Wednesday, February 8, 2023
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith… Philippians 3:7-9
A Treasure Of Surpassing Worth
There is nothing more valuable than knowing Jesus and nothing more valuable we can share with another person than telling them how they can know Him. Paul had discovered this truth as he states in the passage above. He had met Jesus Christ in a way that transformed his life so much that he counted everything else he had ever had in his life as loss – nothing – compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. He had experienced Jesus in such a way that he knew the infinite value of that relationship and, more than anything else, he wanted to share that with others.
Paul modeled a life that was committed in every way to sharing the Gospel with others. He even saw himself as one to be imitated. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 He was not being egotistical but knew the value of a good example. He was following Christ’s example and wanted others to be able to follow his example. What was it about Paul’s life that was worth copying?
Paul knew the profound value of the treasure of the Gospel. Paul had lost everything because of his Christianity and he knew it was worth it. His faith in Christ was worth losing everything. This passion and urgency to pass this on to others was what propelled him into action. He exhibited courage in the Lord, proclaiming the gospel, even in the face of opposition. His message was the message of truth from God, and though people tried to discredit him, it did not discourage him. His conduct was above reproach with no intention to mislead people or betray them, but completely honest and convinced of the truthfulness of his message. His only true goal was to please God, not people, and not for personal gain.
Paul’s method of reaching others to share the Gospel was personal investment. He got involved in the lives of the people he was trying to influence.
- He focused on their personal needs and facilitated growth in their lives.
- He was real and authentic – his humanity showed.
- He did not start with a program – we start with organization, programs and then disciples, but Paul started with disciples. He was not concerned about organization or programs. Sometimes programs will draw people in, but if we are not diligent, we can lose them in the program and they never get the Gospel or grow in a relationship with the Lord.
- He was passionate about future generations – He saw a faithfulness in Timothy that would serve the future church.
Paul realized that he found something of surpassing worth – worth more than anything else he had, and he wanted to share it with as many people as possible. How valuable is the Gospel to you? Do you realize the value of what you have and realize the urgency there is to share it with as many as possible? Do others know that you value the Gospel above all? When we realize in our own personal relationship with Christ just how valuable it is, our lives will be changed. Sometimes this realization comes with a mature faith - from walking with the Lord - and sometimes losing everything before we see that He is all we ever need. Seeing this and allowing Him to fill the place in our heart where He belongs illuminates the surpassing worth of our relationship with Him. Our faith and love for Him, coupled with our experiences of His manifest presence in our lives, will propel us to share it with others.
