Lenten Season · Second Sunday in Lent · Year C
Philippians 3:17-4:1
No Confidence in the Flesh
March 12, 2028
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
Commentary on Philippians 3:17-4:1 Working Preacher
Working Preacher's reading of imitation, citizenship, and enemies of the cross.
Philippians 3:17-4:1 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching-focused commentary on the same passage.
Philippians 3 - David Guzik Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse commentary on heavenly citizenship and Paul's call to imitation.
Philippians 3:17-19 Commentary Precept Austin
Word study on the contrast between enemies of the cross and citizens of heaven.
Philippians 3:17 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentaries verse by verse on the passage.
Philippians 3:17 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text and parsing for politeuma (citizenship/commonwealth), the passage's key term.
Background & Word Study
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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