WE come now to Chapter 50, titled Reckoning in Philippians 3:10, continuing our study of The Complete Green Letters, Part4 – The Realization of Spiritual Growth.
As we approach this chapter our author’s opening remarks contain these words:
Philippians 3:10 involves reckoning. It is often quoted but seldom understood. It sets forth first the Christian’s goal, then the means and process by which that goal is reached: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
NOTE what he says here: It is often quoted but seldom understood. With that, I concur …at least with me anyway. For many a year, if not most of my Christian life, Phil. 3:10 has been on my mental list of verses that I have eluded my understanding, experience, and comprehension in the true sense. There have been several verses on that list like Psalm 73:25, Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Really? There are a lot of fascinating and entertaining “things” on earth that capture ones desires that make it hard to confess those words from heart felt belief! And yet, as one gets older, the things of this world do seem to grow strangely dim, as the hymn goes. There are many aspects of our following Christ that 1) just take time to appreciate, and 2) are not easily learned. I believe Phil. 3:10 is in that precious category. What do these words really mean, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death?
I RECALL years ago when I was a young man stepping into my step-fathers office at home one afternoon, interrupting him in a moment alone with his Lord. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. ….But I’m going to stop here, and share the rest of that story next time. For now, let’s get to this next chapter of instruction in The Realization of Spiritual Growth, and the important lessons to be learned there.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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Chapter 50—Reckoning in Philippians 3:10
Philippians 3:10 involves reckoning. It is often quoted but seldom understood. It sets forth first the Christian’s goal, then the means and process by which that goal is reached: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
“That I may know him.” The one reason for our existence as believers is to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ; and it is through this knowledge that we know our heavenly Father. Let it be repeated, and may it be heeded: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). This is to be personal, oneness-of-nature knowledge, not just knowledge about Him. Entering into this wonderful fellowship of union with Him is going to require the best of our attention here, and all of it in eternity.
The key to knowing the Lord Jesus here and now is the Word of God. We can learn about Him through our general study of the Scriptures, but we can only get to know Him personally by feeding upon Him therein. In our devotions, we should concentrate on the Living Word as revealed in the written Word. In this quiet fellowship, we study Him in Scripture in dependence upon the Spirit of Truth. We get to know Him as we meditate upon Him in the Word, both as He was on earth and as He is in glory—observing His character (attitudes, actions and reactions), listening to Him speak, speaking to Him, responding to Him, loving and trusting Him.
While we feed upon Christ as the Bread of Life, and abide in Him as the True Vine, the faithful Holy Spirit is forming Him deep within the springs of our life, within our very spirit where He abides. Gazing upon the Lord Jesus in the authoritative Word keeps us under the transforming influence of the principle of assimilation: “Weall, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).
“The power of His resurrection.” We first know this mighty power of His resurrection and ascension when we see our scriptural position in our risen Lord. The foundation of all resurrection life is death. ….to be continued
