Philippians 3 teaches that knowing Christ is worth more than every ground of personal confidence. Paul counts former religious achievements as loss compared with gaining Christ and being found in Him.
Paul’s righteousness does not rest on personal performance but on faith in Christ. Yet grace does not make him passive. He desires to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and fellowship in His sufferings.
Paul also admits he has not arrived. He presses forward because Christ has made him His own. Mature faith therefore remains pursuing faith.
The passage balances The Pursuit of God: knowing Christ is relational and transforming, but it remains grounded in the righteousness God provides.
A practical response is to identify one achievement, role, or reputation that carries too much confidence. Thank God for legitimate gifts, then state why knowing Christ is greater and choose one act of humble obedience.
Biblical anchors
Philippians 3:7-14 grounds the article’s central question. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Galatians 2:20 adds an important biblical balance. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
2 Timothy 1:12 shows how the truth becomes lived obedience. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Questions for further study
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Which statement in this article most needs to affect your understanding or conduct?
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How does Philippians 3:7-14 confirm, correct, or deepen the article’s answer?
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What fear, attachment, distraction, or habit makes a faithful response difficult?
Put it into practice
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Study: Read Philippians 3:7-14 in context and write one sentence explaining how it contributes to the answer given in this article.
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Respond: Choose one statement—such as “His righteousness rests in Christ rather than personal achievement.”—and turn it into a specific prayer and action.
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Review: Tell a trusted believer what you plan to do and ask that person to follow up within seven days.
Name the real situation
Consider a real situation connected to this statement: Paul counts former sources of religious confidence as loss compared with knowing Christ. Name the person, decision, or responsibility involved. Read Philippians 3:7-14 in context, then write what faithfulness would look like before the end of the week. Avoid a broad promise such as “try harder.” Choose an action that another person could recognize and review.
Continue with the annotated study guide
The annotated edition places Tozer’s devotional teaching under Scripture and helps readers move from biblical understanding to a specific response. This article answers one focused question; the complete edition brings all ten chapters into one connected study experience.
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples