6-24-10

PHILIPPIANS 3

Rejoice! OK, Paul, we get it, I think. Another great reminder of a theme of this book, always rejoicing in Christ.

Paul rehearses his lineage, as he is confronted by other Jews as to why they are so important because they are Jews. Read how he describes himself, and then after all those accolades, he boldly states that all of it meant nothing without Christ. He threw away the old life that was so dependent on this world for glamour and importance, and embraced what he calls the true value of Christ.

Paul knew better than anyone what it meant to lose all he had. He walked away from a prestigious status in the Jewish community. He left all that would to most people seem very special. Read 2 Corinthians 11 sometime, and see what all he went through physically.

How did he consider himself as related to Christ? Well, he knows Him through the power of the resurrection. He knows Him through the fellowship of suffering? He knows Him by being conformed to His death. And to what end? So the he could attain (achieve, accomplish) the resurrection of the dead. It was all worth it, knowing that through Christ’s resurrection, he, too, would enjoy and eternal physical resurrection and spiritual life with Christ. He presses on for his upward call. Upward, great place to focus.

OK, he throws in a “therefore” in verse 15, and to quote Dr. Jeremiah, when you see a “therefore” ask yourself, “what’s it there for?” All the previous was said to remind the reader of key principles that should result from knowing Christ: 1) Keep living the Godly standard, as though you are of Christ. 2) Remember we are perfect (OK, not yet, but in the future tense God will make us so), and 3) join in Paul’s example.

Naturally, some will choose not to follow the path of Christ. Paul openly weeps for these people who are thus enemies of the cross of Christ. Go through verses 19 for the description of these people.

Contrast that then with verse 20, we are indeed citizens of Heaven! And our lives should reflect that.

SO WHAT?

So, would I ever dare to tell someone to live by my example? I should be able to, just as Paul did. And do I weep for those I know who are enemies of the cross?

So, do I place Christ as valuable above all else? Really, do I, and if there are things that are seen to be more valuable, will I leave them behind as I should?

So, my upward call. We keep a sign on our fireplace, “Look up, not around.” Up, or toward God, is where my primary focus needs to be. God is worthy of that focus.