Paul's letter to the Philippians addresses religious legalism, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not religious performance. Despite his impressive religious credentials, Paul considered them worthless compared to knowing Christ. This knowing involves intimate relationship, experiencing resurrection power, and participating in Christ's sufferings. Paul urges believers to pursue Christ with single-minded determination, forgetting past failures and successes while straining toward God's call. The central question becomes: What are you counting on to give your life value and meaning?