What Do You Want Most?

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for 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; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

I’m hoping that you guys will ponder this question today:

What do I want most?

Some want...

The Best Here

There are all sorts of “bests” here… We will talk about some, but its important for you to know...

Paul is discussing those who are trying to get the best record here...

We’d call it “self righteousness”.

Philippians 3:2–3 ESV

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—

In order to get the best they can here, some people are willing to inflict severe pain to their bodies.

For the Jews of Paul’s day, they were wiling to be circumcised. “Mutilate the flesh”

Circumcision was extremely important to Jews because it was a sign of the old covenant. But, Jews of Paul’s day had forgotten that the old covenant sign was meant to be taken in faith that God would keep His promises and not something to make them earn God’s favor and love.

For the Jews of Paul’s day, circumcision, this mutilation of the flesh, was a means to be righteous. Or better yet, self righteous...

You guys may or may not have a temptation to be self righteous. That may not be the best. It is real though, but just not according to our values…

People your age might do things like this:

Destroy their mind for the “best” feeling.

Destroy their body for the “best” physique.

Destroy their friendships for the “best” social status.

Destroy their future for the “best” entertainment.

Destroy their dignity for the “best” identity.

Destroy their soul for the “best” companionship.

Destroy their faith for the “best” opportunities.

People your age, in order to get the best might do things like this:

Destroy their mind for the best feeling.

Drugs

Destroy their body for the best physique

Starvation, over exertion

Destroy their friendship for the best social status.

Bullying etc.

Destroy their future for the best entertainment.

Mindless video games, etc.

Destroy their dignity for the “best” identity.

Gender identity

Destroy their soul for the “best” companionship.

Sex before marriage literally attaches your soul to another person.

Destroy their faith for the “best” opportunities.

Sports, vacation, etc.

Remember though… Paul is mainly contending with those who want the best Jewish Record.

Description of what the best record would look like:

Philippians 3:5–6 ESV

5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Some Realize that...

The Best Here is Rubbish!

Paul had it all:

Philippians 3:4 ESV

4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

But something eventually happened to him that caused him to say this:

Philippians 3:8a (ESV)

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss... ...I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish...

The best here is rubbish because...

Jesus is Better!

Philippians 3:7–8 ESV

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

When you look at everything Jesus created, and everything available to gain in the world Jesus created, and then look at Jesus… Like really look at Jesus and see Him clearly… You will realize that Jesus is so much better than everything else.

Jesus is better than...

A great record

Popularity

What the world calls “beauty”

The highest high

All pleasure

Any food

The best health

Not only is Jesus better… But

What Jesus Offers Is Better

Philippians 3:9–11 ESV

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

What better things does Jesus offer:

Intended Identity And Best Relationship

“Be found in Him”

Pure Righteousness

“Righteousness from God that depends on faith”

Resurrecting Power

“That I may know.. the power of His resurrection...”

Suffering and Death For His Fame

“and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death...”

Resurrection From The Dead

“that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

What better things does Jesus offer?

Intended Identity

Best Relationship