Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. I. THERE IS A HAPPY ESTATE HEREAFTER WHICH BEGINS WITH THE RESURRECTION. More happy than that which Adam lost or from which the angels fell. II. THE BEGINNING OF THIS HAPPY ESTATE IS AT THE RESURRECTION. 1. All good shall be perfected. 2. All evil cease. 3. Body as well as soul, perfected being, shall enjoy the fulness of the one and immunity from the other. III. THE APOSTLE MAKES THE RESURRECTION THE LAST THING, THEREBY ESTABLISHING AN ORDER (Luke 24:26; 2 Timothy 2:12). Calvary comes before Olivet in the experience of both Christ and His people. IV. IT IS HARD TO COME TO HEAVEN BECAUSE OF THIS DIVINE ORDER. 1. Away then with all idle and secure thoughts of sparing ourselves. We must come to health by physic. 2. In all crosses let us not look into the state we are in so much as that we are going to. We are going to a palace and should not be dejected because of the narrowness of the way (Hebrews 12:21). 3. Labour for a right esteem of the things of this world. They are momentary and fading: 4. Labour to strengthen our graces. (1) Faith to assure us that we are God's children, and have heaven laid up for us. (2) Hope which makes us cheer fully endure in expectation of what faith believes. (3) Love to Christ which made Paul desire to be with Him which was best of all (Philippians 1:23). (R. Sibbes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.WEB: if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. |
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