Conformed to His Death

“...that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil. 3:10-11

Wouldn’t you like to experience the resurrection power of Jesus Christ in your daily living?

Taken alone, these verses could be constructed to support a 'works righteousness.' But this is the same Paul who wrote: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

Paul was a firm believer in God’s grace. What he is talking about in Philippians 3:10-11 is the area of Christian growth. In this context he makes it clear that such growth does not come through dedication to a rules system, but through experiencing the reality of Jesus Christ. Knowing Him. Knowing His resurrection power.

Paul does not stop at experiencing the power of Christ, for it is only a part of the whole. There is also the fellowship of His suffering - and being conformed to His death.

To be conformed to Jesus’ death is the total submission of your will to God - as Jesus said to the Father, “Not My will but Thine.”

Is it worth it? Paul knew it was, and he eagerly awaited the return of the Christ he served. This was his hope. Is it worth it?