Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Summary: Paul challenges us to ponder what it means to know Jesus.
Oddly, Paul has just told us all the things he has not yet obtained (vs. 12). Yet, in this passage, he points to things “we” have already attained.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:16 – Attainment”And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Summary: Ultimately, God is in charge. There is a great deal of comfort in that.
Some time ago, a man was leading a small study group at his church. In the course of preparing for the study, he wrestled with a Biblical passage that dealt with the nature of sin.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:15b – Who’s In Charge?”
… 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?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:13c-14 – The Prize”
… but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Summary: What is it, exactly, that is being taken “hold of?” Clearly, Paul has something in mind. It is up to us to figure out what it is.
Before we dive into this passage, let’s see if we can figure out what Paul is talking about. What is it, exactly, that he and Jesus are taking hold of?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:12b – The Jesus Train”
… becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Summary: Paul’s words about “attaining to the resurrection from the dead” lead us to consider how we get to the point where we can actually understand what he is talking about.
For some reason, people don’t like to think about death.
People have different reactions to the topic. Some of us obsess about death, some ignore it or make jokes about it. Human psychology has a variety of ways to deal with the unthinkable.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:10c-11 – The Unthinkable”
[I want to know Christ—] yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings…
Summary: Suffering and resurrection are bound together in this passage. One leads to the other.
The day Jesus died is confusing because so much was happening at the time. Consider, for a moment, all the threads associated with that day.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:10b – The Day Jesus Died”
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.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:10a – Life & Death”
… but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Summary: How we see things can change everything.
Have you ever noticed how polarized sunglasses cut out the glare? It is really quite amazing! The effect is most noticeable on water.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:9c – Son Glasses”
… that I may gain Christ and be found in him…
Summary: In this passage, Paul touches on the keystone of Christian living.
What does it mean to “gain Christ?”
Paul is going to tell us in great detail. He begins his explanation with the following words:
Continue reading “Philippians 3:8c-9a – Found in Jesus”
… for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage…
Summary: Paul’s assessment of the things in his life gives us a reason to pause and consider what it is that we value, too.
Sometimes people say things and they don’t really mean it.
For example, if I said, “If I don’t get to go on vacation soon, I’m just going to die!,” you would understand that I am exaggerating. Some call it hyperbole. Everyone “get’s it.”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:8b – All Things”