In Hot Pursuit
Today’s Verse:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ~Philippians 3:10
If you have ever seen police chase after a speeding vehicle or a criminal trying to run from being arrested, the police are said to be in hot pursuit of the perpetrator. To be in hot pursuit means to give all of your attention and focus on that one thing. In his epistles, Paul has given us a great explanation of the doctrine of the resurrection. In Philippians 3:8-14, he explains how the resurrection was the impetus for his life mission and quest. In our devotion this morning, let us consider how Paul was in hot pursuit of the power of the resurrection in his life.
He experienced the power of the resurrection in his salvation.
The first step in knowing this power is by believing in the death and resurrection of Christ as the means for salvation. Paul acknowledged that his righteousness as a Jew did not attain the righteousness which is by faith. Faith alone in in the atoning death of Christ and His resurrection is the only way to be saved from our sins. God assures us in Romans 10:9 that when we place our faith alone in Christ, “thou shalt be saved.”
He sought the power of the resurrection over sin.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:5-6). Resurrection power enables us to be victorious over sin. This power enables us to flee youthful lusts. It is power that enables us to resist temptation. It is power that gives us the resolve to say “no” to the devil. It is power that enables us to walk in the Spirit.
He sought the power of the resurrection in his sufferings.
Paul went through many hardships as a believer. He was scorned, vilified, stoned, rejected, scourged, beaten, and hurt, and he endured storms on the open sea. He carried many burdens for those he served and had sleepless nights for the churches he helped start. In his own power, he would have gone stir-crazy and out of his mind. Through the power of the resurrection, he refers to his sufferings as having fellowship with our Lord. It gave him peace when everything around him was tumultuous.
He sought the power of the resurrection in his submission.
Paul speaks about “following after.” Strong, type-A leaders tend to be stubborn and bull-headed. They tend not to be good followers. Paul knew that he had not attained a maturity level where he felt the Lord was in complete control of his life. The power of His resurrection gave him the power to submit to the Lord’s will and way for his life. Resurrection power is the override over our self-will. It is the power that rolls away the stone of stubbornness that blocks our progress.
He sought the power of the resurrection in his service.
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul desired to finish what God called him to do. There is no prize if we do not finish well. Resurrection power enables us to keep our eyes on the finish line, and gives us continuous momentum to keep pressing on.
Resurrection power is the game-changer for a life that lives and finishes well. Be in hot pursuit of this power in your life.
Have a focused God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Kings 21-22