Philippians 3:10-11
…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
In my years of ministry, I have become quite repetitive with certain concepts and phrases that, I feel, bear repeating. One of these is, “I can endure this day because of THAT day”. I can suffer through trials in this life because I know that on the day Jesus returns, I will be healed of every disease and despair. That is what Paul said here. He knew that whatever happened in his current imprisonment in Rome, everything would be alright because of the resurrection. But how does Paul “attain” the resurrection? Through his works and good life? No. Paul answered it just before these verses.
…through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith…
Come to Cape Community Church tomorrow on Easter Sunday to celebrate the life changing resurrection of Jesus Christ. See how it changes our answer to the other phrase I repeat often, the question, “What must I do to be saved?”. Some people think they can attain salvation by our status and accomplishments. Paul called that rubbish. These are not possible means to attain the resurrection of the dead. Paul had already written that to the church in Rome. There is only one possible means to attain the resurrection and that is to be in Christ. Come and see what that means and see what means are at your disposal to be saved.
O Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to die but we praise you that he is risen! May we attain the resurrection that comes only through Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen.