Paul says he counts everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, wanting to “gain Christ”: Philippians 3:8. He contrasts righteousness from the law with righteousness that comes through faith in Christ: Philippians 3:9.
Read this question inside the surrounding passage and book argument, where the wording, speaker, and audience shape the answer.
This passage matters because it ties the detail to the larger movement of the book, keeping the answer connected to context rather than isolated wording.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with Philippians 3:8, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
8Yes most assuredly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ