A Guide to Correct Loss: Philippians 3:1-11

Pass out note cards. Students are to write one known thing about the person on the right of them and give to the person on the left of them to read.

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

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. (Break 1)
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—4 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 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Break 2)
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ9 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—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
(Break 3)

Break 1

When you think of dogs, what comes to mind? Well, Jews used to refer to Gentiles as dogs. Dogs were scavengers much like with think of raccoons, coyotes and other non-domesticated animals that run in packs and eat whatever they may find and make messes. These “dogs” were filthy and unclean unlike our dogs of today that are dressed even some with accessories. Paul is referring to Jews as dogs, not the gentiles. This is a complete switch.

When you think of evildoers, what comes to mind? I think of Megamind or the Green Goblin.

What do you think “mutilate the flesh” means? This actually refers to circumcision. To give a little context, Circumcision by definition is the act of removing foreskin. Most male children have this done today.

Benefits of physical circumcision:
1 Some older men can develop cancer - about 1 in 1000 - fairly rare, but tragic if you or your son are in that small statistic. Infant circumcision gives almost 100% protection, and young adult circumcision also gives a large degree of protection.

2 Cancer of the cervix in women is due to the Human Papilloma Virus. It thrives under and on the foreskin from where it can be transmitted during intercourse. An article in the British Medical Journal in April 2002 suggested that at least 20% of cancer of the cervix would be avoided if all men were circumcised. Surely that alone makes it worth doing?

3 Protection against HIV and AIDS. Another British Medical Journal article in May 2000 suggested that circumcised men are 8 times less likely to contract the HIV virus. (It is very important here to say that the risk is still far too high - this applies also to preventing cancer of the cervix in women who have several partners.)

A BBC television program in November 2000 showed two Ugandan tribes across the valley from one another. One practiced circumcision and had very little AIDS, whereas, it was common in the other tribe, who then also started circumcising. This program showed how the infection thrived in the lining of the foreskin, making it much easier to pass on.

4 As with HIV, so some protection exists against other sexually transmitted infections. Accordingly, if a condom splits or comes off, there is some protection for the couple. However, the only safe sex is to stick to one partner or abstain.

So, why tell you these things when you are students? Let me give you a biblical understanding. In our lives we have pride in which we hide other sins. These sins may not be visible immediately, they may not even be recognized as sin or we have not thoroughly cleansed ourselves. The truth is; we cannot purify ourselves. God is the one who purifies and removes the sin from our lives. God spiritually circumcises our old nature from our new self. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

So let’s get to the understanding of correct loss. Why would Paul be so adamant against physical circumcision that the Judaizers were pushing for? Anything added to Sola Gracia, Sola Fida, Sola Christus (Grace alone, Faith Alone, Christ alone) is incorrect. These Jews were saying and making people physically identify as Jews before claiming Christ.

How does this apply to students in 2011?

There is nothing, NOTHING needed prior to Christ’s calling of you. There is no other means needed for salvation other than faith in and repentance to Christ Jesus and the grace he bestows. Anyone who says different is a type of Judaizer.

Break 2

Now, we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit… John 4:23-24
Why say this, and use this reference. The conversation between Christ and the woman at the well was heavily saturated in the traditions and the physical.

Instead of concentrating on the physical, “rejoice in the Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.”
What are you rejoicing in? What accomplishments do you have that “define” you? Are you defined only by your athletic, musical or drama accomplishments? Who are you known as?

Student on the left then reads the card aloud. 2^nd step of the beginning activity.

Let’s read verses 4-6. Do you think Paul had a right to boast?

Do you think you have a right to boast about what was on that paper?

Break 3

Now, all these things we have spoken from the note cards, I want you to wad them up and throw them at me (from your seats). 3^rd step of the beginning activity.

Why wad them up and throw them away?

Let’s read verses 7-11

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Can you say that about what was on these papers?

Can you release and let go; can you lose your old self?

Can you say, “Indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…”

Paul even went one step forward to say he counts all his gains as rubbish. That means they like feces, excrement and bodily waste. His gains, his education, his prior life before Christ!

Why do we look back as though our past life is a long lost friend whom we desire to meet again someday? Why!?

“and be found in him.” Here we reference 2 Cor. 5:17.

Verse nine confirms “Sola Fida and Sola Christus.”

Verse 10 points to three things Paul desires and we should as well:

1. Know Christ

2. Know his Power

3. Know his sufferings

The good news is that those who suffer with and for Christ will attain the resurrection from the dead.

We must lose all to gain all. We must die to become alive. We must accept to be accepted.