From Pat

Philippians 3 – part 2

We continue in chapter 3v. 10 – 14 -Rejoice and keep moving on!   

Paul continues to share his great motivation – to know Christ. How? Through the power of his resurrection and in sharing in his sufferings, v.10. Paul presents this two faceted experience, power, and suffering, two ideas most often considered in sharp contrast, either you suffer, or you have power. In Christ these attributes are perfectly held together in tension, in the mystery of salvation. Paul knows it’s a difficult challenge, v. 12, but he’s determined to keep going, v.14, and he wants his own life to be an example to others, v.17.

Paul had already achieved so much, embarked on many missionary journeys, planted numerous churches, taught, and discipled a multitude of people, challenged allegations against him from civil and religious authorities and been imprisoned. He had certainly suffered for his faith, but he had also seen God’s great power at work in so many situations which seemed out of control. As we considered last week, knowing Christ and making him known to others is what’s important, not what we’ve done.  Paul’s not content with his past achievements but looks ahead. He realises God took hold of him for a purpose, v.12, so he keeps that in sight and continues on a forward trajectory, with the final prize in sight, v. 14, eternity with his Lord.  Paul challenges the Philippians not to be complacent, certainly not to go back to former ways or linger with regrets of past disappointments, nor be content in what they’d already grasped. Paul intends to press on, to finish well and wants his fellow believers in Philippi to join him. He wants them to know the power available to them to leave the past behind, overcome the challenges of the present and look towards a better future with a renewed hope, because of what Christ did on the cross. He wants them to mature in their faith, commitment, and perseverance. Do we have that determination in our Christian life and witness?

Jesus suffered on the cross for our sins and was raised victoriously showing God’s power over death.  We have that same power available to us, (Ephesians 1: 18 – 21). As with Jesus it’s not always power to avoid suffering but power to get through it, and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and able to witness to others of God’s sustaining and saving power through life’s difficulties.

In which aspect of your life do you need to experience Gods power breaking through? Do you know someone who’s struggling in challenging circumstances? Pray for them to know the power that passes all understanding.

Ask God to show you the new things ahead which he wants you to enjoy, experience and take hold of as you move forward in faith. It may not always be easy, but we have Christ as our example, victorious in his suffering, to gain for us the eternal prize.

Let’s consider another verse of the song, ‘Knowing you.‘

Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death, my Lord
So with You to live and never die

Knowing You, Jesus, Knowing You
There is no greater thing, you’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness, And I love You, Lord


Category: The Bridge , Thought for the week