Look out for

the dogs
the evil doers
those who mutilate the flesh
Because
We are the circumcision
Who worship by the spirit of God
Glory in Christ Jesus
Put no confidence in the flesh

Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also

If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh,
I have more:
Circumcised on the eighth day
Of the people of Israel
Of the tribe of Benjamin
A Hebrew of Hebrews
As to the law, a Pharisee
As to zeal, a persecutor of the church
As to righteousness under the law, blameless.

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 counted as rubbish
In order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him
Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law
but that which comes through faith in Christ,
the righteousness from God that depends on faith

That I may know him

The power of his resurrection
Share in his sufferings
Become like him in his death
Attain the resurrection from the dead

There is everything to lose now in suffering for Christ, but everything to gain later in knowing Christ.

There is nothing more worthy than to be found in Christ.

1. Having confidence in the flesh because? To become like Jesus through the law (Judaism) To attain
righteousness based on the law. To glory ourselves in our own works.

2. Yet Paul through his sufferings and loss of these things,

3. Gaining Christ means being found in his righteousness, and to be able to know him and become
more like him.

4. Paul compares his earthly glory and statuses as nothing to hold onto. But chooses to suffer for the
sake of Christ, and to discover his ultimate gain in Him.