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Righteousness through Faith in Christ
In Philippians 3:1–11, Paul warns against misplaced confidence and explains why he no longer relies on status, effort or law-keeping. He points instead to rejoicing in Christ and receiving righteousness from God through faith.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage is part of a letter and teaching section. Paul says he is repeating something for the readers’ safety, then warns them about false circumcision. He contrasts confidence in the flesh with worship by the Spirit, and uses his own record to show why knowing Christ matters more than former gains.
Philippians 3:1–11Main takeaway
This passage teaches that righteousness is not presented as something Paul achieves for himself, but as something from God through faith in Christ.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Rejoice, and be on guardPaul begins with a call to rejoice in the Lord and says repeating this teaching is safe for them.
Explanation
Paul begins with a call to rejoice in the Lord and says repeating this teaching is safe for them. He then gives a sharp warning about people he describes as evil workers and false circumcision. The contrast prepares readers to ask where true confidence and identity belong.
02True confidence is not in the fleshPaul says, “we are the circumcision”, then describes true worship as worshipping God in the Spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh.
Explanation
Paul says, “we are the circumcision”, then describes true worship as worshipping God in the Spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh. In this passage, “flesh” points to human credentials or grounds for boasting rather than confidence in Christ.
03Paul had strong credentialsPaul is able to make this point strongly because he could have relied on impressive credentials.
Explanation
Paul is able to make this point strongly because he could have relied on impressive credentials. He lists his circumcision, Israelite identity, tribe, Hebrew heritage, Pharisee status, zeal, and blamelessness concerning righteousness in the law. These were real advantages in his former way of measuring gain.
04Gain became loss because of ChristPaul says the things that once seemed gain he now counts as loss for Christ. He expands this by saying he counts all things as loss compared with the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.
Explanation
Paul says the things that once seemed gain he now counts as loss for Christ. He expands this by saying he counts all things as loss compared with the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. He wants to gain Christ and be found in him.
05Righteousness from God and resurrection hopePaul carefully contrasts two kinds of righteousness: his own righteousness from the law, and righteousness from God through faith in Christ.
Explanation
Paul carefully contrasts two kinds of righteousness: his own righteousness from the law, and righteousness from God through faith in Christ. His goal is to know Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, with hope of resurrection from the dead.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What three marks of true worship and identity does Paul give in verse 3?
Look closely at the three phrases after “we are the circumcision” and notice how each one directs confidence away from the flesh and towards God and Christ.
02Why does Paul list his background and achievements in verses 4–6?
Use the text itself: he says he could have confidence in the flesh even more than others, so his list supports his argument rather than building pride.
03How does Paul describe the righteousness he now wants?
Compare the two parts of verse 9 and note the difference between “my own” righteousness from the law and righteousness “from God by faith”.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philippians 3:1–11
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
2Beware of the dogs; beware of the evil workers; beware of the false circumcision.
3For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;
4though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
5circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
6concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ.
8Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith,
10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death,
11if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.