4 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: 5 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; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
In comparison to the false teachers, the apostle had a strong case to trust in the flesh than these false teachers when talking about righteousness. His resume is almost perfect - 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. He might be morally equaled but can’t be surpassed by anybody.
But, comparing ourselves with others isn’t wise. Paul had said,” Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”[2 Cor 10:12].
It doesn’t mean that if we are better than others that we will be acceptable before God, does it? In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus had debunked those who trusted themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt. [see Luke 18:9-14]. "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In other words, the righteousness of God couldn’t be obtained by our moral and religious accolades. Why? “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”[Isa 64:6] Sad but true. Thus, Paul’s view to his ‘righteousness before the law and blamelessness’ as garbage does make sense, doesn’t it ?
Our good deeds through the law stinks before God while Christ’s deeds at the cross is the only pleasing sacrifice before the Father. Thus, as Paul, we should hurl our trust from our good works for righteousness away as throwing our refuse at the garbage bin. And, we put a sign – No scavenging!
The surpassing worth of knowing Christ far outweighs anything. Thus, we should exchange our everything for Him as our only thing, should we not? “Like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” [Matt 13:45,46]
There must be losing of our life, including successes, before we could gain Christ. There must be a reckless abandon for Christ. This was what the rich young ruler had failed when Jesus said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”[Luke 18:21]. ..
