Philippians 3: 9–14

Prior to verse 9 He warned the Philippians about circumcises crowd because they were promoting both circumcision and the gospel found in Acts 1; 5, known as The Jerusalem Council where the Gentiles and Jewish leader met to discuss whether the Gentiles should be circumcise or not found in Acts 15;2; “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” A covenant that established by God between Abraham and his household found Genesis 17; 13 -14. Where the Apostle Paul and Barnabas felt the Gentiles should not be circumcised because the Holy Spirit was moving through them as well and they accepted the gospel, and believed, even thou they not been circumcised according to Jews customs. Than the apostle Peter spoke these words, “that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are { Gentiles }.” Than Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had done through among the Gentiles. Than James the brother of Jesus said. “Brothers, listen to me! Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. Citing Is 45:21; Jr 14:9; Dn 9:19; Am 9:11-12. Remember the great commission found in Acts 1; 8, As Jesus declared “ to be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” plus the Apostle Paul who was called to be Apostle to the Gentiles found in Acts 9; 15, “My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. The gentiles did not need to be circumcise. “ The Apostles call them dogs, as scriptures declares. “ Watch out for “dogs,’ watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh.” If any person could’ve boasted about his Jewish heritage the Apostle Paul could’ve for he came from the Jewish descent. Born of the tribe Benjamin circumcised on the eighth day was consider a Hebrew of Hebrews. In regards of the law he was Pharisee and had zeal and keeping the law consider himself blameless in keeping the law. Persecuted the church and made attempt to pulverized the church. As scripture declares, “ Although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. Why the sudden changed from Hebrew of Hebrews to the chief of sinner? While Apostle Paul was persecuting the church arresting both men and women who follow Jesus Christ known as the way, and toss them in jail. He met Jesus on the Damascus Road and his life changed drastically and was now a believer and a follower of Christ. Overtime he began realizes that he was a violator of law instead keeper of the law, and recognize and acknowledge Jesus was the righteousness that came from God. Where the law condemn him. As the apostle wrote, “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ ” and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. In other epistles he uses the same phase found in Romans 1, 17; For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith. Roman 3; 21, 21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets, Romans 9; 30, “ What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith. Romans 10:6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, “Who will go up to heaven?” that is, to bring Christ down. Galatians 2:16; know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. What does mean a righteousness that comes from God mean? Believer Commentary wrote these words,” The moment he { ApostlePaul} believed on the Lord Jesus, he stood in a new position before God. No longer was he seen as a child of sinful Adam, but now he was seen in Christ, enjoying all the favor which the Lord Jesus enjoys before God the Father.” furthermore commentary wrote these words.”Likewise he had renounced the filthy rags of his own self-righteousness, which he had sought to win by keeping the law, and had chosen the righteousness of God which is bestowed on everyone who receives the Savior. Righteousness is here spoken of as a garment or covering. Man needs righteousness in order to stand before God in favor. But man cannot produce it. And so, in grace, God gives His own righteousness to those who receive His Son as Lord and Savior. “He (God) made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). In short no longer wearing your sinful clothes but Christ precious clothes paid by his precious blood on Calvary Cross. Remember when God slew an animal when Adam and Eve violated His commandment by eating the forbidden fruits enacted by God God use the fur shield their sin from Him. Yet another passage found in Zechariah 3; 3-4. 3 Now Joshua was dressed with filthy clothes as he stood before the Angel. 4 So the Angel of the Lord spoke to those standing before Him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then He said to him, “See, I have removed your guilt from you, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” In short no longer wearing your sinful clothes but Christ precious clothes paid by his precious blood on Calvary Cross. KJV Commentary wrote these words Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law. A righteousness of mine own, by works, by strict observance of the law, a righteousness that is self-achieved by a series of “do’s” and “don’t’s.” Such self-righteousness is worthless. It is the opposite of the righteousness which is of God by faith. This righteousness is derived from God, obtained by faith, and is of infinite value. The Apostle Paul forsook the righteousness of the law, and replace with righteousness from God by faith for it was impossible please God by keeping His law As scriptures declares, “For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all. “ Matthew Henry wrote, “The apostle had his heart upon Christ as his righteousness. This is illustrated in several instances. 1. He desired to win Christ; and an unspeakable gainer he would reckon himself if he had but an interest in Christ and his righteousness, and if Christ became his Lord and his Saviour: That I may win him; as the runner wins the prize, as the sailor makes the port he is bound for.” Furthermore He wrote We are undone without a righteousness wherein to appear before God, for we are guilty. There is a righteousness provided for us in Jesus Christ, and it is a complete and perfect righteousness.” No matter how hard we try obey God commandment we simply can not fulfil it nor can we justify ourselves by doing a lot good deeds verses violating a few of God moral law will please God. He simply will not accept this tactic only the righteousness that comes Him that will please Him Matthew Henry wrote these words, “ Not having my own righteousness, which is of the law; not thinking that my outward observances and good deeds are able to atone for my bad ones, or that by setting the one over against the other I can come to balance accounts with God. No, the righteousness which I depend upon is that which is through the faith of Christ, not a legal, but evangelical righteousness: The righteousness which is of God by faith, ordained and appointed of God.” The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord our righteousness.” Remember Jesus ask Paul why are He was persecuting Him. Paul response was “Who are You, Lord?” Consider this the last person Paul expected to hear was Jesus voice “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” Note what else what Jesus said, “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Very person who was persecuting forgave him. Where most of us would took our pound flesh out Paul. Not Jesus He came as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! For example a person is determine to level business enterprise he work long hours to established because he thought the person was dead. While driving home one day an unexpected vehicle stop him, and ask him why he trying to ruin his business. Knowing the voice, and expecting the worst. To his surprise he told him to come in on Monday to talk over business strategy about new dangerous undertaking in which he would part of, and forgave him for his transactions. Note one more thing dead people don’t have conversation with other person only those who are alive can speak. Paul heard Jesus voice, remember he was aware Jesus death on the cross. The Apostle Paul would not suffer nor be martyred by losing his head for sake of Christ over an illusion or misconception. His epistles suggested he thought clearly not as screwball but level head person. As Apostle Paul wrote himself, “ that I may know Him, and the power (dunamis meaning ( miraculous power or marvelous works} of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. NT Wright wrote, “The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom…It is the decisive event demonstrating that God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. “                                                      The Apostle Paul was transformed person while on the road of Damascus, for two reasons; one he saw the risen Savour Jesus , and was forgiven by Jesus for persecuting The Way. The KJV Commentary wrote, “And the power (dunamis} of his resurrection. That power exercised when God raised Christ from the dead. Such power is available (Eph 1:19–20) and imparted by the indwelling, risen Christ. “ what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. He demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand. “ By God grace the apostle Paul was responsible for opening the doors so the gospel could be preached throughout Europe and Asia. NT Wright wrote, “The resurrection completes the inauguration of God’s kingdom…It is the decisive event demonstrating that God’s kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. “  To all who believe in Christ atoning work Christ is alive in them. As the Reformed Study Bible, wrote. “ the power {dunamis } of Christ’s resurrection is manifested in the life of the Christian.” or a follower of Christ.