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Philippians 3:4-14
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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • IV.IX.2, V.XIII.4, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180) 
  • Chapter I, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198) 
  • I.6, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XIII, On Patience, Tertullian (c. 202) 
  • II.3, On The Apparel of Women, Tertullian (c. 202) 
  • I.3, II.2 (incorrectly identified as "Chapter LI" at the CCEL site), II.7, To His Wife, Tertullian (c. 206) 
  • Chapter XXIII, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211) 
  • V.20, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 212) 
  • Chapter VI, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217) 
  • II.LXIX, Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246) 
  • X.9, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
  • Part 1, Section 5, Against the Heathen, Athanasius of Alexandria, c. 318.
  • Commentary by St John Chrysostom:
    • Homily XI
      • "Therefore persecutions, and afflictions, and straits, ought not to disturb you, but ought even to make you glad, because through them we are "conformed to His death.""
    • Homily XII
      • "Nothing so renders our real excellences vain and puffs them away, as to be remembering the good deeds we have done; for this produces two evils, it both renders us remiss, and raises us to haughtiness."
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "For we run only as far forth as we are laid hold on by Christ, that is, as God gives us strength, and shows us the way."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "The believer prefers Christ, knowing that it is better for us to be without all worldly riches, than without Christ and his word."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "He that loses all things, not excepting himself, gains Christ, and is gained by Christ. And still there is more; which even St. Paul speaks of his having not yet gained."
  • Christian Perfection (Phil 3:12): Sermon by John Wesley.
    • "No one, then, is so perfect in this life, as to be free from ignorance. Nor, Secondly, from mistake; which indeed is almost an unavoidable consequence of it."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "The realization of the archetype of holiness through Christ contains the pledge that this shall be realized in all who are one with Him by faith, and are become the organs of His Spirit. Its germ is imparted to them in believing although the fruit of a life perfectly conformed to the Redeemer, can only be gradually developed in this life."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "It is faith in Christ acted upon, causing an acceptance and steadfast obedience to Christ, which secures the righteousness (forgiveness) of which Paul speaks."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017.
  • Commentary, Philippians 3:4b-14, Sarah Henrich, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2016.
    • "Paul pictures himself as a man in the middle, a man who has literally changed his pursuits almost in midstride, and is jubilant."
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • Commentary, Philippians 3:4b-14, Rev. Rob Fringer, A Plain Account, 2016
    • "Just as Christ did not regard his high position and stature as something to be exploited but humbled himself and became obedient to death, so too, Paul takes on this cruciform identity and cruciform way of being in the world."
  • Commentary, Philippians 3:4b-14, Christian A. Eberhart, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
    • "... a text such as Philippians 3:4b–14, today's lectionary passage, is no popular choice. It does not seem to display much respect toward Judaism. Indeed, too many people have too often read Paul's words as an example of Christian superiority over Judaism. Yet this is no appropriate interpretation, as I will show."
  • "Keep on Keepin' On - Perseverance and Philippians 3:4b-14," Alyce McKenzie, 2014.
    • "For Paul, perseverance is a way to get closer to Christ. It means not looking back, but looking ahead toward Christ with single-minded purpose."
  • Commentary, Philippians 3:4b-14 (Lent 5C), Elizabeth Shively, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "In light of this text, we may reflect on what we value most as individuals and as church communities."
  • "Pressing on Toward Higher Goals," Efrain Agosto, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2013.
    • "Credentials aside, what is truly important."
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • Philippians 3:4b-14, Proper 20A, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Press On," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 17, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Without throwing away his own religion Paul, nevertheless, throws away a theology which had made him important and given him great status. In its place he embraces Christ and Christ's way."
• Commentary, Philippians 3:4b-14 (Lent 5C), Holly Hearon, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
  • "The season of Lent, with its inexorable movement towards the cross, offers us an opportunity to reflect on our journey through life, from the cradle to grave."
• Philippians 3:4b-14, Lent 5C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
• "First Thoughts on Year C Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Lent 5, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Without throwing away his own religion Paul, nevertheless, throws away a theology which had made him important and given him great status. In its place he embraces Christ and Christ's way."
• Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Philippians 3:4b-14, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
  • "What social holiness will come from your knowing the power of Christ's resurrection?"
• Commentary, Philippians 3:4b-14, David E. Fredrickson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  • "Pursuit and flight are a topos of Greek erotic poetry and iconography from the archaic period onward. It is noteworthy that, within such conventional scenes, the moment of ideal desire on which the vase-painters as well as poets are inclined to focus is not the moment of the coup de foudre, not the moment when the beloved's arms open to the lover, not the moment when the two unite in happiness. What is pictured is the moment when the beloved turns and runs."
• "Play On!" study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sports," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
• Christ and the Church: The Ministry of the Baptized, Wendell R. Debner, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1987.
• "The Prize," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
  • What does it mean to 'know' Christ?
• Philippians 3:4b-14, Lent 5C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
• "First Thoughts on Year C Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Lent 5, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Without throwing away his own religion Paul, nevertheless, throws away a theology which had made him important and given him great status. In its place he embraces Christ and Christ's way."
• Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Philippians 3:4b-14, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
  • "What social holiness will come from your knowing the power of Christ's resurrection?"
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Babinsky, Ellen L., "Between Text & Sermon: Philippians 3:7-15," Interpretation, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Curtis, Carl C. III, "Biblical Analogy and Secondary Allegory in Chaucer's The Knight's Tale," Christianity and Literature, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Debner, Wendell R., "Christ and the Church: The Ministry of the Baptized," Word & World, 1987. (Pentecost A)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dormeyer, Detlev, "The Implicit and Explicit Readers and the Genre of Philippians 3:2-4:3, 8-9: Response to the Commentary of Wolfgang Schenk," Semeia, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Greene, John T., "Paul's Hermeneutic Versus Its Competitors," Journal for Religious Thought, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Grieb, A. Katherine, "'The One Who Called You...' Vocation and Leadership in the Pauline Literature," Interpretation, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Harrisville, Roy A., III, "Before PISTIS CHRISTOU: The Objective Genitive as Good Greek," Novum Testamentum, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hays, Richard B., "Eyes on the Prize," The Christian Century, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Klijn, Dr. A.F.J., "Paul's Opponents in Philippians 3," Novum Testamentum, 1965.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Matlock, R. Barry, "Dethologizing the PISTIS XRISTOU Debate: Cautionary Remarks from a Lexical Semantic Perspective," Novum Testamentum, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Matlock, R. Barry, "'Even the Demons Believe': Paul and pistis Xristou," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Matlock, R. Barry, "The Rhetoric of PISTIS in Paul: Galatians 2:16, 3:22, Romans 3:22, and Philippians 3:9," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Neyrey, Jerome H., S.J., "God, Benefactor and Patron: The Major Cultural Model for Interpreting the Deity in Greco-Roman Antiquity," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Otto, Randall E., "'If Possible I May Attain the Resurrection from the Dead' (Philippians 3:11)," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Perriman, Andrew C., "The Pattern of Christ's Sufferings: Colossians 1:24 and Philippians 3:10-11," Tyndale Bulletin, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Udoh, Fabian E., "Paul's Views on the Law: Questions about Origin (Gal. 1:6-2:21; Phil. 3:2-11)," Novum Testamentum, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "What's the Point?" the Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Day 1, 2013.
  • "Run for your life," Jeremy Troxler, Faith & Leadership, 2012.
  • "'I Want to Know Christ,'" Samuel Wells, Faith and Leadership, 2008.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Lent 5C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2016.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2016, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • "Guy Fawkes," Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • "The Prize," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "The Excellence of the Knowledge of Christ," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
  • "Satisfaction Guaranteed," Erina Caradus, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Philippians 3:8, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Philippians 3:14, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
• Hymns and Music:
  • "Since We Belong to Christ" Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. A new hymn based on John 12:1-8 and Philippians 3:4b-14; Tune: CARLISLE 6.6.8.6 ("Stand Up and Bless the Lord").
  • "Whatever Gains I've Had," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune LEONI 6.6.8.4 ("The God of Abraham Praise"). A new hymn on Philippians 3:4b-14 written for The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2013 and available with the music.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Philippians 3:8, 13. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • "Pressing On," Philippians 3:8-16, scripture texts set to music, Peter L. Haynes, Long Green Valley Church.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Philippians

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