Pentecost Season · Proper 22 · Year A
Philippians 3:4b-14
No Confidence in the Flesh
October 4, 2026
Overview & Insights
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
First Conclusion: Call to Rejoice “With this communication about Epaphroditus now the epistle seems to be at an end” (Ewald, ad loc.). If so, nothing remains but a final word of greeting. The reader is therefore prepared for Finally.
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Commentary
Working Preacher: Philippians 3:4b-14 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis on Paul redefining true gain around knowing Christ.
CEP: Philippians 3:4b-14 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on righteousness by grace and pressing on.
Enduring Word: Philippians 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on the chapter.
Precept Austin: Philippians 3 Resources Precept Austin
Gathered verse-level commentary, word studies, and sermons on the chapter.
BibleHub: Philippians 3:4 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentaries on Paul's credentials counted as loss.
Background & Word Study
BibleHub Interlinear: Philippians 3:4 BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for gain, loss, righteousness, and pressing on.
Enter the Bible: Philippians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the letter and Paul's biography.
BibleProject: Philippians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of Paul's prison letter and its themes.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Paul count as loss?
Paul lists his impeccable credentials and then counts them all loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:4b–8). Righteousness comes not from the law but through faith, so he presses on toward the goal.
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