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Philippians 3:9

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Philippians 3:9

Verse 9 of 21

Scripture focus

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Philippians 3:9 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Philippians 3:9

Theological / Devotional

Be found. Or, “be discovered to be.” Some see in the phrase a reference to the last day, but the context (v. 10) favors the present life.

In him. That is, in union with Christ (see on John 15:4-9; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20).

Mine own righteousness. See on v. 6. Strictly speaking, there is no personal righteousness (see on Rom. 3:12 ; 10:3), but Paul uses the phrase to describe his morality.

Which is of the law. That is, which stems from the law, which is based on a fulfillment of the law. Paul sets forth the uselessness of such a “righteousness.” No observance of law can cleanse one’s heart of the defilement of sin or give power to withstand sin. True observance of the law can result only from the transformation of the mind by divine grace (see on Rom. 3:31).

Through the faith of Christ. See on Rom. 3:22. For the dependence of righteousness upon faith in Jesus Christ see on Rom. 3:21-26.

Of God. Literally, “out of God,” “from God.” This explains the source of righteousness, which is shown to come from God. Compare on Rom. 1:17.

By faith. Literally, “upon the faith,” that is, resting upon the faith. Man can receive the righteousness that comes from God only by exercising faith in Jesus, through whom God has displayed His righteousness.

By SdaBc