All of Life for Christ

MEMORY VERSE: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” —II Timothy 1:7

PHILIPPIANS 3:7-16

THE terms of Christian discipleship are very exacting, and involve the devoting of all that one has, even life itself, to the Lord. The Apostle Paul understood this, and in him we have a wonderful example of what it really means to be a faithful follower of Christ. Paul was an outstanding figure in the Jewish community. As he says, he was “an Hebrew of the Hebrews”; and “as touching the law, a Pharisee.” Writing further, he said, “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”—Phil. 3:5,6

But Paul knew that this high standing among his own people was of little or no value, compared with knowing Christ and being associated with him in the outworking of the divine plan; or, as he put it, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”

Paul wanted to “win Christ, and be found in him,” not depending on his own righteousness. In Romans 8:1 he writes that there is no condemnation to those “who are in Christ Jesus.” The reason for this is that those in Christ, as members of his body, are covered by the robe of his righteousness. This righteousness is obtained on the basis of a demonstrated faith; demonstrated, that is, by works—the works of a life fully dedicated to the doing of God’s will.

Paul also wanted to know the power of Christ’s resurrection. He speaks of this power as “the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 1:19,20) Paul knew that the power or strength of the Lord was available to assist him as he laid down his life in the divine service; and he also knew that if he was faithful the mighty power which raised Jesus from the dead would also lift him out of death in due time, and exalt him to be together with Jesus in the heavenlies.

Paul also wanted to realize “the fellowship of his sufferings,” and be “made conformable unto his death,” knowing that only thus could he “attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Paul had served and suffered much, and even while writing these words he was in prison in Rome because of his faithfulness in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. But he was not discouraged, he wanted to continue in the same way of suffering, even unto death.

While Paul felt that he had not yet attained, he nevertheless did say, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The Christian’s “calling” is indeed a “high” one. It is to glory, and honor, and immortality. (Rom. 2:7) It is a “heavenly calling.” (Heb. 3:1) It is a calling to joint-heirship with Jesus in his millennial kingdom, to live and reign with him in the blessing of all the families of the earth.

The lesson continues, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded.” This does not refer to perfection in the flesh, but the ideal outlook on the Christian life, and what it is that we are endeavoring to accomplish. Paul admonishes his brethren in Christ to “walk by the same rule” and to “mind the same thing.” There is no other rule for the Christian to follow and be pleasing to the Lord. And let us indeed “mind the same thing,” which is that “one thing” which Paul said was the great effort of his whole consecrated life.

The Christian life should be, because of our faith in the Lord’s overruling care, a very joyful one. But it is difficult also. Suffering and persecution are involved. And if we are truly faithful there is weariness in the service. But we do not need to fear. Satan may try to discourage us through fear; but let us remember that fear does not come from the Lord.

In this connection, how wonderful is our memory verse! Instead of giving us fear, the Lord gives us “the spirit … of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” One of the evidences of a sound mind is faithfulness in laying down our lives in the Lord’s service.

QUESTIONS

Name the principal terms of Christian discipleship.

What was the “one thing” which consumed Paul’s life?

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