Philippians [Part 6] Trading Religion for Relationship

June 1, 2025
Philippians [Part 6] Trading Religion for Relationship


Trading Religion for Relationship

Philippians 3:1-11

1) Confidence in self-righteousness through religious practice always leads to a dead-end street. (vs. 1-6)

      • Paul realized that trusting in his own righteousness
        —no matter how impressive—leads away from the gospel, not toward it.

2) Trusting and finding ultimate satisfaction in Christ
requires rejecting self-reliance. (vs. 1-3) 

      • The true people of God do this: Serve in the Spirit of God, all glory and credit to Christ Jesus, put no faith or confidence in the flesh and what they can achieve on their own.


3) Even the best religious résumé falls short of God’s salvation that can only be found in our perfect Savior.         (vs. 4-6)

      • External religion without internal transformation leads to spiritual death.

4) Knowing Christ is the supreme treasure. (vs. 7-11)

5) We must lose things the world values most to truly gain what matters most. (vs. 7-8)


Colossians 3:2, 1 John 2:15-17


      • To know Christ is not merely to know about Him, but to experience life in relationship with Him.


6) Righteousness comes through faith and sanctification by drawing nearer to Christ. (vs. 9-11)
We are not saved by doing, but by dying—to self, to pride, to religious merit—so that we may live by faith in the risen Christ.