Preacher: Elder Abubakar Saraki
Text: Philippians 3:1–11
Topic: Choose Knowing Christ Above Any Other Thing
Introduction
In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and competing values, the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:1–11 that the greatest pursuit of our lives must be knowing Christ. Every achievement, culture, or personal righteousness we may boast of is nothing compared to the surpassing worth of gaining Christ and being found in Him.
Celebrate Your Faith and Righteousness in the Lord
As believers, we are called to rejoice in the Lord because our righteousness comes from Him, not from our own efforts. Paul declared in verse 9: “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Our salvation and standing with God are not by works or human effort, but by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we must celebrate this gift daily with gratitude and joy.
Be Aware of False Doctrines and Distractions
Paul also warns against those who promote false teachings or practices that distract from Christ. Even in the church today, we must be alert to doctrines, traditions, or cultural practices that subtly shift our attention from Christ to ourselves, to worldly gain, or to empty religion.
Some of the dangers we face include:
* The lure of worldly success above spiritual growth.
* The acceptance of cultural norms that contradict Scripture.
* The evil influence of those who deny the power of Christ in their lifestyle.
Our Boast Is in Christ Alone
Paul, once a Pharisee who strictly kept the law, admitted that all his past achievements were “garbage” compared to knowing Christ (Phil. 3:7–8). Similarly, we must learn to count all earthly gains, pride, or self-righteousness as nothing, so that we may boast only in Christ.
True security, true identity, and true hope come only from Christ, not from money, titles, or human applause.
Prioritize Christ in Your Daily Life
If Christ is truly our greatest treasure, then our lives must reflect this in how we spend our time, resources, and energy. Paul’s prayer was: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10)
This means:
* Prioritizing His Word: Daily reading and meditating on Scripture.
* Fervent Prayer: Seeking God’s presence and direction in everything.
* Kingdom Focus: Putting Christ and His kingdom first in every decision (Matthew 6:33).
Conclusion
To know Christ is the ultimate pursuit of life. It is greater than any achievement, culture, or personal righteousness. As a church and as individuals, let us resolve to make Jesus our highest priority—celebrating His righteousness, guarding against false teachings, boasting only in Him, and living each day with a Kingdom-first mindset.
May our daily prayer echo Paul’s desire: “That I may know Him.”
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