Am I Willing?

Philippians 3:11

“that by any means possible

I may attain

the resurrection from the dead.”

Am I willing to follow Christ so completely as this. Paul just laid out how he wishes to share in Christ' sufferings, how he wants to become like Christ in His death. Why? as I ended my IBS yesterday and as it goes on in a fashion to say in this verse. Because quite simply, you cannot experience resurrection power if you have never died. I think this thought is shown in another verse “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13

Paul is simply laying out another important portion of the Gospel. You must reckon the old man dead to live life anew. Set aside in your mind that if an opportunity arises for the flesh you walk away from it. Avoid any situation that would make occasion for the flesh. If your bent is alcohol don't go into a bar, or out to the bowling lanes with the guys on Friday night. If your bent is sensuality apart from morality, don't be alone in a room with someone. If your bent is reckless spending, don't go to the mall without an accountability partner. Leave no occasion to the flesh.

By any means possible die to self. This can only be done by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. And as we learned in be filled now all you have to do for that is admittedly say “truth Lord” When he reveals sin in your heart, and let the blood of Jesus wash you clean. Then you give way to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Application.

Die to self.

How?

I will fast from coffee until Tuesday.