THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - THAT I MAY KNOW HIM

          TEXT: Philippians 3:1011 (CSB) – “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.”

 

So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We are now viewing the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life. In this chapter, Paul changes his bookkeeping system of the past, he changes his purpose for the present, and his hope for the future. We saw three warnings that he gave them (and us) about personalities who could steal our joy. He is wanting us to know that to truly know Christ – it is not what we do, but what He has done that provides the means.

 

Here the great Apostle Paul shares with the Philippian Believers (and us today) the PRIZE we can have in living the Christ Life. Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection.

 

Some “Know-it-all” with a boastful pedigree, Paul now daily sought to have an even greater knowledge of his blessed Savior. Paul wanted to know both the person and the power that comes with a truly connected relationship with Christ. What blessings belong to those who accept Christ by the power of His Resurrection.

 

I need more of the reality of Christ in my life – so do you.

 

Many stop at this blessed thought of knowing Him and the POWER of His resurrection,  however, Paul makes it clear that it comes at a cost.

 

“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings….” Oh, how great was the suffering of our Lord for us. That great work of redemption was a costly, painful work.

 

Salvation is free – to us – it cost God dearly. If you are bored with Him now, with praising and following Him – why do you want to go to heaven?

 

“Reach the resurrection from among the dead.” Paul looked for the Rapture and the Return of Jesus

What does His coming mean to you?

·      “Boy will it get us out of this mess.”

·      To Paul, it meant – “It will get me into His presence.”

 

Paul clearly changed his accounting methods - from himself to Jesus.

 

Today, consider, what are you holding on to, to get you to heaven?

·      Parents?

·      Social Standing?

·      Right church membership?

·      Leadership position?

·      Knowledge of the Bible?

·      Many good works?

·      Moral lifestyle?

 

Paul calls it all manure.  Throw it all away. It’s not what – it’s Who. “That which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (Verse 9)

 

Today, will you lose what you are holding on to – and let Him hold on to you.