I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians.3.10-11 NIV)
In the pretext, the Apostle Paul tells us of how he has given up all pleasures, the things which would be of value to a carnal man. All that he had attained before, he counted loss. And later he also says He presses on to attain the prize.
But what would a man be persuing that he gives up everything including the wisdom he had and counts it dung? It must be something really extremely important and, right in our theme scripture we find it.
He says, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
Many people have known Christ yet have not experienced the power of His resurrection. Many things are dying in them daily which by the power of Christ's resurrection are supposed to be alive. Again many Christians care to just know Christ but don't press on to become like Him.
The ambition and purpose of Paul should teach us how much we need to press on into Christ. Does Ephesians 1.17-21 do anything to your spirit? Does it ignite you to seek something deeper than meer knowledge of Christ?
The power of God can not be experienced by having knowledge gained from reading about Him only. It comes from personal encounter with Him.
Similarly, no resurrection occurs if there is no death. And the death here is total surrender of self to God. Becoming like Christ in His death means complete humility, obedience, and abandonment of self to God’s will.
In our dyings is the power of Christ's resurrection made manifest. [2 Corinthians 4.10-12]. Let us therefore press on and never get weary. Deeper realms are calling out to us. Just keep advancing.
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