Philippians 3 ~ Where Is Your Treasure?

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Philippians 1!

Philippians 3

Chapter Breakdown
1. The Value of Knowing Christ (vs. 1-11)

2. Pressing Toward the Goal (vs. 12-21)

The Value of Jesus!

Verses 1-11 remind me of what we learned in Galatians. Paul tells the Church of Philippi to remember we are saved by grace not by anything we do. He reminds them to be watchful and keep away from anyone who preaches anything different.

What is the value of knowing Christ??? We learn that when we have faith Christ righteousness makes us righteous. Because of His work on the cross we can have new life. The value is that my soul can be free from the curse of sin because of Jesus. Knowing Christ means that someday I will be forever with Him. The value is that Jesus Christ paid my debt!

Anything I could ever do is simply this (vs. 8) ...Garbage! Strong Words...Strong Visual our efforts are like this picture.....useless and smelly!

The Goal

I love last part of the chapter. Paul teaches about regeneration which basically means that followers of Christ are all in a process of becoming holy. When Christ comes in He begins the process of making us new. I love verse 13 & 14

but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Remember life is like a marathon race. We must train hard and press on toward the finish line. When conflicts arise, seek God. Hold on to any progress in your life. Look for godly examples in your life to help you reach the goal. Watch for pitfalls or teaching that may cause you to stumble or get off the path completely. Keep your eye on the prize....heaven!

Wow, I love how this chapter seems to sum up everything we have been learning so far in our bible study!

What God Wants To Show Me Today
In kid's church today, I taught the kids about following Jesus. We are faced with many paths in life that we can follow. We may strive for wealth and riches. We may chase after great careers. We may try to live just a good life. But God wants us to follow Him! This was our memory verse....

Matthew 6:20-21 (New Living Translation)
20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.



Paul closes this chapter looking at those who are enemies of the cross and those who are citizens of heaven. Enemies only think about their life here on this earth, their treasures are earthly. However, followers of Christ lay up their treasures in heaven. We are heavenly minded and the things of this earth are of little value. Our desires will be a good litmus test of the condition of our heart. Earthly or heavenly desires will be evident in our lives we live out.

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

What is valuable to you? Is it a big house, fancy cars, wealthy friends? Or is knowing Christ the most valuable thing you possess? Are you running hard towards Him or are you running as fast as you can away from Him? Where is your treasure, is it here on earth or in heaven? Do you desire the things of this earth or God?

Press on toward the goal and ....