Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; 1. We need more and more to look at the facts of the Christian dispensation; the doctrines we are required to believe have their foundations in these facts. Our tendency is to treat Christian doctrines as if they were speculations. 2. The resurrection is an accomplished fact. It is sometimes attributed to Christ alone; sometimes to the Father; sometimes to the Spirit; so that it is brought before us as a blessed manifestation of the power of the redeeming God. 3. The power of the resurrection may signify — (1) The power which effected it; (2) the power of the fact itself, or — (3) the power with which Christ was endowed at it, and these words may include all. 4. To know the power, etc., is — (1) To recognize it as a reality. (2) To comprehend and appreciate it in its relation with man's redemption. (3) To feel its force upon the life. The resurrection of Christ is — I. AN EXAMPLE OF THE ALMIGHTY LIFE-GIVING POWER OF GOD. To know its power is to be conscious of the working of the same upon ourselves, quickening, renewing, enlightening, invigorating. II. A CONFIRMATION FOREVER OF THE CLAIMS OF JESUS OF NAZARETH. To know its power is to feel assured that the son of Mary is the Son of God. This is essential to our taking full advantage of His riches and resources. III. THE SIGN AND SEAL OF THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL. To know its power is to see that truth sealed not by His blood simply, but by His hand in the newness of His glorified life. Why is it we do not declare that truth more constantly and zealously? Because of our unbelief. Those who cordially believe it are constantly repeating it. IV. ADAPTED TO STRENGTHEN OUR TRUST IN HIM. To know its power is to feel our confidence strengthened in sorrow and death. V. CALCULATED TO AWAKE WITHIN US THE MOST GLORIOUS HOPES. To know its power is to become the subjects by its influence of new and enlarged expectations, desires, aspirations and affections. VI. FITTED TO RAISE US INTO NEWNESS OF LIFE. To feel its power is to rise with Him and set our affections on things above. VII. ABLE TO GIVE COURAGE IN APPROACHING SUFFERING. To know its power is to feel strengthened to endure all the will of God. VIII. SUITED TO RAISE THE BELIEVER ABOVE THE FEAR OF DEATH. To know its power is to feel that it is a pledge of immortality. (S. Martin.) Parallel Verses KJV: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; |
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