DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS

Philippians 3:8-19        (10/23)        Epistle for Friday of the Twentieth Week after Pentecost

 

Apostolic Admonitions V ~ Follow the Apostles: Philippians 3:8-19, especially vs. 17: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”  In Philippians, Saint Paul admonishes us to follow the example of his life (vss 15-18).  However, no one can hope to “walk” according to the Apostle’s pattern unless he is aided by the Holy Spirit Who guided the Saint’s life, and unless he embraces the same aims and commitments that governed the Apostle.  And what were the choices Paul made that determined his life?  In this passage the Apostle reveals ten commitments that governed his life (vss. 8-14).  But, foremost, notice the overarching, Christ-centered nature of the Apostle’s life.

“...I...count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...”(vs. 8).  All other relationships, personal attainments, his ethnic heritage, education, exemplary conduct, all that an individual might count as valuable in life (see Phil 3:4-6), paled before his commitment to Christ Jesus Who exceeds all the desires and goals of this world.

“...I have suffered the loss of all things...that I may gain Christ...”(vs. 8).  The Holy Fathers of Orthodoxy teach us to labor for “theosis,” to grow through repentance, purification, and enlightenment into ever greater unity with the Lord Jesus until, by His grace, we attain by grace all that He is by nature.  Theosis is the life-long work by which we “gain Christ.”

“...that I may...be found in Him...” (vss. 8,9).  In whom do we hope to “be found” when we stand before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ: Christ or Adam? We pray for a “good defense,” yet Saint Paul teaches that there is only one defense: “...not having my own righteousness...but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God...” (vs. 9).

“...that I may know Him and the power of His Resurrection...” (vs. 10).  Elsewhere, Saint Paul says, “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Cor. 15:14).  Yes, and Christ is risen!  The Lord may be known, received, and even partaken!

“...that I may know...the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death...” (Phil. 3:10).  We have been warned by the Lord Jesus Himself, “'...Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me'” (Mk. 8:34).  Our desires, our will, our ways are to be put to the cross in life, or we have no fellowship with Him.

“...I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has...laid hold of me”(Phil. 3:12).  A lifeguard lays hold of a drowning man, who in turn grabs hold of his savior.

“...I do not count myself to have apprehended...”(vs. 13).  Notice the humility in the Apostle.  We are reminded that the process of pressing toward the goal is life-long.  Theosis means growing in and toward Christ and away from self.  Listen to the Apostle, and “...press on...” (vs. 12)!

“...one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind...”(vs. 13).  Here is another reminder -  forget the past: “Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the Kingdom of God.  And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified...in the Name of the Lord Jesus...” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

“...reaching forward to those things which are ahead...”(Phil. 3:13).  Seek what lies ahead for the Faithful - wisdom, growth in divine grace, and the attainment of God’s kingdom.

“...I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”(vs. 14).  Our King shall say to those at His right hand, “'”Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world...”'” (Mt 25:34).  Yes, let us press on!

Appear to us, O Light of the world, that we may become children of Thine undying light.

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