Paul basically says: stop building your worth on the “resume.”
Religious performance. Reputation. People’s approval. “Doing it right.”
He had ALL of it… and then he drops the mic:
“Whatever was gain to me, I count it as loss.”
Why?
Because the things he once leaned on for identity were actually keeping him from real freedom.
Then he makes it personal:
I don’t want a righteousness I build.
I want the kind that comes from relationship.
I want to know Him — not just know about Him.
And knowing Him includes both:
• resurrection power (life, victory, strength)
• and the fellowship of suffering (the hard seasons that refine you)
Then comes the part that feels like therapy AND discipleship:
“Forgetting what is behind…”
Not pretending it didn’t happen.
Not erasing the past.
But refusing to let it drive the future.
And he admits something we all need to hear:
“Not that I’ve already arrived…”
He’s still in process… but he’s committed to the direction.
Press on.
Stay focused.
Keep moving.
Run your race.
This is the blueprint:
Stop rehearsing the old identity.
Release the old “gains.”
Let the past be a teacher, not a master.
And pursue the life you were created for — on purpose.
That’s maturity.
That’s freedom.
That’s Philippians 3. 💙
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