We are about to embark on a lengthy passage in Philippians, considering Philippians 3:7-21 in relation to Conditional Security. There are some very difficult verses within this passage and I make no claim to have come to settled conclusions on any of them. With a passage that speaks of gaining Christ through giving something up, to the great apostle Paul “not attaining”, the passage is fraught with opportunities to cause division, confusion or even heresy.

With this thought, and with trepidation, I would like to offer my thoughts and an opportunity for my readers to comment, correct or condemn my simple thoughts.

Let us begin with Philippians 3:7-11. Paul begins the passage using a banker metaphor, as if there were a ledger on his desk and is describing his transactions of what he owned for what he wanted.

Let’s take a minute to read through this short passage with that in mind.

Philippians 3

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 Christ
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—
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.

It seems Paul has been at the ledger table for many years, for as we see in verse 7, he refers to the original meeting with Jesus in Damascus, in his face to face with the Savior and his estimation of all his religious efforts and confidence in relation to this One who confronts him. Yes – Paul counted (in the past) all things loss, and then in our very next verse, speaks of his present suffering and loss of all things, counting (present tense) them as rubbish. As an aside, the term rubbish is more colorful than a simple bag of garbage as the term rubbish may imply. The term is σκύβαλον skýbalon, and refers to refuse, such as the excrement of animals, offscouring, rubbish, dregs, anything that is worthless or detestable.

Is there a progression in Paul’s balance sheets? At the beginning, his part of the “trade” was simply “a loss”. This term is a simple description of damage or loss. Not too graphic.

Later he speaks of his part of the trade as excrement, dung, feces. I don’t know about you but I’m seeing a progression here, an estimation of Paul’s part of the trade as being worse than originally estimated.

Does this not exhibit a progression of relationship, in that Paul continues to estimate his “part of the trade” with with the Savior, that he is, less than his first judgement of value to the Master.

Paul was chasing after the Christ, and as he chased, he had to face his own sinfulness. This is not an enjoyable experience, finding that in all his efforts, he became (in his estimation) less and less of value to Him. In summary, I think it is safe to assume that Paul, as he sought Christ, found that in his estimation of his part of the “trade” to become less and less appealing.

Have you found this to be true?

As you have ventured into the Christian life, have you found that sin erupts when least expected, hardness of heart is ever with you, and a disappointment in your faithfulness is somewhat continual? This is a common experience for the one who is seeking after the Lord, for light exposes shadows and darkness. It is difficult to face the truth of our own existence before Him.

Two take aways on this conclusion

As I try to walk this life with the Savior, I find I am easily tripped, often distracted, sometimes discouraged, redirected by lies or simply without the heart to continue. This is a very dangerous place to reside, and I fear there are some who simply give up in a personal dedication to the One who calls us. This condition can easily slip, I would imagine, into not just ignoring the Lord, but eventually rejecting Him.

Although overly simplistic, I fear those who ignore Him, ignore the very heart of the gospel. Distracted or deceived, those who ignore Him have forgotten one simple truth.

He still loves me, even though I see my part of the transaction as less and less valuable in the offering. Yes He still loves me, and that is what will draw us forward through the disappointments and discouragements.

He still loves you.

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