“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Philippians 3:10-11

Verse 10 is essentially Paul’s manifesto, his personal mission statement. If we ask the question, ‘How do we know Christ?’ the answer verse 10 gives us is this: live a life that closely follows the contours of Jesus’ own. We should serve as he did, knowing that, as we do so, suffering will surely come. In this way, we will know Christ more. Paul’s manifesto is a call for vigorous action.

Why is resurrection mentioned before suffering and death? They seem the wrong way around. The answer is most likely this: to live like Jesus we simply must have his power. The Greek word is dunamis, from which we derive English terms such as ‘dynamic’ and ‘dynamite.’ Only through the explosive power of Jesus’ resurrection, released in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit, can we follow our Lord wherever he leads. Yet with that internal ‘dynamic’ at work, Paul’s manifesto can truly become our own. It won’t be easy, but there is power available and what amazing power it is!

APPLY

Our aim should be to live in ways which cannot be explained apart from Jesus’ resurrection power within us. Make it your prayer to live like this.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I confess that my life does not always testify to the power of your resurrection. Help me, so that what I do and say proclaims its transforming miracle.

(Edited from Encounter with God)