Paul must have had his fill of those Judaizers who followed him wherever he went, trying to undo the good that he did. As Paul preached the simple plan of salvation by grace through faith alone, his detractors would follow behind teaching the people that not only must they have faith in Christ, but they must also add to that faith certain works, like circumcision in order to be ‘really saved.’

Their main thrust was encouraging their listeners to try and earn their way into God’s favor.
In rebuttal, Paul said if anyone has anything whereof to glory, it was he. Over several verses Paul enumerated many of his accomplishments as a Jewish leader. His successes made his enemies pale in comparison. None of those credits to his account meant anything to him, for he now realized that there was something far better—the true knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord. Paul wrote in…

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

Paul may have glanced over to the wall of his office, and taken notice of all the diplomas and commendations representing his years of climbing the ranks in Judaism. He may have thought for a moment about the looks of admiration he enjoyed when his peers stood as he entered the room to take his place as their esteemed teacher. His smile broke off sharply when he considered the violence he had brought to the Christian world, and to the cause of Christ.

All the commendations of the whole world could not compare to the joy he experienced of having his sins forgiven, and getting to know the true Messiah personally. None of his rewards meant anything to him any longer; they had lost their hold over him. Paul was now on a mission to get to know deeply his Lord, and serve Him with his whole life.

Paul became what some would call obsessed with Christ. He willingly walked away from the highly esteemed position he had worked so hard to reach. He confidently debated some of the very teachers of the law that had invested in his own education. So convinced was Paul that Jesus was the Messiah, he boldly began preaching His message knowing the enormous risk he took.

Paul’s life was turned upside down, all because of his belief in, and desire to serve His new Master. Jesus had saved him, and had given him a renewed purpose for living. Paul’s commitment would forever be to the Lord, and no longer to the heights of glory to which he had previously attained.

Paul gave everything up that he might get to know the Lord Jesus better. Paul became a stirring example to us all. What are we holding onto that can hinder us from knowing Christ better?