“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”– Philippians 3:9 (KJV)
“And become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.”– Philippians 3:9 (NLT)
“A different kind of righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.”– Philippians 3:9 (MSG)
What Does Philippians 3:9 Mean?
Philippians 3:9 is a powerful and thought-provoking verse that challenges us to reconsider our understanding of righteousness and salvation. When Paul writes about being found in Christ, he is referring to a deep and personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship is not based on our good deeds or adherence to the law, but solely on our faith in Christ.
In the context of the first century, righteousness meant different things to different people. For the Jewish community, righteousness was often tied to the following of the Mosaic Law. Paul had once adhered to this law as a Pharisee, but he realized that following the law could not save him. When he met Christ on the road to Damascus, it sparked a transformation that changed everything. He discovered that true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus. This faith allows us to have a relationship with God that is not built on our abilities, but on His grace.
Philippians 3:9 Explanation and Commentary
When we explore the meaning of Philippians 3:9 in detail, we recognize the life-altering implications it carries. It speaks to the heart of the Christian faith, emphasizing that we can only be justified before God through faith in Christ, not by our struggles to attain righteousness through the law.
This verse can be a source of comfort and freedom for us. It tells us we do not have to earn our standing before God. We often feel the weight of expectations and societal pressures to be perfect, to meet certain standards, and to keep the rules. But Paul shows us it is not about what we can accomplish; it’s about what Christ has already accomplished for us. Righteousness is a gift we receive by faith. This grace enables us to rest in the assurance that we are accepted by God despite our flaws and shortcomings.
Paul’s experience teaches us that grace is not a one-time event but a continual way of life. The moment we accept Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness, and we can approach God without fear. It’s like wearing a beautiful robe that covers all our frailties and imperfections. The righteousness that comes from God assures us that we are forgiven and loved. When we grasp this truth, we can live with the confidence that comes from knowing we are accepted not based on what we do but on who Christ is.
This understanding should impact how we view others as well. If our righteousness is not based on works but through faith, we are called to extend that same grace to those around us. Instead of judging others or measuring their worth based on performance, we should encourage and uplift, recognizing that we all stand on equal ground at the foot of the cross. We should reflect the same love and acceptance that God has shown us to others, embracing them in their journey towards Him.
Context of Philippians 3:9
To fully appreciate Philippians 3:9, we must understand the broader context in which Paul wrote this letter. Paul was writing to the church in Philippi while he was in prison. Rather than focusing on his own difficult circumstances, he chose to encourage the believers, urging them to find joy and strength in their faith.
In the previous verses, Paul discusses his own background and accomplishments. He lists his achievements as a Pharisee, his adherence to the law, and his zeal for religion. However, he counters all of these with the claim that they mean nothing compared to knowing Christ. This context sets the stage for Philippians 3:9, where he expresses that being found in Christ is the ultimate goal.
The Philippian church faced challenges and pressures from both outside and within. Paul wanted to remind them that their identity and worth stemmed from their relationship with Christ, not from their efforts to uphold traditions or laws. He invites them, and by extension us, to embrace a new way of living—one where faith in Christ is paramount.
Paul’s emphasis on righteousness and faith builds on the foundation of Old Testament teachings, particularly those found in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. The prophets foretold of a time when God would establish a new covenant and provide a way for His people to be righteous. Paul, acknowledging this, explains that Christ is the fulfillment of this promise, and it is through Him we are made righteous.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 3:9
When we take a closer look at the different components of Philippians 3:9, it creates a deeper understanding of what Paul is trying to convey.
Firstly, “being found in Him” establishes the importance of our identity in Christ. Our identity is not anchored in our achievements or failures, but in our relationship with Jesus. He is the source of our worth, and we should find our value in who He says we are.
The phrase “not having mine own righteousness” shows us that our own attempts at righteousness fall short. We might strive and work hard to be good people, but those efforts won’t earn us a place in God’s family. This humbling realization helps us bring our failures before Him instead of hiding from them. Acceptance is found in honesty and recognition of our need for grace.
Next, Paul presents the contrasting nature of the righteousness that comes from the law and the righteousness that is through faith in Christ. The former is based on outward actions and strict adherence, while the latter springs from an inward belief and relationship with Jesus. This distinction shifts our focus from performance to faith, highlighting the importance of relational trust in our relationship with God.
Finally, when Paul speaks about “the righteousness which is of God by faith,” he emphasizes that this righteousness is a divine gift we receive. God offers us His righteousness—it is not something we can achieve through our works but is instead granted freely through belief in Jesus. This profound truth shapes our spiritual journey, assuring us of God’s love and acceptance.
Lessons to Learn From Philippians 3:9
Philippians 3:9 imparts significant lessons that we can apply to our lives as we strive to follow Christ.
One essential lesson is that our worth is not measured by our deeds. In a society that often values performance and achievements, it can be easy to slip into the belief that we need to do more to be accepted. But Paul’s words remind us that God loves us regardless of our efforts. We can be assured that our standing with Him is not contingent on our abilities but on His grace.
This concept transforms how we see ourselves and treat others. When we internalize that we are saved by grace, it opens our hearts to extend grace to those around us. We begin to see others through God’s eyes, recognizing that we are all works in progress. Each person carries their own struggles, and just like us, they need the loving embrace of God’s acceptance.
Another important lesson is the focus on faith. Paul calls us to cultivate our faith and trust in Christ, as it is through this faith that we can receive righteousness. We should actively nurture our relationship with Jesus, spending time in prayer, reading scripture, and engaging in community. By doing so, we deepen our understanding of His grace, allowing it to permeate all areas of our lives.
This leads to the final lesson: the importance of pursuit. Our journey with Christ is not static; it requires active engagement. Paul’s example encourages us to press on, to seek a deeper relationship with Him. We should not be content with a surface-level faith; instead, we must desire to know Christ more intimately and reflect His character in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Philippians 3:9 is a profound reminder of the transformative power of faith in Christ. It teaches us that true righteousness does not come from rules and regulations but through a relationship with Jesus. As we grasp this truth, we are set free from performance-driven living, embracing the grace that sustains us.
This journey of faith calls us to lean into our relationship with Christ, prioritizing it above all else. As we grow in our understanding of grace, we learn to extend it generously to others, creating a culture of acceptance and love within our communities. We can encourage each other as we press on toward our goal of knowing Him more deeply. Let’s take to heart Paul’s words and allow them to direct our lives as we embrace the righteousness that is offered to us through faith in Christ, transforming how we love ourselves and those around us.
For another insightful exploration of scripture, be sure to check out 1 Samuel 20:1 or 1 Corinthians 14:17. Each verse can expand our understanding and guide us on our faith journeys.