Philippians 3

For the believer the resurrection of Christ means new life (Romans 6:1-14).  The resurrection of Christ brings to the believer’s life great power and ability needed to “walk in newness of life.”  As we have meditated on various passages we have noted that His resurrection was a powerful display of His position as the Son of God (Rom. 1:4).  It was not a mere reference to His Deity; it was a mighty display of His Deity. Again, He did not merely weaken death; He abolished death through His resurrection (2 Tim. 1:10).  We are told in Eph. 1:19ff that we need to know “the working of His mighty power”.  What power of God is it we need to know?  It is the power “which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.”  

Phil. 3 brings this into sharp focus.  The question is, as those who have died to sin and been raised to newness of life, will we live this life in “the confidence of the flesh” as Paul could have done better than most others (vs.1-6)?  Or will we consider that choice to be rubbish and instead live as those raised with Christ, as Paul himself was determined to do (v7-11)?  

The life Paul calls believers to live is that which is appropriate for those who are citizens of heaven.  It is not centered on the earthly desires of those whose reward is in this life.  Those who live for the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are enemies of the cross.  We must reject their example and instead follow those whose lives exemplify Christ.  Paul acknowledged that he was still on the journey, not yet perfected (v12) but pressing on (v14) to the goal of conformity to Christ.

Not surprisingly, Paul’s words to the Philippians are still needed.  There are “dogs” (v2) today who would make our lives out to be the result of our best effort.  This is confidence in the flesh.  That kind of life is one of constant failure.  It may have an air of accomplishment in the eyes of those around us, but it is not conformed to His death (v10).  Being conformed to His death means pride is gone and Christ is exalted in our lives.  This conformity only comes as we come to know the fellowship of His sufferings.  But sharing in the sufferings of Christ will discourage those who trust in the accomplishments of the flesh.  To press on to maturity requires that we have a strength not our own.  In other words, like Paul, the single-minded aim of our lives must be: to know Him and the power of His resurrection.

Every situation you will face today is an opportunity to be found, not having your own righteousness, but the righteousness of God which is by faith.  By faith we not only trust God to show us the new way of righteousness.  We also trust Him to empower us to walk in the righteousness of Christ.  Present yourself to your Lord Jesus Christ.  As you do your life will more and more exhibit the power of His resurrection.