hopes and goals

…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:10-11

Paul talks about five hopes in Christ that are the goal of his existence. In surrendering to Jesus, Paul embraced these hopes. They were what the apostle desired to mark his life. They were what he lived for and they force me to evaluate my purpose, motives, and life outcomes.

1. KNOW CHRIST. Paul wanted to know who Jesus is and how Jesus lives. All of Paul’s writings and actions appear to have been driven by the first question Paul asked Jesus: “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5). The answer: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Jesus’ words drove Paul not only to repent and surrender to Christ’s lordship, but also to pursue knowing Jesus better his entire life. Paul was driven by knowing Christ.

2. KNOW RESURRECTION POWER. Again, Paul’s first encounter with Jesus was with the resurrected Lord. He never got over that power. And he always wanted Jesus to be known as his resurrected Lord. Paul knew a MIGHTY Savior.

3. SHARE IN CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS. Once more it is helpful to read of Paul’s conversion to get the grip of his driving motivation. Jesus Himself said this of Paul: “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (Acts 9:16)

4. BE LIKE CHRIST IN HIS DEATH. Jesus willingly laid his life down. Paul was ready to do the same. And all of Paul’s spiritual life teaching kept emphasizing “putting to death” what is earthly to be “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). Spiritual life is found in dying to self and our old existence in exchange for something new that only Jesus can give to us.

5. ATTAIN THE RESURRECTION. That is the ultimate prize… the final gold medal… the victory we all will know in Jesus. Death does not win, but is the means to resurrection and eternal life with Jesus, in Jesus, and for Jesus. These thoughts properly motivate us to face this world, manage difficulties, and experience joy in Jesus with true purpose!