Tag: Christ

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Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize

St Paul crosses the finish line in a footrace dragging his chains behind him (Grok)

… and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Summary: Life is not a game, but sometimes thinking in terms of a contest helps us visualize what is at stake in life.   

What kind of prize motivates you? 

Is it a trophy? 

Are you excited by the thought of having your picture and name in the paper? 

Do you work extra hard if the prize is money? 

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Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death

a picture of a wilderness scene at sunset. In the center of the image stands a doorframe by itself. The door is open and a bright white light beams out through the doorframe into the twilight. (Grok)

 I want to know Christ—

Summary: Paul has been talking about his relationship with Jesus. In this passage, he looks forward to something most people fear.   

These five words, “I want to know Christ —,“ are a stunning statement coming from a man who has actually MET the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9). He was personally chosen by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15). Paul received his Gospel by direct revelation from Christ (Titus 1:3). Paul knows Christ rather well. 

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Philippians 3:8 – Just Jesus

Picture of Jesus holding a lamb (AI- Pixabay)

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…

Summary: When Paul compares the things of this world to knowing Christ Jesus, he makes us think about what we value in life.   

Paul has just walked us through all the things he considered his “gains” in life (Philippians 3:7). What were his “gains?” They were the material things that put him ahead of others. 

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Philippians 3:3c – Something to Boast About

AI image showing Christ standing at the foot of a large glowing cross (Pixabay)

[We] … who boast in Christ Jesus…

Summary: Sometimes, to appreciate what we have, we need to look at what we wouldn’t have if we didn’t have what we have.   

As we read ahead in this chapter, we find that Paul is about to give us a masterclass on the art of boasting in Christ Jesus. But for now, before we get into the details, it might be good to take a minute and consider what boasting in Christ means. 

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Philippians 2:15b – Star Light

Artistic rendering of stars in space (Pixabay)

“children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…

Summary: Paul’s words point us to one of the most important questions facing Christians: How do we know we are saved?   

What does he mean by suggesting that we can become “blameless and pure” (Philippians 1:15a) and “children of God without fault?” Is he suggesting that we can attain some level of perfection as believers in Christ? 

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Philippians 2:13 – God’s Good Purpose

Abraham on a camel - AI generated (Pixabay)

… for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Summary: Faith is not merely believing in God, but allowing Him to work in and through us for His greater purpose.   

In our last meditation, we looked to Abraham as an example of faith lived out in action (See “Philippians 2:12b – Faith and Action”). Now, Paul has us examining how God worked in Abraham’s life and why action is such an integral part of faith. 

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