Subscription Lists

Philippians Chapter 3 and we are in verse 7 following – although we have been reading of Paul recounting what he had been, and to some people all this mighty appear highly impressive.

It is his C.V. – before Christ! It meant absolutely nothing compared to having met the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ. All of that paled into total insignificance, having been apprehended by Jesus. This is what Jesus does when he meets us. He arrests us. He apprehends us. He transforms us – radically.

The best thing to do is to submit – every area. Present your bodies as living sacrifices Paul writes in Romans Chapter 12 .

Then, we discover all kinds of truly wonderful things – the Will of God – and that it is good and perfect and acceptable. It is really what you have always been looking for and why – because that is what you were designed and created for!

When we find Jesus Christ and when Jesus Christ finds us, we discover peace with God and peace with ourselves. This is part of Paul’s testimony. All the blessings of Christ were his and some of the sufferings of Christ too – and Paul wanted more of both. We experience both.

And yet, in Romans 9 , Paul never moved away from his rich inheritance – that inheritance which really mattered.

Verses 10,11 – For spiritual growth we need such words. Paul realised he had not arrived – whatever that means. He realised he had a long way to go and that is why he says – I press on – I know there is more and I am going for it. We forget what is behind. We forget as much of the past as we can and strain forward. He still has ambition – there is nothing wrong with ambition. His pent-up drive is now Christ inspired and Spirit led!

The prize is something which God has provided. It is not a laurel wreath – it is more than a mere gold medal. There is a prize and God has called me – and God has called me in a certain direction – heavenward.

Do not let yourself be dragged down. That is not easy because there are powerful forces around – but God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus. He has done it all in Christ Jesus and he does nothing apart from Christ Jesus. Who should look at life in this way?

Verse 15 – “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.” If we do not look at things this way, then the indication is that we are immature. This word ‘mature’ means – perfect or complete. Is there a contradiction here? No. He is saying I am not yet complete – I am aware that there is more – and yet, those of us who are mature should act and behave and look at things in this way.

It is like the perfect round apple on the tree. In July or August, it is complete and round and unblemished – but it has further to go – it has to grow and mature remaining round and unblemished – it is all right as it is – but there is more – and that is what Paul is teaching us here.

We also read in verse 13 what helped him. “This one thing I do” – this one thing – he was a man of ambition. Paul was prepared to cut out those things which were not helping him.

He is prepared to narrow down his life in certain aspects and areas. Do you see where all this begins? In the mind! Our attitude! Have the mind of Christ.

Everybody may not have reached this point in their Christian lives – verse 15 – but he believes that God will make it clear – to those who want the truth to be clear.

Verse 16 – He pleads with us all. No matter how far you have come – live up to what you have received from Jesus. In verse 17 , he says a very courageous thing – but that was his nature in Christ – I have given you an example – a pattern for living. Other brothers are following that pattern. We give the pattern – follow that.

And then he speaks about what was breaking his heart – and causing him to weep. That was his nature too in Christ! Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. They are denying the reason or reasons for why Jesus died on the cross. They are denying the need to be washed in the blood of Christ and to be forgiven and to walk in the light – even the necessity of being ‘born again’.

They are not against Jesus. Jesus feeds and heals and comforts and gives light. Very few people are against Jesus – but the Cross! Ah, that is different.

Paul identifies their destiny – destruction – and Paul then identifies their god – their stomach – and their glory is in their shame! Their way of life has become a way of death. It will kill them. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of Jesus Christ should produce life and regeneration, and not degeneration and destruction! Bodily appetites come before spiritual desires. It is what comes first that we worship.

Gluttony is a real sin. The body is a good servant but a bad master. Which is in control? Their mind was on earthly things. It is possible for those in Christ to get locked into this planet – to the fridge or the cupboard – to the house or the car.

We need to remember that all these are going to pass away. They are temporal and temporary. Their end is destruction, and they glory in their sin. Paul links all of this to the cross of Christ. When we take our eyes off the cross of Christ all kinds of values and standards and priorities are turned upside down.

Verse 20 – Our citizenship is in heaven. Paul is saying something very meaningful here. They were also Roman citizens. Their name was registered with Rome, but because you belong to Jesus Christ, your name is also registered in heaven.

Roman colonies always wanted and liked when the Emperor visited them. From around 48 B.C. the Roman emperor was called “the saviour of mankind”. People hailed Caesar – they welcomed him – compare it to what our society will do if there is a Royal Visit. We eagerly await our Saviour to visit us – and just in case there is any doubt as to whom Paul is meaning, he names Him – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now Emperors had power – but they did not have this amount of power. The Lord Jesus has power to bring everything under control. That is why we surrender to Him anything that might need to be brought under His control – and our even being set free from whatever that might be.

When the Emperor came, he always brought some gift. What gift is Jesus Christ bringing to us today – and even perhaps through you to us?

Paul is referring to something more than the present or gift. “He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will become more like His glorious body.” Everything in this book is all about Christ! It is Christ centred. This is another very practical passage and a very physical passage, dealing with NOW, but also referring to that day when Jesus comes again. Heaven is very physical and very down to earth!

Jesus Christ is going to give us a new body. Yes, this is a lowly body – but rather wonderful too – but how much more wonderful and glorious will our new body be.

It can let us down but remember that Jesus is able to repair it. He is able to heal it and strengthen it where it is weak – ministering to every part – emotionally, mentally, spiritually, as well as physically.

“Loving heavenly Father – there are parts of the Scriptures which just amaze us – thank You, Lord Jesus, for this passage – may we never despise or neglect or overlook the importance of what you did for us on the cross at Calvary – we thank you for shedding your blood to wash and cleanse and forgive us – may we never never treat that lightly, nor flippantly. With thanksgiving we worship You, God our Father, through Jesus, our Saviour and Lord and King.” Amen

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Our Children Are Our Future