Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
I think that we have here a reference to common and repeated instructions of the Apostle Paul to his children in Christ. I have been involved with education just enough to know that there can be some significant struggles in the choice of curriculum. This is generally a matter of discerning what the foundation is of a good education. That is, what are the basics that are needed for understanding and growing in life? In secular education the matter is settled generally in what used to be called the “three Rs”. (however in these days a lot of politically correct stuff is inserted).
It appears from the text that we are looking at that Paul had an understanding of what was basic and essential for a strong and growing Christian life. As you look at his epistles in general I think you will find that the overwhelming burden of this man was that the children of God gain a great approval of their station in Christ and walk with Him in truth and faithfulness. That could also be seen I believe in the writings of Peter, James and John.
Paul captures this idea in the third chapter of Philippians with the phrase, “rejoice in Christ…” Good, solid, happy believers are those who are consumed in Christ. This was obviously the passion that Paul held for his own life.
Philippians 3:8-10 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, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
The question therefore comes to us; are we all wrapped up in Christ? It is a happy way to live.
