For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

3:11   that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

In our last post we spoke of the resurrection, and Paul continues to in this verse, yet it is not exactly the same resurrection, at least not the same Greek word. In our previous verse, Paul uses the regular Greek word for resurrection, ἀνάστασις anástasis. In our present verse, he changes gears on us, modifying the previous verse by adding a prefix. ἐξανάστασις exanástasis

Do you see the difference? it is the little two letter prefix “ex”. In the Greek this prefix modifies the root word by adding the image or thought of being “out of” or “from”. In other words, as the verse above translates, Paul is seeking a resurrection “from the dead”

But isn’t that what is implied when we read the term resurrection? That is we are raised from the dead? Some believers see this term, which is only used here in this verse, as Paul describing a resurrection that is from “among the corpses”, from among those who are in a present state of death. Not necessarily speaking of his resurrections from his own body of death, but from amongst others who are experiencing death.

Does that help me in understanding this verse? Not much, for I am still unsure of Paul’s intent when he speaks this way. 

No matter how we see this verse, it is important for us to understand the resurrection is closer today than it ever was, that those who trust in Christ will attain to this rescue, and that based on the general context of the verses we are in, suffering is the environment that this resurrection is attained.

Yes, Paul did say “by any means”, but I would be carefull to read into his phrase the idea of the end justifies the means. 

In my opinion, and that is all this is, that when he mentions “by any means”, he is describing the general attitude our Lord also expressed when He prayed “Not my will but thine”

Whatever it takes!

A spirit of surrender is called for in this passage. A spirit of surrender that endures suffering, in order for the resurrections to be experienced. 

May His will be our will today!

Straining toward the Goal

3:12   Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Let’s remember that this letter includes some of the greatest exhortations to humility in the Bible, through the example of the Master, and of His servants Timothy and Epaphroditus. Let’s not forget Paul, in that he provides direction to live a life a humility, and that he exhibits that same characteristic throughout the letter. 

This is evident in this passage, as he makes no claim to accomplishment, even though in terms of Christian ministry, very few could boast of his efforts. 

Of course none have attained a physical resurrection on this side of the grave, so could he be breaching something else as he brings this truth to our attention. Is he speaking of a status within the Christin life? A perfection?

Consider the previous verse

….that I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained it (the resurrection from the dead) or am already perfect.

To be perfect! Paul uses the Greek word τελειόω teleióō, which is somewhat different than my initial understanding of perfection, or of a status dependant on character or spirituality. Somewhat akin to a sinless perfection. No Paul is not speaking of that condition, but when he brings up being perfect in this verse, he is referring to completion, or accomplishment, crossing a goal or finishing a course. This thought is very much related to Paul’s earlier use of the term “attain”. This portion of the word is speaking of crossing a goal, or to bring to an end a certain assignment.

Hence the humility, for he is not going to let the Philippians consider him to be on a different plane of spiritual life than they are, but that he is still actively working out his salvation. He hadn’t arrived yet!

That is good news, for I often think of Paul as a man that could not be related to, that was so different as a believer that he was somewhat different, somewhat unapproachable.

Yet his example of humility and desire to press on is challenging to say the least. In his maturing of service to the Lord, he did not “rest on his laurels”, an attitude that is so easy for many of us to fall into.

Consider Paul’s life and attitude in this verse and try to relate. 

Have you “rested on your laurels” somewhat?

3:13   Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

In our last post we spoke of Paul’s attitude of accomplishment, and he continues to flesh this out in this verse. 

He again speaks of the sacrificial life, in that he forgets his previous service, the sacrifice and the suffering he has experienced in ministry to the Lord. To forget in this verse has the added meaning sometimes of not caring about, or neglecting something.

In your walk with the Lord, do you find yourself comparing your ministry with that of your peers? Doesn’t feel like you are forgetting what lies behind you Carl!

How about in your estimation of the service you have provided? Is it something that you remind yourself of, roll it about in your mind and find comfort in? Is that a healthy way to think Carl?

Every moment we spend in the past, whether if be in remembering our successes (or failures) we are not pressing forward, as Paul speaks of in the passage.

He is straining to what lies ahead, and in this phrase he may be referring to the resurrection from the dead that he spoke of above. He is keeping his eye on the prize, for to strain for what lies ahead – the resurrection from the dead – is to look to Jesus.

It is our privilege to concentrate, focus and strain to see the One who has been resurrected from amongst the dead into a new life. His works are the only service we are to remember, and all other service can be forgotten, if it feeds a heart of pride, consumes our limited time or distracts us from our focus.

Let us not forget Him and yet forget us!

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