An Example in Paul
Paul has set for us the example that we ought to live by as well as shown us how to find joy in our troubles. We have also seen Paul use Jesus Christ as an example of what it means to have a spirit of servitude. This week we will see Paul use himself as an example of the prize that awaits all who come to Christ, and that prize is knowing Him.
Chapter three of Philippians starts off with a warning about an issue that was not only rampant during Paul’s life, but continues today. It is those who say that you can get to heaven through your own deeds, through religious acts, or any number of things. Paul describes these types of people as Judaizers, they believed that circumcision was necessary for salvation and placed their hope in their fleshly deeds. Paul reminds the Church in Philippi that they are the circumcision because they “worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” Philippians 3:3. We see that Paul continues his remarks to the Judaizers by reciting his own lineage in verses 4-6. Here we see that if we were to rely on our own deeds, Paul would have more reason to boost than others because he was a “Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” Philippians 3:5-6. Paul had more claim than anyone if salvation was based off of human deeds, but as we look farther we see that Paul comes to see all of his previous actions, and all the ways that the world would say he was good, as a loss.
Paul understood that in the world’s eyes, his actions would lead him to gain but instead of playing by the world’s rules, Paul saw the bigger picture on the road to Damascus when Christ confronted and called to him. From that point on Paul began to see that to know Christ is the true reward and gain that we can have. It is how he was able to say that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” Philippians 2: 21. To seek the knowledge of Christ is greater than following religious traditions and Paul understands and expresses in Romans 3:21-5:21 that righteousness does not come from religious acts but in the knowledge of Christ. Paul also understands that we must continue to grow in our knowledge of Christ. He understands that even though he has come to know Christ, it is a continuous action that must be done throughout our own lives. We have not received full sanctification, and won’t until we are with Christ either through death or the rapture, but knowing more about our God is something that we can and must continue to do throughout our lives. 2 Peter 3:18 “18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen”
Paul further states in verse 14, that by continuing in knowing our Lord we will win the prize that He has for us. The answer to what this prize is, is found in verses 20-21. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like is glorious body” Paul is reminding the church in Philippi that their citizenship is not on this earth. Paul’s message here is still applicable today as we see 2020 consumed in chaos and worldly uncertainty. Paul is telling the church to look up, for that is where their citizenship is, and this is still true today. No matter what city, state, or nation you belong too, if you are part of Christ’s family than your true citizenship is in heaven. Do not be dismayed when you look around you and see things going crazy, this was predicted to happen and it is coming true. When we see the world showing its true desires, we know that those who are following this pattern are living enemies of the cross and destruction is their only gain. We have a place away from this and one day we will live in a world that is ruled by Christ.
Seek the Truth and encourage one another,
Alex