His career as a Jewish religious leader was a promising one (Gal 1:13–14); and yet Paul gave it all up—to become a hated member of the “Christian sect” and a preacher of the gospel of pure grace. As a result he was suffering persecution, while the Judaizers were compromising with the gospel in order to avoid persecution (Gal 6:12–13). 

In this intensely autobiographical section, Paul becomes an “auditor” who opens the books of his own life to see what wealth he has, and he discovers that he is bankrupt!

a. Paul’s relationship to the nation. He was born into a pure Hebrew family and entered fully into the covenant of Israel when he was circumcised. He was not a proselyte, nor was he descended from Ishmael (Abraham’s other son) or Esau (Isaac’s other son). The Judaizers would understand Paul’s reference to the tribe of Benjamin, because Benjamin and Joseph were Jacob’s favorite sons. They were born to Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife. Israel’s first king came from Benjamin, and this little tribe was faithful to David during the rebellion under Absalom. Paul’s human heritage was something to be proud of! When measured by this standard, he passed with flying colors. 

b. Paul’s relationship to the Law. “In regard to the Law, a Pharisee...as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Phil 3:5–6). To the Jews of Paul’s day, a Pharisee had reached the very summit of religious experience, the highest ideal a Jew could ever hope to attain. He held to orthodox doctrine (see Acts 23:6–9) and tried to fulfill the religious duties faithfully (Luke 18:10–14). While we today are accustomed to use the word “Pharisee” as the equivalent of “hypocrite,” this usage was not prevalent in Paul’s day. Measured by the righteousness of the Law, Paul was blameless. He kept the Law and the traditions perfectly. 

c. Paul’s relationship to Israel’s enemies. But it is not enough to believe the truth; a man must also oppose lies. Paul defended his orthodox faith by persecuting the followers of “that pretender,” Jesus (Mat 27:62–66). He assisted at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54–60), and after that he led the attack against the church in general (Acts 8:1–3). 

At this point we might ask: “How could a sincere man like Saul of Tarsus have been so wrong?” The answer is that he was focusing on religious things rather than on Christ Jesus! Like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–22) and the self-righteous Pharisee (Luke 18:10–14), Saul was looking at the tangible, measurable things of earth. In particular, he was measuring himself with the external standards of the Law. Based on those standards he was a success. But by the standards found in the person of Jesus, he was a total failure—a sinner. And in one amazing, climactic day, when he met Jesus on Damascus Road, Paul saw himself clearly in the stunning light of the glory of Jesus. And that changed forever his values—he abandoned “works righteousness” to embrace Jesus and “faith righteousness.”

Faith righteousness 

Philippians 3:7–11

When Paul, face down, met Jesus Christ on Damascus Road (Acts 9), his entire world was turned right-side-up. It was a miracle of God’s grace, the kind that still takes place whenever a sinner sees Jesus and admits their need and turns (repents)—away from self-reliance to trust (faith) in Jesus. When Paul met Jesus, he quickly realized just how futile were his good works and just how sinful were his claims of righteousness through the Law. A wonderful exchange took place. Paul lost what he once held dear, but gained true righteousness and joy that comes with knowing Jesus. 

1. Paul’s losses (v. 7) 

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Paul lost whatever was gain to him personally apart from God. Paul had a great reputation as a scholar (Acts 26:24) and religious leader. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and religious achievements. All of these things were valuable to him; they brought him great (though temporary) profit. He had many friends who admired his zeal. But when he measured these “treasures” against what Jesus had to offer, he realized that all he once held dear was really nothing but “rubbish” compared to knowing Jesus: “All such assets I have written off because of Christ” (v. 7, NEB).  Though his achievements in Judaism brought him glory (accolades), they did not bring glory to God. They were ultimately empty and meaningless.

2. Paul’s gains (vv. 8–11) 

8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

In becoming a follower of Jesus, Paul did not cease being a Jew. In fact, it made him a completed Jew, a true child of Abraham both spiritually and physically (Gal 3:6–9). And in becoming a follower of Jesus, Paul did not lower his moral standards. Rather, he embraced the higher standards of participating actively in the life of Jesus (Rom 12:1–2). When one becomes a follower of Jesus, God takes away the bad, but he also takes the good and makes it even better.  

In embracing Jesus, Paul lost his religion and his reputation—yet he gained far more: the knowledge, righteousness and fellowship of Christ Jesus: 

a. The knowledge of Christ Jesus (v. 8). This means much more than knowledge about Jesus, because Paul had that kind of historical information before he met Jesus. To “know Christ Jesus” means to have an active, personal relationship with him through faith (trust). Jesus does not merely purchase our salvation; he is our salvation! To experience salvation is to have a realized, personal relationship with Jesus. 

b. The righteousness of Christ Jesus (v. 9). Righteousness was the great goal of Paul’s life as a Pharisee, but he sought this righteousness through works—an approach to God that is unattainable and thus futile. But when Paul trusted Jesus, he gained entrance, by faith, into the true righteousness of God. Obtaining that righteousness was for him (and for us) far more than a legal transaction; rather, it is an active, dynamic relationship by which Jesus imparts to us his life—his righteousness. This sharing in Jesus is a gift of pure grace, which we participate in, through the Spirit, by faith, not works.   

c. The fellowship of Christ Jesus (vv. 10–11). When he became a disciple of Jesus, it was not the end for Paul, but the beginning of a wonderful, growing relationship with God in Christ: 

• It was a personal relationship (“I want to know Christ”). When he was living under the Law, all Paul had was the knowledge of a set of rules. But now he had a Friend, a Master, and a constant Companion! 
• It was a powerful relationship (“the power of his resurrection”)—Paul shared in the power of Jesus’ glorified, resurrection life. “Christ lives in me!” he proclaimed (Gal 2:20).  
• It was at times a painful relationship (“the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings”). Paul knew that it was a privilege to suffer for Jesus (Phil 1:29–30). In fact, suffering was part of Paul’s  experience of Jesus’ life from the beginning (Acts 9:16).  
• It was a practical relationship (“becoming like him in his death”). Paul lived for Jesus because he died to self (Rom 6 explains this); he took up his cross daily and followed his Lord. The result of this spiritual death was spiritual resurrection (Phil 3:11) that caused Paul to walk “in newness of life” (Rom 6:4).  Paul summarizes this dying and living with Jesus in Galatians 2:20. 

In coming to know Jesus, Paul gained far more than he lost.  In fact, his gains were so thrilling that Paul considered all his formerly treasured “things” as smelly rubbish by comparison!  No wonder he had true and lasting joy—his life did not depend on the cheap “things” of this world but on the eternal values and joys found in Jesus. Paul now saw the “things” of earth from heaven’s viewpoint.  People who live for “things” are never really happy, because they must constantly protect their treasures and experience worry lest they lose their value.  Not so the believer; his treasures in Jesus can never be stolen and never lose their value.  

Participating with Jesus: Run Strong!

In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul looks at the calling of a follower of Jesus to participate with Jesus as he ministers in our world. Paul compares this participation with running a race; and the goal is to run strong! Note that Paul does NOT use this metaphor to speak of earning salvation. Rather, he uses it to urge us to share actively in Jesus’ ministry because we are saved. 

In Paul’s day, only citizens were allowed to enter the Greek games. Athletes did not compete to gain citizenship—they competed because they were citizens. In like manner, Paul declares that “our citizenship is in heaven”(Phil 3:20), and as citizens, we are invited to run strong with Jesus. As believers, we have joined the race—and to each of us has been granted a lane (a calling) in which to run. If we run strong the way God has planned for us, a reward is ours. But if we drop out, or get out of our assigned lane, we lose the reward, though we keep our salvation. Paul addresses five keys for running strong with Jesus: dissatisfaction, devotion, direction, determination and discipline. 

1. Dissatisfaction (vv. 12–13a)

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it…

Despite his considerable achievements as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul was not resting on his laurels. Unfortunately, many Christians are self-satisfied because they compare their “running” with that of other believers. Had Paul compared himself with others, he would have been tempted to be proud and perhaps to let up. But Paul did not compare himself with others; he compared himself with himself and with the perfection of Jesus! That led him to an appropriate “divine dissatisfaction” with his progress that is highly motivating. Mature Christians honestly evaluate themselves and then “press on.”

2. Devotion (v. 13b)

13b …But one thing I do…

Paul understood the power of being focused on “one thing.”  “Only one thing is needed,” Jesus explained to busy Martha when she criticized her sister for her devotion to Jesus (Luke 10:42). “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek” testified the devoted psalmist (Psa 27:4). The “one thing” for us is to fulfill our calling in Jesus’ service. An athlete succeeds by specializing in one event—they keep their eyes on this one goal and let nothing distract them. Like Nehemiah the wall-building governor, they reply to distracting invitations, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down” (Neh 6:3). “A double-minded man [is] unstable in all he does” (James 1:8).  It’s a matter of values and priorities, running with devotion in our assigned lane with Jesus. That is key two, and then there is a third key:

3. Direction (v. 13c)

13c  …Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

It’s easy to get bogged down in our past. But running strong with Jesus requires that we have a clear since of direction forward. Imagine what would happen on the race course if a runner started looking behind them! As believers, we are called to be future-oriented, “forgetting what is behind.” In Bible terminology, “to forget” does not mean “to fail to remember.” Rather, it means “no longer to be influenced by or affected by.” When God promises, "their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more" (Heb 10:17), he is not suggesting that he will conveniently have a bad memory! What God is saying is, “I will no longer hold their sins against them. Their sins can no longer affect their standing with me or influence my attitude toward them.” 

So, “forgetting what is behind” does not suggest an impossible feat of mental gymnastics by which we try to erase the memory of our past. It simply means that we break the power of the past by living for the future. We cannot change the past, but we can change its meaning. There were things in Paul’s past that could have weighed him down (1Tim 1:12–17), but they became inspirations to propel him forward. The events did not change, but his understanding of them changed.

Many Christians are shackled by regrets concerning past failures and disappointments. They are trying to run forward while looking backward!  Some are distracted by past successes; and this is just as distracting. “What is behind”—whether good or bad—must be set aside so that we can focus on “straining toward what is ahead.” 

So to run strong with Jesus we need dissatisfaction, devotion, and direction. And then there is a fourth key:

4. Determination (v. 14)

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

“I press on!” carries the idea of intense endeavor. A person does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures, watching movies, reading books, or cheering at games. They become a winning athlete by getting into the game with a strong determination to win! The same zeal that Paul employed when he persecuted the church (Phil 3:6), he displayed in serving Christ. 

In this race with Jesus, there are two extremes to avoid: (1) “I must do it all” and (2) “Jesus must do it all!” Both positions overlook the stunning truth that Jesus includes us in his life and in his ministry. “Let go and let God!” is a clever slogan, but it does not fully describe the truth of our life shared with Jesus. What quarterback would say to his team, “OK, men, just let go and let the coach do it all!” On the other hand, no quarterback would say, “Listen to me and forget what the coach says!” Both extremes are wrong. The Christian runner realizes that Jesus must work in and through them if they are going to win (Phil 2:12–13). “Apart from me you can do nothing” said Jesus (John 15:5). God works in us that he might work through us. As we apply ourselves to the life we share with Jesus, the Holy Spirit matures us and strengthens us for the race. “Train yourself to be godly” was Paul’s exhortation to Timothy (1Tim 4:7b). 

Toward what goal is the Christian pressing and struggling with such determination? “The prize for which God has called me heavenward [upward] in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). When the winner in the Greek games reached “the goal” (the marker at the end of the race course), they were “called up” to the winner’s platform and given their reward. Paul is not suggesting with this metaphor that we attain heaven by our works. He is simply saying that just as an athlete is rewarded for their performance, so the faithful believer will be rewarded when Jesus returns (see 1Cor 9:24–27 for a parallel, and note that while only one athlete receives the reward, all Christians may receive a reward). We don’t know a lot about the nature of the Christian’s reward—it may be that Paul sees Jesus himself as the reward; but what we do know is that we will be rewarded if we “take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of [us]” (Phil 3:12).

So determination is the fourth key for running strong with Jesus. And there is one more key:

5. Discipline (vv. 15–16)

15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

In order to win, the runner must compete according to the rules. In the Greek games, the judges were very strict about this. Any infringement of the rules disqualified the athlete. That did not mean being stripped of citizenship, but it did mean losing the prize. In Phil 3:15–16, Paul emphasizes that we must remember the “spiritual rules” laid down by Jesus, our judge. Paul makes a similar point in writing to Timothy: “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2Tim 2:5). One day each of us will  stand before God’s “judgment seat” (Rom 14:10). The Greek word for “judgment seat” is the same word used to describe the place where the Olympic judges gave out the prizes to the winners. If we have disciplined ourselves to run strong with Jesus, we will receive great reward at the final judgment.

It’s an exciting experience to run the race daily with our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:1–2). It will be even more exciting when we stand before Jesus at his return and experience the full reward that is ours!  This prospect of future reward was motivation to Paul to discipline himself now in order to run strong to the finish. It can be our motivation as well. 

So these are the five keys for running strong with Jesus: divine dissatisfaction, deep devotion, clear direction, dogged determination and consistent discipline. It’s about actively participating with Jesus as he ministers in our world. Run strong with Jesus!