Philippians 3

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1 Finally, my brothers, 1 k rejoice in the Lord. l To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for m the dogs, look out for n the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For o we are the circumcision, p who worship q by the Spirit of God 2 and r glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh - 4 s though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 t circumcised on the eighth day, u of the people of Israel, v of the tribe of Benjamin, u a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, w a Pharisee; 6 x as to zeal, y a persecutor of the church; z as to righteousness under the law, 3 blameless. 7 But a whatever gain I had, b I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of c the surpassing worth of d knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I e have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having f a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but g that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - 10 h that I may know him and i the power of his resurrection, and j may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may k attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already l obtained this or m am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: n forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for o the prize of the upward p call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are q mature think this way, and if in anything r you think otherwise, s God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only t let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, u join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk v according to the example you have in us. 18 For w many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you x even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 y Their end is destruction, z their god is their belly, and a they glory in their shame, with b minds set on earthly things. 20 But c our citizenship is in heaven, and d from it we e await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform f our lowly body g to be like his glorious body, h by the power that enables him even i to subject all things to himself.

  1. Cross References
    Philippians 4:4
    Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
    1 Thessalonians 5:16
    Rejoice always.
  2. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:12
    Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.
  3. Cross References
    Psalms 22:16
    For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet -
    Psalms 22:20
    Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog!
    Isaiah 56:10 - 11
    His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.
    Revelation 22:15
    Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
    Galatians 5:15
    But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
  4. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:13
    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 2:29
    But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
  6. Cross References
    John 4:23
    But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
  7. Cross References
    Galatians 5:25
    If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
    Jude 1:20
    But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.
  8. Cross References
    Romans 15:17
    In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.
    Galatians 6:14
    But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
  9. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:18
    Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
  10. Cross References
    Genesis 17:12
    He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring.
  11. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:22
    Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
  12. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:22
    Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
  13. Cross References
    Romans 11:1
    I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 23:6
    Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
    Acts 26:5
    They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 22:3 - 4
    I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
    Galatians 1:13 - 14
    For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 8:3
    But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
  17. Cross References
    Philippians 3:9
    And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith -
  18. Cross References
    Luke 14:33
    So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
  19. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:26
    He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
  20. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 5:15
    And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
  21. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:11
    Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
    Jeremiah 9:23 - 24
    Thus says the Lord : "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.
    John 17:3
    And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
    2 Peter 1:3
    His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.
  22. Cross References
    Luke 9:25
    For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
  23. Cross References
    Romans 10:5
    For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them.
    Philippians 3:6
    As to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
  24. Cross References
    Romans 9:30
    What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith.
    1 Corinthians 1:30
    And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
  25. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:13
    Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
  26. Cross References
    Romans 1:4
    And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
    Romans 6:5
    For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
  27. Cross References
    1 Peter 4:13
    But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
    2 Corinthians 1:5
    For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 26:7
    To which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
  29. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:12
    Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
    1 Timothy 6:19
    Thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
  30. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:40
    Since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
    Hebrews 12:23
    And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.
    Hebrews 5:9
    And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
  31. Cross References
    Psalms 45:10
    Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house.
    Luke 9:62
    Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
    Hebrews 6:1
    Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
  32. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:24
    Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
  33. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:1
    Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
    1 Peter 5:10
    And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
    Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
  34. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 2:6
    Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
    Matthew 5:48
    You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  35. Cross References
    Galatians 5:10
    I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
  36. Cross References
    John 7:17
    If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
  37. Cross References
    Galatians 6:16
    And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
  38. Cross References
    Philippians 4:9
    What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
    1 Corinthians 4:16
    I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
  39. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:3
    Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
  40. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:13
    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
  41. Cross References
    Acts 20:31
    Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
  42. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:15
    So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
    2 Thessalonians 1:9
    They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.
    2 Peter 2:1
    But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
    2 Peter 2:3
    And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
  43. Cross References
    Romans 16:18
    For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
  44. Cross References
    Hosea 4:7
    The more they increased, the more they sinned against me; I will change their glory into shame.
    2 Corinthians 11:12
    And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.
    Galatians 6:13
    For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
    Jude 1:13
    Wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.
  45. Cross References
    Romans 8:5
    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
    Colossians 3:2
    Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
  46. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:19
    So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
  47. Cross References
    Acts 1:11
    And said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.
  48. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:7
    So that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  49. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:43 - 53
    It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
  50. Cross References
    Philippians 3:10
    That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
    Colossians 3:4
    When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
    Romans 8:29
    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
  51. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:19
    And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
  52. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:28
    When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Previous Book Next Book