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NASB | Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 3:10 And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; |
Bible Question: What does Philippians 3:10-11 mean? What does "share His sufferings" mean. My understanding of Chistians suffering is that as Christians we are to resist what Christ suffered for us on the cross - He died for us so we do not have to go through what He went through if we apply the Word to our situations. If we HAVE to go through sickness, opression etc, why did He die? |
Bible Answer: There is a confusing understanding and teaching in the church today that being a follower of Christ is only about peace, joy, and our personal happiness and fulfillment. Your Question: "If we HAVE to go through sickness, opression etc, why did He die?" He died to make a Way for us to God the Father. He didn't die to end sickness, oppression, war, etc., although we do look forward to the time when these things will be no more in the day of Christ. Romans 5:1 states: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" There are those who have refered to such verses as meaning that as Christians our lives should be peaceful. This is an incorrect understanding. This is refering to peace with God, our sins having been justified by the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, means our relationship with God can be one of peace. This does not mean our lives will be peaceful. Paul's life as reflected in Acts and in many of his letters was not "peaceful"; he suffered persecutions, shipwrecks, imprisonment, etc. But his relationship with the God of all creation was one of complete peace, thanks to Jesus Christ, his Lord and ours!!! In fact, Jesus promises us problems in this life--He says, "In the world you have tribulation" (John 16:33); and He speaks of the world "hating us" (John 15:18; 17:14; 1 John 3:13) In this way we "share in His sufferings" and this is what Paul refers to. THE GOOD NEWS IS: John 16:33 "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD" and 1 John 5:4,5 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Take courage, but don't misunderstand--We don't overcome the world by being removed from the reach of sickness and oppression, we overcome the world by going through such things clinging to the blood and promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that the Holy Spirit which Jesus sent to us will guide your heart and mind in understanding. |