NOTES for Php 3:8-14

I long to put gaining Christ first in my life. Not finding myself, or righteousness for myself, but precisely as Paul says: “And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” The Lord gives us everything in this life, and life itself. Is it not logical, in gratitude and praise to the Creator, to open ourselves to His presence in our life? More than that, to seek and call upon Him constantly. In the joy of abiding with Him, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” And Jesus, with the same love with which He addresses the sinful woman (see John 8:11), will speak to us as well, gradually revealing to us what we are able to receive. And what is all this for? The joy of sensing God’s presence that is available to us on earth conveys only to a small degree what will come after the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 2:9). If only because there we will be able to stand beside Him and hold His hand...