In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul uses an intense running analogy to describe the Christian life. Having described his passionate, all-consuming desire in verse 10, “to know Christ,” the apostle now tells the Philippians that he’s not stagnating. He’s not slowing down. He’s still running hard after Christ. Kent Hughes says, “There is nothing in Scripture quite like this explosion of spiritual longing” (145). As Paul explains this explosion of spiritual longing, he tells the Philippians that they should follow his example and his take his perspective on spiritual progress. He says, “Therefore, all who are mature should think this way” (15a). Every Christian, then, should take a close look at this passage because Paul provides an inspiring and instructive path for growing in spiritual maturity.
What do you treasure? Is there anything of surpassing value? Is there anything that deserves our life-long, passionate pursuit? The answer is “yes.” Paul describes it in verse 8,”More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Paul reminds us that nothing on earth compares to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You will never regret pursuing Christ.
To see the importance of this passage, consider two questions. First, why do we have a travel itinerary at all? Second, why is this travel itinerary in the middle of the book? By speaking about Timothy and Epaphroditus, Paul provides concrete examples of what he’s been talking about in the previous two chapters. And this is why this passage lays claim on our lives. Paul moves from instructions and imperatives to living illustrations. We need illustrations/examples of a book-of-Philippians type of life!
Hip hop knows glory. They know that glory is meant to be seen; glory is meant to be displayed. Hip hop has an embedded conviction–if you come from nothing, and finally get “everything”–flaunt it. Thus slang terms like …”floss,” “swag,”and “shine.” So if you got it, flaunt it. Or in the words of the New Orleans based rap crew-Cash Money– “GET YOUR SHINE ON!” In our text we come to a point where the glories of salvation need to make there way to the surface, and be shown to impact the church and the world. Christ shines in and through His people as the implications and impact of salvation is actually applied in the church and in the world!
In Philippians 2, Paul exhorts the Philippians to adopt Jesus’ death as their central outlook, their central mindset, for life. Instead of living to get and get and get – more women, more praise, more money, etc. – the Christian is called to imitate Christ, who came to give and give and give. So let’s look at this passage in two parts, and then collect some points of application. First consider the Mind of Christ, and then consider The Hymn to Christ.
