Power!

[Note: except for changing Scripture quotations to the English Standard Version, a few phrasing changes, and adding the usual “teEn-MAIL“ style closing, this was originally written as a bulletin article for April 4, 1999]

Paul stated…
“(10) that I may know him [Christ] 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.” ( Philippians 3:10-11 ESV)

When the Swedish inventor, Alfred Nobel, discovered the way to make dynamite, he was not sure what to call his new discovery. He knew it was very powerful as just a little bit of his invention could blow up rocks or tree stumps much easier than trying to dig them out. Finally he decided to make up a new word for this powerful explosive. He took the Greek word “dunamis”, which meant “power”, and called his invention “dynamite”. The word “dunamis” is a word used often in Scripture. In fact, it is the word used by Paul in the above passage.

To Paul, the resurrection of Jesus revealed POWER! He wanted to know Christ and that POWER! He longed to know Christ deeper and more intimately in the experience of his life. That inner growth of closeness to the Master gave him the staying POWER he needed in facing his trials. The spiritual experience of Paul was attached to the facts relating to the scheme of redemption. As Paul had died to himself and was raised in Christ, he saw working in his life the very same POWER God exerted when Christ was raised from the tomb.

Paul’s life revealed in a POWERFUL way the depth to which he knew Christ. Paul understood sacrifice for others. Paul knew what it meant to live a life of self-denial. And he understood what it meant to faithfully stand in the face of opposition. Paul knew the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. To Paul, being in Christ meant a fellowship with his Savior in all aspects: a life of obedience to God’s Will, a life in step with the Spirit, a willingness to suffer for the Lord’s sake, a readiness to share in His death, and thus to share in His glory. For Paul, it was not pick and choose.

Because of Paul’s recognition of this POWER he knew what his gain was in his fellowship with Christ. He wrote:
“(20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN.” ( Philippians 1:20-21 ESV)

It should also be our desire and goal to know Christ and the POWER of His rising. May He be exalted in our body whether it be by life or death. We should be encouraged by His resurrection, knowing that by His POWER death will also be our gain!

Have a great day UPLIFTED BY THE POWER THAT RAISED CHRIST!
Carl

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