Philippians 3:8 Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord… 1. Christ is gained when we get an interest in Him and in His benefits (1 Corinthians 1:9; Hebrews 3:14). The ungodly have no part in Him. The apostle had won Christ already, but he would win a full enjoyment of Him. 2. The word κερδησω is put in opposition to the loss he had incurred, and means that there was enough in Christ to compensate him. I. WHAT GAIN WE HAVE IN HAVING CHRIST. 1. He is our ransom from the wrath of God, and so you have somewhat whereby to appease your guilty fears (Colossians 1:14). 2. He hath purchased God's favour that we may have comfortable access to Him (Hebrews 10:19). 3. Our natures are renewed, and not only the favour and fellowship of God restored, but His image also (Titus 3:5-6; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 12:10). 4. Christ is our treasury and storehouse, from whence we fetch all our supplies (1 Corinthians 1:30). 5. By Him we are made heirs of eternal life (Romans 8:17). II. HOW MUCH THIS GAIN EXCELS ALL OTHER. 1. It is most comfortable, for here is comfort at all times and in all cases (Philippians 1:21). 2. Most universal (1 Corinthians 2:22-23; 1 Timothy 4:8). 3. Everlasting (Luke 10:42). 4. Sanctifying. III. USES. 1. For reproof of — (1) Those who take no pains to get it (Matthew 16:26; Luke 16:25). (2) Those who part with Christ for temporal profit (Hebrews 12:16). 2. Per instruction. (1) If Christ be gain then we may make some losses for Christ if we may not have them and Him too (Hebrews 11:26; Mark 10:29-30). (2) We should not murmur when others go away with other things, if we have Christ (Psalm 17:14-15). 3. To persuade you to get Christ. (1) He is the best gain if God be preferred before the creature, eternal glory before finding riches, the soul before the body. (2) This gain may be gotten at a cheap rate (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 3:18). (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, |
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