As we continue our journey through Philippians, the Apostle Paul brings us to one of the most personal and powerful themes in the Christian life: the joy that comes from truly knowing Jesus. In a world obsessed with credentials, performance, status, and self-made identity, Paul calls believers to a radical re-evaluation of what truly matters. He reminds us that joy is not found in what we accomplish, but in who we belong to.
Paul’s message is simple but life-changing: everything apart from Christ ultimately falls short.
Rejoice in Everything Because of Christ
Paul begins with a command that sounds simple but is deeply spiritual:
“Rejoice in the Lord! … it is a safeguard for you.” — Philippians 3:1
Many people rejoice when circumstances go well, when finances improve, health reports come back positive, or life feels stable. But Christian joy isn’t tied to circumstances. It’s rooted in Christ. Even when life feels uncertain, believers can rejoice because Jesus has not changed. Joy isn’t just something we feel, it’s something we choose. When we rejoice, we are setting our spiritual thermostat rather than letting circumstances set it for us. Even when you cannot rejoice in your circumstances, you can rejoice in the Lord. It may not change your situation, but it will change you. Paul wrote these words from prison, reminding us that joy is not the absence of hardship but the presence of Christ.
Reject Everything That Is Not Christ
Paul then shifts to a warning. False teachers had crept into the church, encouraging believers to place confidence in their religious achievements, heritage, or moral performance. To prove his point, Paul lists his own credentials, and they were impressive. He had the right lineage, the right education, the right religious status, and the right moral reputation.
Yet Paul comes to a stunning conclusion:
If you say, “Jesus plus anything,” you are saying the cross is not enough.
Religion says we must perform to be accepted. The gospel says we are accepted because of Christ’s performance. Paul reminds us that salvation is not Jesus plus church attendance, good works, traditions, or moral effort.
It is Jesus plus nothing.
Receive Everything That Is Christ
After dismantling confidence in the flesh, Paul declares where true value is found:
“Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” — Philippians 3:7–8
Paul had discovered something life-changing: knowing Jesus is worth more than anything this world can offer. Success, status, and achievements may feel important in the moment, but viewed through eternity, they fade quickly. True joy is found not in accumulating things, but in knowing Christ personally. Compared to knowing Jesus, everything else loses its value. Paul longed not merely to know about Jesus, but to know Him deeply, in His power, His suffering, and His resurrection life.
The Joy That Comes from Knowing Him
Paul’s ultimate desire was clear:
“I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings.” — Philippians 3:10
To know Jesus is to trust Him, follow Him, and build our identity on Him. It means recognizing that our righteousness does not come from our effort but from faith in Christ alone. This kind of relationship brings a joy the world cannot offer and cannot take away. At the end of life, achievements, possessions, and recognition will not matter. Only one question will remain: Do you know Jesus? It is possible to have everything this world offers and still walk away empty. But those who know Christ discover the opposite: even with little, they have everything.
If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.
