Recently, we commemorated the resurrection of Christ. It is truly a great blessing and comfort to learn about the resurrection. Just as Jesus was raised from the grave, one day we will also be raised. But we must not only rest upon this truth in the future, but also how do we respond to it at this moment as we live our days on this earth?
Let us learn from Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead (Philippians 3:10-11).
Firstly, it is to know Christ - Notice Paul did not say “I may know about Him” but that I may know him; it is not about having some head-knowledge about Christ. But rather it is about knowing Him personally, intimately and experientially that would affect our day to day living. The only way to know Him in this way is through a serious study of the Bible and to live our lives in obedience to His Word.
Secondly, it is to know the power of His resurrection - Again, Paul was not speaking about the facts of the resurrection but the experience. He wanted to experience the same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead, in his life. As believers, we would experience Christ’s resurrection power in two ways; (1) it is the resurrection power that has saved us, and (2) it is the resurrection power that will sanctify us so that we will overcome the temptations and trials of life, and live a holy life to glorify God.
Thirdly, it is to fellowship in His sufferings - To fellowship is to share or participate. When we live our lives for Christ, it is inevitable that we will suffer for righteousness’ sake. But we are willing because we are suffering for His sake; and it will confirm that we are united with Him. It will draw us closer to Him, we will learn to appreciate what He has done for us, and we will grow in our love for Him and mature in our spiritual growth.
Dear children, if you desire to live such a life as mentioned above, Paul said, if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. What does it mean to attain unto the resurrection of the dead? It does not mean that Paul was unsure if he would be resurrected from the dead. The word resurrection means to raise, or to stand up. Living people are standing up, and dead people are lying down, right? In other words, when you know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, then you will live a “resurrected life” (standing up) in the midst of those who are “spiritually dead” (lying down). Your life will be a wonderful testimony of the resurrected power to those who are unbelievers.
2024 TERM 2Salt Of The EarthSalt Of The EarthOur Response To The ResurrectionOur Response To The ResurrectionPhilippians 3:10-11