That I may win Christ

[Episkopos]

Phil. 3:8 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,

For Paul, the Christian faith was an ongoing race towards inward conformity to Christ. It may surprise many that he still sought to win Christ even after many years of being a follower of Christ.

Phil. 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Jesus came to us to teach us about a new kind of faith....the faith of Christ. This is a kind of faith that reconciles us to being in the presence of God. It also wields supernatural power...as attested to in the bible accounts.

Jesus said that even a small amount of this faith could do powerful works...miraculous works.

Phil. 3: 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.


There was no "done deal" salvation scheme in Paul's time. Paul was an athlete for God.


Hebrews 12
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of (our) faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Actually Jesus is the author and finisher of faith....not OUR faith. (the "our" was added in).

I believe Jesus said that to show that His faith could take us places we have never known...directly to be with God. Jesus told us to seek first the kingdom of God. But how do we do that? By faith!

So then everything hinges on having this kind of faith.

 

[Episkopos]

Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;


There are 2 levels of obedience to the gospel. There is an outward obedience and an inward obedience. we do what we can...looking to the Lord to finish what He has started in us...and among us.

The first part of the above verse is the first kind of obedience that is expected of us.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit,

So our conduct in the world should be as worthy of the gospel...that others should see the genuineness of our striving. And this we are to do together...not dividing ourselves by doctrines or religious leaders who seek to draw disciples unto themselves. Our unity of purpose is to receive the fulness of grace from the Lord as we agree together to devote ourselves to Him for His purpose. We see this in the upper room in Acts 2.

So that is what we can do.

But what of the inner obedience? What of the fulness of grace that God promised to give they who asked Him?

....with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Among ourselves we...if we have received of the Spirit of Christ...are of One Spirit. But we are NOT of one mind...each having their own carnal mind deciding what to do to serve God (and themselves without realizing it)....as if salvation was to remain as individuals.


But we are saved into a body. The body of Christ.

So then we are to seek for the faith of the gospel....the faith that does miraculous things...TOGETHER...being of one mind.

Of course we have never experienced this since the body was divided up long ago. And we like to follow other people rather than go directly to God. So the divisions remain.

The faith of the gospel then is out of reach to we who divide ourselves based on doctrines and experiences and man-made ministries. That is until we come together with one purpose and one voice crying out to God for the promises of God.

 

[Episkopos]

Philippians 3:14
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul ran the race unto the high calling of Christ. Today this has been eliminated as a kind of low calling...so that everyone can be made to feel saved WITHOUT entering into the kingdom life of Jesus Christ. It is a walk without the faith of Christ...but merely based on certainties that are produced by human beliefs and opinions based on a sifting of the biblical text.

Are we at all concerned that we feel smug whereas Paul was still diligently seeking to win Christ after so many years of faithful service to the Lord?

The 2 levels of obedience coincide with the 2 levels of our calling.

We have been called out and called in. We are not only being saved FROM the world...but also saved INTO His promises.

But few will go beyond the first calling. The devil has set up shop in the space between the callings so that he can negate the high calling in Christ. And in this he has been very successful.

It is like when the Israelites were saved FROM Egypt. They we saved to come out of the land of oppression...a metaphor of the world...but into the wilderness of preparation. But how many died there in the wilderness? How many were saved INTO the promised land?

And this is not written in vain by the Lord...since the same situation persists today. The bible is prophetic after all.

The church of Christ is stuck in the wilderness. Permanently so. And in each generation God is looking for Joshua's and Caleb's who reach out for the faith that is in Christ so as to enter into God's rest.

All this modern emphasis on "being saved" is really just an over-emphasis on coming out of Egypt without a look to the purpose of that initial step towards ultimate salvation.

But we are called out that we may enter in! So than winning Christ is entering in!

 

[stunnedbygrace]

They could NOT enter into the place He had prepared for them because of their lack of trust. It says: He let them become very thirsty in the desert to see what they would do. So He tested their trust and they failed by saying He was going to let them die of thirst. They did not trust Him in the desert. Over and over again, they didn't. This was in regards to temporal things. So we should examine ourselves to see if we even ARE in the faith (trust). We seem to think we will fare better or differently than Israel, but it has always been the obedience of trust That God wants, and we will die in the desert, just as them, if our hearts become unbelieving/untrusting.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Phil. 3:8 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,

For Paul, the Christian faith was an ongoing race towards inward conformity to Christ. It may surprise many that he still sought to win Christ even after many years of being a follower of Christ.

Phil. 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Jesus came to us to teach us about a new kind of faith....the faith of Christ. This is a kind of faith that reconciles us to being in the presence of God. It also wields supernatural power...as attested to in the bible accounts.

Jesus said that even a small amount of this faith could do powerful works...miraculous works.

Phil. 3: 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.


There was no "done deal" salvation scheme in Paul's time. Paul was an athlete for God.


Hebrews 12
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of (our) faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Actually Jesus is the author and finisher of faith....not OUR faith. (the "our" was added in).

I believe Jesus said that to show that His faith could take us places we have never known...directly to be with God. Jesus told us to seek first the kingdom of God. But how do we do that? By faith!

So then everything hinges on having this kind of faith.

just reading through and absorbing the above. One thing which come to mind is pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus: Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Not sure how I’ve always understood that “vile” so I looked it up this morning in other text, and it changed on me; different than what I’ve originally assumed “vile” means. Not to change your thread but maybe you can add further to:

Who will transform the body of humiliation of us conformed to the body of the glory of Himself according to the working —enabling...

Will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory by the excertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself...

I guess I always assume “vile” was “you filthy sinner” but God instructs to “humble yourself” ??

 

[Episkopos]

just reading through and absorbing the above. One thing which come to mind is pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus: Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Not sure how I’ve always understood that “vile” so I looked it up this morning in other text, and it changed on me; different than what I’ve originally assumed “vile” means. Not to change your thread but maybe you can add further to:

Who will transform the body of humiliation of us conformed to the body of the glory of Himself according to the working —enabling...

Will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory by the excertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself...

I guess I always assume “vile” was “you filthy sinner” but God instructs to “humble yourself” ??

You are zerooing in on a future event when they who are in Christ shall receive a new body...just as His.

And this is a concern of mine...that when people read of entering into the promises these assume that means only AFTER we die physically.

But that is not my concern at all.

The high calling concerns what we become while we are still here. The promised land is by the Spirit where we begin to bear an eternal and holy kind of fruit.

But the church remains stuck in the wilderness...perishing there without any perfect works and waiting to die in the hope that death will bring forth the promises of God.

But a people who refuse to enter in will fare no better than the original people of God.

I think that's the point of having a bible and reading what happened to they that came before us.

It is for the wise to learn and NOT make the same mistakes.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

You are zerooing in on a future event when they who are in Christ shall receive a new body...just as His.

And this is a concern of mine...that when people read of entering into the promises these assume that means only AFTER we die physically.

But that is not my concern at all.

The high calling concerns what we become while we are still here. The promised land is by the Spirit where we begin to bear an eternal and holy kind of fruit.

But the church remains stuck in the wilderness...perishing there without any perfect works and waiting to die in the hope that death will bring forth the promises of God.

But a people who refuse to enter in will fare no better than the original people of God.

I think that's the point of having a bible and reading what happened to they that came before us.

It is for the wise to learn and NOT make the same mistakes.

“That I may win Christ.”
...Who will transform the body of (humiliation) of us conformed to the body of the glory of Himself according to the working—enabling ....

ταπεινώσεως
(tapeinōseōs): 5014 humiliation, low estate.

He is able “who will transform...”

Luke 1:48-54 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. [49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. [50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. [51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. [53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. [54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

He has filled the hungry with good things: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

You are zerooing in on a future event when they who are in Christ shall receive a new body...just as His.

by the way I’m not zeroing in on some future event. I’m just trying to make it through the day. Only shared the above because it rejuvenated my getting up to face another day this morning. It reminded me of who He is ...sent me rejoicing in Him instead of grumbling and complaining...

 

[farouk]

“That I may win Christ.”
...Who will transform the body of (humiliation) of us conformed to the body of the glory of Himself according to the working—enabling ....

ταπεινώσεως
(tapeinōseōs): 5014 humiliation, low estate.

He is able “who will transform...”

Luke 1:48-54 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. [49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. [50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. [51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. [53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. [54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

He has filled the hungry with good things: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

I do love that 'Magnificat' passage in Luke; I myself have often been refreshed by it.

 

[farouk]

just reading through and absorbing the above. One thing which come to mind is pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus: Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Not sure how I’ve always understood that “vile” so I looked it up this morning in other text, and it changed on me; different than what I’ve originally assumed “vile” means. Not to change your thread but maybe you can add further to:

Who will transform the body of humiliation of us conformed to the body of the glory of Himself according to the working —enabling...

Will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory by the excertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself...

I guess I always assume “vile” was “you filthy sinner” but God instructs to “humble yourself” ??

The Resurrection is also a theme of Paul in Philippians 3.11.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

by the way I’m not zeroing in on some future event. I’m just trying to make it through the day. Only shared the above because it rejuvenated my getting up to face another day this morning. It reminded me of who He is ...sent me rejoicing in Him instead of grumbling and complaining...

Hoping for what you don't yet have is good! We all have that hope in us. We all groan to be out of this body and clothed with our new bodies.

Epi's focus is on the race here and now, but don't let that fool you that he doesn't also look forward with hope to that future time!

I understand your " trying to make it through the day." I get so weary of it all at times. That whole running without fainting part seems impossible sometimes. But then He refreshes you in that unexplainable way He has and makes your feet sure and lifts you up above it on those wings and let's you soar effortlessly. If you get weary, rest from the world for a while.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

I get so weary of it all at times. That whole running without fainting part seems impossible sometimes. But then He refreshes you in that unexplainable way He has and makes your feet sure and lifts you up above it on those wings and let's you soar effortlessly. If you get weary, rest from the world for a while.

Yes, He does give our daily bread. And Refreshes!

Understand where Epi was coming from and didn’t mean any offense. Was blessed by his post here which lead into that being refreshed. Causing me to consider: Ephesians 4:28-29 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Jeremiah 23:30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

 

[Episkopos]

How do we win Christ? How are we conformed inwardly to that which God can empower/ After all, God will not empower us if we are not upright or we have a tendency to twist what God has given us to serve our own interests.

So there is our own character to consider.

Some will immediately call out....works! But this is a smokescreen. God looks at the heart.

The point of it all is in our willingness to be or become someone that can be close to God.

The bible is explicit on the kind of person we need to be in order to walk with Him. And all of these concern the heart. After all we need the key of David...David being a man after God's heart. And the idea of the key is that which is made to open doors. We are to be cut as from a blank into a key like the master key. So we are conformed to Christ. Here are a few aspects that are repeated in the bible.

- A seeking heart that is without personal ambition or guile.
- A love that is selfless and appreciative.
- A courageous faith within the fear of the Lord.

Is. 66: 2b “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.



Psalm 24:3-6
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?


4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.


5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.


6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

 

[bbyrd009]

an outward obedience and an inward obedience.

interesting, just read a thread about outward and inward actions of the Spirit, kinda ties in

 

[bbyrd009]

But we are NOT of one mind.

well i think we can be, at times? We being "humans" there

 

[Episkopos]

well i think we can be, at times? We being "humans" there

They say that people come together in times of war....for one purpose...that of saving their nation. And in such times there is much innovation and creativity...not to mention sacrifice...and this among people of many backgrounds. They come together with one purpose.


But the people of God are in a deep sleep. There is a far more deadly war...yet the outward illusion of peace has caused most people to think there is no need to come together as in the time of war.

People tend to act only when forced to. But the church is voluntary at this point. It centers on a lack of spiritual discernment towards the inward obedience to Christ and a complete blindness to the causes of the decaying spiritual condition of the world.

 

[bbyrd009]

I’m just trying to make it through the day. Only shared the above because it rejuvenated my getting up to face another day this morning.

Yes, He does give our daily bread. And Refreshes!

Dave's Killer Bread! Good Seed!
srsly tho, worth every penny, buy the two pack at Sams

 

[bbyrd009]

nation

country. Incorporated. diff thing entirely. sorry

But the church is voluntary at this point.

ah, i guess we have diff defs of Church, but i get you, yeh
i am Church, Church is where i am

 

[Episkopos]

country. Incorporated. diff thing entirely. sorry

ah, i guess we have diff defs of Church, but i get you, yeh
i am Church, Church is where i am

Actually not so much. Nation is just French for country....as in "the United Nations" ...just like liberty is to freedom.

And church is the plural gathering of they who are called out to follow after God.

 

[bbyrd009]

Actually not so much. Nation is just French for country....as in "the United Nations" ...just like liberty is to freedom.

And church is the plural gathering of they who are called out to follow after God.

yes, this is that, and that is this, huh Epi.

Wadr idc what the french thing, bc im not disagreeing that the world conflates the two terms, see.
or bam give us a diff term for the Cherokee Nation, etc, and i'll use it
around you. I mean even the french must have some term for the division there?