Count All Things as Loss Philippians 3:8

As Paul the apostle began to enumerate to the Philippians his heritage and background in the flesh, he counted them all as loss all the things that were “gain” unto him. In chapter three and verse eight of his letter to the church in Philippi Paul continued his thought on all things being “loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” where we read:

Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

The verse begins, “Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:” To insure that the church members knew how Paul evaluated his fleshly accomplishments, Paul repeats with emphasis “Yes, doubtless” or “beyond the shadow of a doubt” the idea that he counted “all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus”. Nothing in Paul's heritage, religious advantage, social position or status came close to comparing to his “knowledge of Christ Jesus”. Paul called Jesus “my lord” which meant that Jesus Christ ruled over all of Paul's life, and there was not one attribute or advantage in Paul's life both past and present that could compare to his relationship with Him.

The verse goes on to say, “for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung,...” Paul's relationship with Jesus was not without personal loss. He said “I have suffered the loss of all things” which is the loss of “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything, and some of all types”. Paul so refuted the “things” that he had in comparison to his relationship with Jesus Christ that he counted “them but dung” which means “any refuse, as the excrement of animals, offscourings, rubbish, dregs, worthless and detestable” things. The advantages that Paul had because of his heritage, nationality and upbringing were as “waste materials” compared to his relationship with Jesus.

Finally the verse says, “...that I may win Christ,...” Paul tells the Philippians why he counted all things as “loss” and “dung” - “that I may win Christ”. The idea is “to gain, acquire, to get gain” of Christ. Paul knew there was nothing more valuable than a relationship with Jesus, and all things and advantages in the world pale in comparison to being with Him.

As we ponder Paul's words, it might be helpful if we ask ourselves how we evaluate our “things” and “advantages” within the world. Would we be able to count them as “loss” or “dung” in comparison to our relationship with Christ Jesus? As we keep this verse in context we remember that Paul is telling the Philippians how the fleshly efforts fall short when it comes to relating to God, and as we make an accounting of the things in this world, perhaps it will help us to remember the value there is in an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. The temporary things fade, and the eternal life with Him abounds.

Next time Paul tells the origin of his righteousness, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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