Philippians 3:1-9 ▼

1 So then, my brothers, keep on rejoicing in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you; indeed, it is for your safety.

2 Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilators!

3 For it is we who are the circumcision —we who worship in the Spirit of God and find our joy in the Messiah Jesus. We have not placed any confidence in the flesh,

4 although I could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he can place confidence in the flesh, I have more reason to think so.

5 Having been circumcised on the eighth day, I am of the nation of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As far as the Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee.

6 As for my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church. As far as righteousness in the Law is concerned, I was blameless.

7 But whatever things were assets to me, these I now consider a loss for the sake of the Messiah.

8 What is more, I continue to consider all these things to be a loss for the sake of what is far more valuable, knowing the Messiah Jesus, my Lord. It is because of him that I have experienced the loss of all those things. Indeed, I consider them rubbish in order to gain the Messiah

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but one that comes through the faithfulness of the Messiah, the righteousness that comes from God and that depends on faith.