Monday, August 18, 2014

8/18/14- Philippians 3

Philippians 3
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.  I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow attaining to the resurrection from the dead.  (Philippians 3)
Thoughts: The focus here is not on how much we give up.  That could lead to a kind of Christian one-up-manship.  Rather, it is a willingness to lose everything for Christ.  That is frankly hard to do when God has blessed you so much.  We must hold lightly to this world.  Our chief desire should not be for more worldly things, but for knowing Christ more and more- and to appreciate Him.  Jesus said, “This is eternal life- that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”  (Jn. 17:17).  Knowing, believing, having faith, having a relationship with God is what eternal life is all about.  Heaven is being in the presence of God- being assured of that, and finding our peace and hopes fulfilled in Him.  Thomas said, “show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”  It should be!  The infinite eternal God is enough.  Knowing Him is a great goal for us. 


Prayer: Help me to know you, and to grow in my knowing you Lord.  Keep me from just knowing about you without knowing you inside of me.  

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