Paul draws a line under his past religious experience and all that he had once stood to gain in the flesh (Philippians 3:4-7). He now concentrates all his energy on his present quest and what he hopes to gain in Christ (Philippians 3:8-11).

Paul’s first and highest aim is Christ. He is the Priceless Pearl and the Hidden Treasure for whom Paul surrenders all. Compared to Christ, everything else is festering filth.

But still, Paul has to let it go. He trades trash for treasure. And we trade treasure for trash?

Second, Paul says, “That I may be found in Him” (Philippians 3:9a). Paul was immersed into Christ at his baptism. And so are all of us who have been baptised (Romans 6:3).

But that is only the beginning of the Quest.

Being found in Christ must be a daily experience. Paul writes this letter nearly three decades after being baptised into Christ. And he is still striving to be found in Christ. Not in a religious system. Nor in a yoke that chokes. But in Christ alone.

A third aim of the Quest is to acquire the righteousness of God (Philippians 3:9b). Not self-righteousness or legal righteousness, which Paul likens to street garbage. But God’s gift of righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

This new righteousness is two-fold: One, being right with God on the inside. And two, living right before God on the outside. Kingdom righteousness is both internal and external: Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20).

God works His righteousness into us at conversion. But then, for the rest of our life, we must work it out in fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). That is why, 30 years on from his conversion, Paul is still pursuing God’s righteousness.

Are we?

How do we pursue and live out this righteousness? That’s what Philippians is about: To live is Christ. Walk worthy of the Gospel

Pray Now

1 The Singapore Church is largely a well-educated community of high achievers. As a spiritual exercise, list your achievements. For example:

• Degrees you have earned
• Titles you have clinched
• Awards you have won
• Books you have published
• Articles you have written
• Songs you have composed
• Media you have produced
• Ideations you have originated
• Interviews you have given
• Research you have done
• Churches you have planted
• Congregations you have pastored
• Sermons you have preached
• Ministries you have helmed
• Events you have hosted
• Keynotes you have delivered
• Movements you have founded
• Enterprises you have started
• Prayer initiatives you have birthed
• People you have mentored
• Missions work you have pioneered
• Donations you have given
• Money you have raised
• Endorsements you have received
• Plus, plus, plus

Examine yourself: Are the achievements you listed expressions of God’s righteousness in you? If so, you are blessed. But if they are self-righteous attempts to earn points with God, then you have work to do in your heart and on your knees. It’s one thing to repent of our sin. It’s another to repent of any claim to moral goodness that is not founded on the finished work of Christ. Confess: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). None of my scores and successes in life, none of my good works can secure me a place in heaven. I am not saved by good works but for good works which God has ordained for me to act on by faith through His grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).

2 Paul’s quest and highest aim in life is to know Christ. Will you also make this your quest and highest aim? Can you say with Paul, and really mean it, that nothing – absolutely nothing – compares with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ?

3 Let this parable of Jesus shape your values: The kingdom of heaven … is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it (Matthew 13:45-46). Pray: Lord, You are the priceless jewel that I seek. In You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Without You, life is nothing, life is empty, life is meaningless! I desire a closer walk with You. To know You more and more. To seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness (Matthew 6:33). To set my mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). To live for You. Help me, O Lord! 

4 Sing! “Christ is my reward and all of my devotion. Now there’s nothing in this world that could ever satisfy. Through every trial, my soul will sing. No turning back, I’ve been set free. Christ is enough for me, Christ is enough for me. Everything I need is in You. Everything I need. Christ my all in all. The joy of my salvation. And this hope will never fail. Heaven is our home” (Hillsong).

5 Sing! Turn lyrics into intercession for God’s community of faith in our city:  

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

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