Phil. 3:4-8   All But Loss For Christ

Introduction and background of the Apostle and his human concept of himself (3:4-6).  Exegete 3:4

3:5 Acircumcised the eighth day@ Gen. 17:10-12

AOf the stock of Israel@ - I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 
Acts 22:3     

AOf the tribe of Benjamin@ -  Son of my right hand

The younger son of Jacob by Rachel (Gen 35:18). His mother died giving him birth, and with her last breath named him Ben-ami, which was changed by his father to Benjamin.   

AAn Hebrew of the Hebrews@ - One whose parents are both Hebrews (2 Cor 11:22); a genuine Hebrew.

AAn touching the law, a Pharisee@ -  But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.  Acts 23:6

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.  Acts 26:4-5

3:6 Aconcerning zeal, persecuting the church@ - For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.  Gal 1:13-14

ATouching the righteousness which in the law, blameless@ - which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.  Acts 26:5

 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.  Romans 7:9-10

 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  Rom 9:31-32

 3:7 Contrast between human qualifications and spiritual attitudes.

 ABut what things were gain to me@ - kerdh - advantage

 AThose I counted loss@ - hgoumai - consider, deem, think that they are damaged goods, worthless.

 AFor Christ@ - for the knowledge of Him, for the deepening relationship to Him, to experiencing the greatness of His compassion, love, power in my life.   What is it that we need to learn about Christ? 

 *What lessons do I have to learn about Christ at this time in my life that will bring me to a more complete understanding of Christ? 

 *What else is there to learn about Christ that would prepare me for future events and circumstances beyond my control?

 These questions prompt me to exam my life and my understanding of Christ at this time.  Is what I know now sufficient for my life in Christ next year?  No!  I must learn daily the lessons of the greatness of Christ in preparation for the circumstances and events of future days! 

 What about the apostle Paul?  Why is this so important to him?  Why does he see it as important for the early church?

 Immediately after his conversion and the following years Paul was bold in his teaching and actions.  Acts 13:9,16,43-47

 Even after this, in his epistles, Paul taught the churches the necessity to now Christ in a more profound way, and challenged them with what he had learned already.

 *What were the deep lessons that Paul still had to learn about Christ?

 Pursued being a true servant of Christ: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,  Romans 1:1

 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  1 Cor 9:19