Philippians 3:7-8 (CB)

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.

Paul speaks in financial language: he previously placed the items in vv. 5–6 on the “profit” side of the balance sheet. They had previously been reasons why he had “put confidence in the flesh” (v. 4b). But Paul states that he now considers none of these things as profitable because the only worthwhile thing is Christ. Christ is the all-encompassing gift who cannot be supplemented and with whom nothing can compete. I consider everything a loss. Paul generalizes even beyond the items in vv. 5–6. For example, he also lost his career (Gal 1:14–16) and his connections (Acts 9:1–2, 14), but these he can cheerfully give up now that he follows Christ. Knowing Christ. Paul is a disciple with a deep personal relationship with Jesus. As one who knows Christ ( v. 10), he sees the worthlessness of what he previously relied upon. garbage. Can be translated “trash” or “dung.” Your career, connections and all your coin, is dung compared to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord! He is the Pearl of great price! Worship Him!