The Path of PerseveranceSample

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8

The cross makes all men equal and reduces our feeble and fleeting accolades, upbringings, personal victories, resumes, birthrights, and privileges to exactly what Paul states: rubbish. None of those things can prevent us from trial, and they certainly cannot make us right with God (made righteous). In chapter 3, Paul expresses his deep desire to know Jesus in a full and complete way: “...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

He goes on to define a measure of maturity for those in the faith as the ability to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

With tears in his eyes, Paul pleads with the community of Philippi to pattern their lives after his and others who are following Christ instead of those who have chosen to make themselves enemies of the cross through how they conduct their lives.

Our lifetime on earth can feel like the most important thing that will ever happen to us. The truth is that we are passing through, and this life is but a vapor. The sufferings, afflictions, and disappointments are all light and momentary in comparison to the glory to come. To conclude chapter 3, we’re reminded that we are citizens of heaven called to eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. Soon, this will all pass away, and everything will be “under His rule.”

1. Are there any idols in my life robbing my affections, devotion, and worship from Jesus that I need to consider “rubbish” and repent of?
2. When I suffer, do I resist connection with Jesus or fellowship with Him as one who has also experienced great pain and suffering?
3. Not even the Son knows the day or hour of His return. Am I passively awaiting His return (sleepy, apathetic, living in mixture, etc.) or eagerly (a trimmed wick, lamp filled with oil, ready for the day/hour)?