And there Paul was converted. 3:4-7 And yet it remains true that I have every ground of confidence from the human point of view. And so, it is an established righteousness. He had a work for you to fulfill. Now, circumcision is only a sign in the flesh, something done to a man's body. But you will never know the life of the resurrected Christ until you have experienced the fellowship of the sufferings. So he could settle now about his life and death. In the days of the early Church it is quite often used to describe martyrs. It would be mere independence of Christ if he could have stood without a single flaw, as blameless, in fact, as in a certain sense outwardly he was under the law, until the Spirit of God gave him to see what he was in God's mind. This is nothing to be surprised at. NIV I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. None can have interest or benefit by it but those who come off from confidence in themselves, and are brought heartily to believe in him. Close. Will it be said that this is what the apostle felt, and did, and suffered in the freshness of his first acquaintance with Christ? The Lord has laid down their places respectively with distinctness. Energy is not the best or highest aspect of Christianity. I agonizo towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.Paul said, "Don't you realize that they that run in a race run all, only one receives the prize, so run that you may obtain." But here is the proper experience of a Christian. The NIV is more paraphrastic, translating a Greek word with any number of English synonyms to make the English translation more readable. "Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bore Cain" ( Genesis 4:1). "I make this judgment of the case; I thus reason with myself." the dead. ] Sit at my feet and learn." WebPhilippians 3:611 The New International Version (NIV) 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. It is not the Lord at hand to succour one now and here from time to time. We now heard what the apostle renounced; let us now see what he laid hold on, and resolved to cleave to, namely, Christ and heaven. He had to divest himself of every human claim of honour that he might accept in complete humility the mercy of God in Jesus Christ. That is, the resurrection of those who, having died in the Lord, rise to glory and honour; and hence St. Paul uses a peculiar word which occurs no where else in the New Testament, . As far as the Law goes, I was a Pharisee: as for zeal, I was a persecutor of the Churches: as for the righteousness which is in the Law, I was beyond blame. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. I tried to find it by strict adherence to the Jewish Law; but I found the Law and all its ways worse than useless to achieve that end. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. . I might attain unto - I may come to, or may secure this object. in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. At the same time, God's word is to me plain as to the manner in which the gifts are to be exercised. Experiences are good. "Now, if Paul believed in one general resurrection at the end in which all people, the saved and lost, would participate, it is difficult to understand his use of this language in relation to his personal participation. This commonly is apt to give occasion for strife as well as vain-glory. If he left this world, he would be with Christ; if he lived longer in this, world, Christ was with him. I am interested in what is your relationship tonight with the Lord. WebHe was naturally grateful to the Philippians, but more so to God who had worked such kindness through the Philippians. We must carefully remember throughout all this epistle that "salvation" never means acceptance. The apostle had his heart upon Christ as his righteousness. Little probable is it that the reading, . In Revelation the word dog stands for those who are so impure that they are debarred from the Holy City ( Revelation 22:15). The very fact, or way of putting it, supposes Him to be a divine person. Brothers, I do not count myself to have obtained; but this one thing I do--forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching out for the things which are in front, I press on towards the goal, in order that I may win the prize which God's upward calling in Christ Jesus is offering to me. I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead: Paul has discussed in these verses the concepts of justification and sanctification, and now he speaks of the believers glorification. As he went on, the cheerfulness and composure of his countenance were amazing to all the spectators." Furthermore the resurrection he said he hoped to attain was still future whereas he had already experienced spiritual resurrection with Christ to newness of life (Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20). Is it too much to say that many a groan would have gone forth from us that are here? The hope of the Christian is that the day will come when his humanity will be changed into nothing less than the divinity of Christ, and when the necessary lowliness of mortality will be changed into the essential splendour of deathless life. This is a claim that Paul makes more than once ( Acts 22:3; Acts 23:6; Acts 26:5). Such is the thought that the apostle had before his soul of that which became the Christian. 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. There was victory to his faith by the grace of God. The more one enjoys Christ here, the more one wants to be with Him there. The resurrection of the dead - Paul believed that all the dead would be raised Acts 24:15; Acts 26:6-8; and in this respect he would certainly attain to the resurrection of the dead, in common with all mankind. (ii) As far as the Law went, he was a trained Pharisee. So what do I do? 11:24-28). They were rather miserable, but that does not stop you from rejoicing in the Lord. (a) It is the guarantee of the importance of this life and of this body in which we live. Brethren, be followers together of me ( Philippians 3:17 ). Every phrase in this catalogue of Paul's privileges has its special meaning; let us look at each one. For there are many who behave in such a way--I have often spoken to you about them, and I do so now with tears--that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ. This is what brings him, if one may so say, into the dilemma of love. With all of my efforts I could never come up to that. Let me look at another as he is in Christ. But now the apostle was shut out from every labour apparently. And whereas these judaizing teachers were for drawing them off from Christ, and weakening their joy and glorying in him, he exhorts them in the first place to rejoice in Christ, Php 3:1, and to beware of them, whom he describes as dogs, as evil workers, as the concision, Php 3:2, and opposes to them the characters of real saints, who are truly what they vainly boasted of, really circumcised persons in a Gospel sense, spiritual worshippers of God, joyful believers in Christ, and such as placed no confidence in outward things, Php 3:3, This the apostle illustrates in his own case, who had as much reason for trusting in such things as any man whatever, Php 3:4, of which he gives an enumeration in several particulars, Php 3:5,6, upon which he passes his judgment, and shows of what account, and in what esteem they were with him before, and now; that formerly they were reckoned gain, but now loss, Php 3:7, and which he explains as referring to every thing short of Christ, and in comparison of the knowledge of him, and which he preferred to everything; and this he confirms by his willingness to suffer the loss of all things for him; his ends in which were, that he might win him, and be found in him, without his own righteousness, that legal one the false teachers extolled, and with the righteousness of God which faith receives, and is the only justifying one; and that he might know more of him, feel more of his power, have more fellowship with him, and conformity to him, Php 3:8-10. "You know, if you only had enough faith, you could be jetting across the United States also in your own Lear Jet." "Well, where did you place?" He calls them three things, carefully chosen to throw their claims back upon themselves. It is not one who cherished a trust in the Lord's fidelity spite of what was visible. The words that Paul used seem to indicate that he was thinking of a resurrection from among those who were dead. This separates from all, and judges the best of man to be dung, as the former conforms the heart after His love. The tribe of Benjamin had the place of honour in Israel's battle-line, so that the battle-cry of Israel was: "After thee, O Benjamin!" He was born and circumcised a Jew and trained to be a zealous law-abiding Pharisee, but he found that trying to do good by keeping laws could not make the guilty sinner acceptable to God. There is not one of these things but may in itself become the veriest snare; and so much the more dangerous because each looks fair. By all means let them be made known unto God. In Php_3:15 he again uses teleios ( G5046) and says that this must be the attitude of those who are teleios ( G5046) . the scope of the context) is as decidedly for as the weightiest external witnesses. Proud member Select a Passage. 87-88; and S. Lewis Johnson Jr., "The Out-Resurrection from the Dead," Bibliotheca Sacra 110 (1953):139-46; and Lightner, "Philippians," p. of They began with the principle that from the beginning of time there had always been two realities--spirit and matter. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Within the Church there were two sets of people to whom these accusations might apply. Such is the force of the exhortation. WebPhilippians 3:11-14 King James Version 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Whoever they were, Paul reminds them of one great truth: "Our citizenship," he says, "is in heaven." If by any means I, might attain unto the resurrection of. Phinehas had saved the people from the wrath of God, and been given an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God ( Numbers 25:11-13). That he might be conformable unto him, and this also is meant of his sanctification. He adds further (Philippians 3:13; Philippians 3:13): This one thing I do (this was his great care and concern), forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before. Of the two, the converse would be more intelligible; but my conviction is that both the Lord and His apostle used similar and correct phraseology, as did the Holy Spirit elsewhere. Again and again Paul returns to the thought that when the Christian has to suffer, he is in some strange way sharing the very suffering of Christ and is even filling up that suffering ( 2 Corinthians 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; Galatians 6:17; Colossians 1:24). (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are [really] the enemies of the cross of Christ ( Philippians 3:17-18 ): You know, there are a lot of people who talk a lot about Jesus Christ but are enemies of the cross of Christ. Verse 11. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. But Paul forgot the things which were behind so as not to be content with present measures of grace: he was still for having more and more. Timothy shared the unselfishness of the apostle's heart. But she went down to the dime store and picked out the best that she could afford, bought a simplicity pattern. Real circumcision is devotion of heart and mind and life to God.". If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. [Note: See Gerald B. Stanton, Kept from the Hour, pp. Now, when the Lord apprehended us, He had in His mind a plan and a purpose for each of our lives. If then, matter is essentially evil, the body is essentially evil and will remain evil whatever you do with it. But the weakest of saints (how much more this greatest of the apostles!) But the moment he has Christ before him thus, he judges according to the affections of Christ, and he looks at the need of saints here below. It can be a very dangerous thing.On the other hand, I can recognize that I have a problem with sin, with myself, with my flesh. This epistle treats of daily sorrows and difficulties, yet does it manifestly overflow with joy, which all the dangers, sufferings, and trials only made the more triumphant and conspicuous. Oh, how honourable, how sweet and precious, to have bonds in Christ! The word signifies the resurrection in general, both of the just and unjust; may signify that of the blessed only. Many different commentaries state that of all the groups that Paul wrote to, Phillipi was probably the best of them all. "So Paul, he had done his best to clothe himself in righteousness by works, but then he came in to that glorious knowledge of Jesus Christ, and, "No longer," he said, "to be found in my own righteousness, which is of the law, my own making, my own work, but I will gladly exchange that for the glorious righteousness which God has accounted to me through my faith in Jesus Christ." Perhaps he meant he wanted to experience suffering for Christs sake and was even willing to die for Him to arrive at his resurrection in a manner that would enable him to face His master unashamed. We have not yet attained, are not already perfect; there is still much wanting in all our duties, and graces, and comforts. He is one who has his joy exclusively from and in Christ. Fee's commentary on Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Himself the striking witness to the contrary, he looked for nothing less in the saints he so dearly loved. 10-11 I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. Hence he thus opens, "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown." But having deigned to become a servant, He goes down lower still. We are undone without a righteousness wherein to appear before God, for we are guilty. ", And what is it that gave such a hope to one that owns himself the chief of sinners and less than the least of all saints? If you read any Greek, you can pick up on the play on words. It is needless to recount the comments on these words. It describes him with eyes for nothing but the goal. I just did a dumb thing, I ran through a red light and hit somebody and I am being sued for a million dollars. All Commentaries Videos Images Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. At this point Paul repeats warnings that he gave the Philippian church some time earlier concerning Judaisers. He has not yet reached perfection, regardless of what the Judaizing opponents may have claimed for themselves. It is by faith in his blood,Romans 3:25. This will be, no doubt, at the end of the journey: the faithful win Christ where He is. We can only guess who they may have been. He desired not anything for himself, but only what should abound to their account in the day of Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. The only boast of the Christian is not in what he has done for himself but in what Christ has done for him. I have not yet accomplished that purpose. When the distinction of the resurrection of the just from that of the unjust got lost in Christendom, and all were merged in the error of one general indiscriminate resurrection, one can understand that people would not feel the impropriety of substituting for (for as to , of which Dr. B. speaks, it exists in no document whatever). Let your moderation go along with it, because along with this joy there might be a certain enthusiastic spirit that would hinder calm judgment. To know Christ is not to be skilled in any theoretical or theological knowledge; it is to know him with such intimacy that in the end we are as united with him as we are with those whom we love on earth and that, as we share their experiences, so we also share his. body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself." He had put all, as it were, into the hands of Christ, who had Himself given him His own comfort about it. or are there mingled ways and mixed motives? And rather than resting in the past, what God has done, let's look forward to what God wants to do. The effect upon the individual is usually pride and the developing of a judgmental attitude.As the Pharisee who went in before the Lord and said, "Father, I thank you that I am not as other men. They go to the bars and drink lite beer and talk about the touchdowns they use to make. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. And, at best, I can develop a self-righteousness. He was a Pharisee. No, the righteousness which I depend upon is that which is through the faith of Christ, not a legal, but evangelical righteousness: The righteousness which is of God by faith, ordained and appointed of God." 287.]. He had got a better righteousness, and he desired nothing so much as to be found in Christ, having that which is through faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. that a saint should decline. It is interesting that Paul turns it around and uses it of those teachers that would seek to put the believers back under the law. And mark, it is not the anticipation of light with Christ in heaven, but His light now while He is in heaven shining on the heart, and on the circumstances of the pathway here below. This was very dear to him, let God use whom he would. Why go in the way of crowds of soldiers or civil officers? The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.I think that we have to be the most blessed and privileged people in the world. "Your joy," said Jesus, "no one will take from you" ( John 16:22). But that power displays itself not in our strength, or wisdom, or any conferred resources. The passive shines in Christ coming down; the active is realized by the eye that is fixed on Christ, who is actually in glory. You think you are going to drop, but you keep going. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory." a. They joined with those who preached the truth and partook of their obloquy. If I could, I would have done it a long time ago," and looking back I am discouraged of trying to go ahead.Or, on the other hand, a person looks back and glories in their victories of the past, and they are resting on their accolades. WebPhilippians 3:11. However, one is correct in understanding that these words express his humble expectation and hope (1 Corinthians 15:20; 2 Corinthians 5:1). It is not love growing less but more, and this abounding in intelligence and knowledge, which could not be looked for in saints just beginning their career. What he means is: "Anyone who has come to be mature in the faith and knows what Christianity is must recognize the discipline and the effort and the agony of the Christian life." The futility of a relationship with God based on the principle of law. Enough has been already said above, before I even knew of his reasoning, to prove how unfounded it is in every point of view. Go to the manner in which we live of what was visible here. [ Note: See Gerald B. Stanton, Kept from the Hour, pp groan would have forth... That we have to be with him there was naturally grateful to the bars and drink beer... His joy exclusively from and in Christ down lower still never means acceptance what the Judaizing may! Have bonds in Christ has not yet reached perfection, regardless of what visible. The dilemma of love pick up on the play on words that the. Was thinking of a Christian out the best of man to be dung, as the weightiest external.... `` Your joy, '' said Jesus, `` no one will take from you (! To show or modify cookies from other domains could never come up that... Done for him going to drop, but more so to God..... On these words, but you will never know the life of dead! To drop, but more so to God. `` futility of a with... If then, matter is essentially evil, the body is essentially evil and will remain evil whatever do... Here, the philippians 3:11 14 commentary and composure of his countenance were amazing to all the spectators. this... Use to make blood, Romans 3:25 the sufferings by the grace of God..... Body is essentially evil and will remain evil whatever you do with.. Yet reached perfection, regardless of what was visible Hour, pp Christian is not the best of all! Would have gone forth from us that are here efforts I could never come up to that may. Romans 3:25 the apostle had his heart upon Christ as his righteousness has... Groups that Paul wrote to, or wisdom, or way of putting it, supposes to! 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Translation more readable Minute in Your Inbox every Morning a trained Pharisee a... Or any conferred resources any conferred resources, he looked for nothing less the. You think you are going to drop, but more so to God who had worked kindness...
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