Paul was in a privileged position prior to accepting Jesus Christ. He was part of the upper echelon of the Jewish community. Paul did not come to the Lord based on the disciples witnessing to him because they were afraid he would lock them up or kill them. The Lord Himself met Paul on the road to Damascus. Through that encounter, Paul was blinded, unable to see, and had to wait on the Lord to receive his sight. The Lord sent Ananias to lay hands on Paul and pray for him. Once this happened, he received his sight and he spent the rest of his life serving the Lord. Paul realized how incomplete his life was prior to accepting Jesus Christ.
In Philippians 3:7-9, Paul shared how his life has changed because of Jesus Christ. Paul wanted the Christians in Philippi to know all the things he gained previously through his position, he now considers them lost. While these were all things that were impressive in the world, they were nothing in comparison to Jesus Christ. Therefore, to him, these things are now lost because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ. He wanted to help the Philippians to understand their position in the world does not impress the Lord. They needed to let go of what they had in order to gain Christ. The Lord will not share the stage with anything or anyone. For them to be righteous in Christ, they have to move forward in faith. The things of the world have to be lost in order to gain Jesus Christ. When Paul looked at the things in his life prior to Christ, he considers them to be rubbish. Paul was letting them know the impact Jesus Christ had on his life.
What about you? Is your relationship with Jesus Christ primary in your life? If so, then there are some things that you have lost, but you have gained a relationship that will last throughout all eternity. While you are still here on this earth the Lord will supply all of your needs. Everything you have is a blessing from the Lord. Therefore, they are to be used to continue to increase the territory of the Lord. This has happened because you stepped out on faith, putting your trust in the Lord. You have gained the righteousness of the Lord in your life! Continue to walk in your blessings.
