ASPIRATION ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
Philippians 3:10-11 (Extract) [For my DETERMINED PURPOSE is]
It was an unusual prompt recently; I had been using the shower in the caravan park for several days and admired the new shower curtains that adorned the cubicle. But I was startled when for some reason my attention was inextricably drawn to the little tag along the top hem, it read “ASPIRE”. My mind was suddenly exercised to realise that maybe there was something in this word that I needed to review, hence the following study.
Before we go too far it may be beneficial for us to write down what our “ASPIRATIONS” are, are they to be rich, famous, powerful, to get married or become a parent. Secondly, we should write down what steps we have taken to make our aspirations into reality. Let’s be honest when we make this list, not just to satisfy the obligations we have as Christians, but the genuine ambitions of our hearts.
A DETERMINED PURPOSE can be also called “ambition, aspiration, goal, drive, motivation, desire”, all of which have nuances that are commendable but maybe incomplete. That is why the Apostle then goes to some great length to describe or explain the dimensions and degrees of his “ASPIRATIONS), setting out clearly and in variegated words, and for our benefit, the areas that need to be addressed.
Each of these six clarifications for “ASPIRATIONS” listed in Philippians 3:10-11 form part of a “DETERMINED PURPOSE” and they coalesce to form one overwhelming and compelling passion. Each one is a career or vocation in itself, but unless they all become “ONE DETERMINED PURPOSE” then we will just languish in the idea and thrill of the potential.
- that I may know Him
- that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him,
- perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may
- in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and
- that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]
- That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
It is convenient that we should at least explore, even in a superficial manner, each of these six pertinent ASPIRATIONS so that we begin to build upon the basis for each one with at least a modicum of comprehension of what the “ASPIRATION” involves and the route it takes.
#1 THAT I MAY KNOW HIM The Psalmist gave us a key to KNOWING God when he stated in Psalm 46:10, “Let be, be still, AND KNOW, RECOGNIZE AND UNDERSTAND that I am God.” Almost everyone would admit to wanting to “know God” but few are prepared to apply the principle or expend the energy required, as in Psalm 46:10. Myriads know ABOUT God, but agonisingly few KNOW GOD, or even aspire to do so,
The first requirement is to “Let Be” or “let it go”, and too often we are like a dog with a bone, things that we know are irritating or downright objectionable traits in our nature are embraced as precious or protective and we fail to “let it go” and so it festers in our spirit. When genuinely analysed we will most often find our refusing to “LET BE” is because we accommodate pride in some aspect. Until we “LET IT GO” we will find our progress is inhibited, diminishing our ability to “KNOW GOD”.
It becomes easier when we realise that true love rarely requires forgiveness, and even though Jesus said that this was the greatest attribute to hold, (1 Corinthians 13:13) “And so faith, hope, love abide …….. these three; but the greatest of these is love”, it remains a quality that is yet to develop and identify true disciples.
Secondly, is the need for stillness, or “CONCENTRATION”, a rare engagement in the frenetic age in which we live, but an imperative if we wish to fulfil our “ASPIRATION”. To “sit quietly” can be simply an intellectual or emotional thing, but to “be quiet or still” is a spiritual thing. Mystics or hermits can isolate themselves, all that happens is they become “distant”, not “decent”.
Jesus had to alert the disciples to the need for this sort of “separation” from the “busyness” of the day when He said to them that the solitude required was like a desert place, free from distraction for a time to “recharge”.
Mark 6:31 And He said to them, [As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while–for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat.
The “KNOWING” however is a much deeper thing than just acquaintance, it is (1) know, (2) recognise, (3) understand and yet is only one component of a true “ASPIRATION”. The Greek word means “to understand completely”.
To have this degree of “KNOWING” involves engaging in the circumstances that surround us so that we are “EXPERIENCED” or have practical understanding. To know Jesus is not the same as knowing His historical life; it is not the same as knowing correct doctrines regarding Jesus; it is not the same as knowing His moral example, and it is not the same as knowing His great work on our behalf, IT IS KNOWING HIM SO AS TO BE MOTIVATED TO BE LIKE HIM.
- #2 THAT I MAY PROGRESSIVELY BECOME MORE DEEPLY AND INTIMATELY ACQUAINTED WITH HIM. Paul says that there is a “PROGRESSION”, and we know that to make progress there has to be a process. If our spiritual experience has been static, if we have not been subjected to trial and temptations to test our faith or obedience (1 Peter 1:7) then it leads to stagnation or abandonment of any “ASPIRATION”.
How “progressive” am I? Firstly, I cannot be “PROGRESSIVE” if I do not accept the “PROCESS”. If I look at my past week, or even the past day I often see the areas that I have failed to succeed or triumph, and yet I recognise that as I strive to please my Father that He comes to my rescue and encourages me in strange ways, just like this experience with the shower curtain. Progress is made when we intentionally and intensively CONCENTRATE, be it in academic study, or creating a new recipe, driving a car, or watching the example of the ant as the Word recommends, concentration is required.
Colossians 3:2 AND SET YOUR MINDS AND KEEP THEM SET (This means “CONCENTRATE” … comments mine) on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
Strong’s concordance reinforces the statement “set your minds and keep them set” or as KJV says “set your affections” and the Greek word, Phroneo is extensive in its intentions. (G 5426)
The instructions given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6 is simply a repetitive instruction to “CONCENTRATE”, both individually and as a family.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. (In other words, “CONCENTRATE”) And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; (Things you are CONCENTRATING on) [then] You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, (So they stick in your mind as perpetual CONCENTRATION) and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, (Teach your children to “CONCENTRATE”) and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Consistently reminding them to CONCENTRATE) And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets (forehead bands) between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (So that you don’t forget to “CONCENTRATE”)
I would like to progress in leaps and bounds, but the only reference to this ability is found in the CEV version which says, “1 Thessalonians 3:12 (CEV) May the Lord make your love for each other and for everyone else grow by LEAPS AND BOUNDS. That’s how our love for you has grown.” I would be bold enough to suggest that if we adopted this habit, then our progress would be in far more areas than simply, or profoundly, in LOVE, but also in qualifying as Disciples, because the Word says, Disciples love. (John 13:35)
The dimensions that Paul addresses here are a spectrum of love that is of far greater consequence than we may imagine, Paul says it is “MORE DEEPLY AND INTIMATELY ACQUAINTED”.
“DEEPLY” is the opposite of “SUPERFICIALLY”,
“INTIMATELY” is the opposite of “CASUALLY”.
Both are indicative of an intense understanding and appreciation of a person, in this case, Jesus Christ, and both suggest that there are no secrets. You cannot love someone you do not know, but you can be INFATUATED which is simply some foolish passion marked by unreasoning fondness. People don’t know why they like Jesus, they have not become “more deeply and intimately acquainted”, their euphoria is misplaced by being ignorant of God’s true nature and expectations.
INFATUATION is actually a short burst of euphoria, an attraction that fails to last. Infatuation can increase the levels of dopamine in the brain (which feels great) but those heightened levels of dopamine also signal an increase of cortisol, the “crisis handling” chemical, and norepinephrine, an adrenaline hormone. So, basically, infatuation can completely scramble your brain. (Date mix) Infatuation cares little about the needs or long-term best interests of its object; it only wants the feeling to continue. It is commonly known as “INSTANT GRATIFICATION”.
Note the difference between Biblical LOVE and mundane INFATUATION,
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love endures long
1 Corinthians 13:7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes,
Spiritually, people can become infatuated with the gospel or a preacher or a religious musical style mirroring the world. Jesus talked about this kind of “convert” in His parable about the four types of soil.
Many people flocked to hear Jesus, they loved the free food, the miracles, and the kind words, they were infatuated with this radical rabbi from Nazareth. But Jesus knew they didn’t really love Him; they only loved what He could do for them.
That’s infatuation. Today, some people “become” Christians because of the rush of adrenaline, the “buzz” they felt during a worship song or because they are desperate to get rid of guilt. But they have no root, they are unwilling to take up their cross, and they don’t last long, a characteristic of infatuation. How do they worship if there is no “buzz”?
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him who glories glory in this: THAT HE UNDERSTANDS AND KNOWS ME [PERSONALLY AND PRACTICALLY, DIRECTLY DISCERNING AND RECOGNIZING MY CHARACTER], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.
- #3 PERCEIVING AND RECOGNIZING AND UNDERSTANDING THE WONDERS OF HIS PERSON MORE STRONGLY AND MORE CLEARLY] Whatever we greatly desire to see will take priority in our thoughts and prayers and will subsume those things that may not be suitable to our “ASPIRATIONS”. “As a man thinks, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7) But there are three different dimensions of “KNOWING” and each reinforces the understanding of the criteria of this statement, that is “THE WONDERS OF HIS PERSON”. (HIS INCONCEIVABLE CHARACTER)
Our comprehension of God is grounded at three distinct levels: –
- “PERCEIVE” is a faculty of the senses where we become aware or are conscious of matters or events. Another name for this faculty is “DISCERNMENT”.
- “RECOGNITION” has two distinct aspects, (1) we identify what or who it is, (2) we deeply respect what or who it is. Both these traits are interdependent.
- “UNDERSTANDING”, this only develops by intimacy, that closeness which enables us to realise the ETHICS AND ETHOS (CHARACTER) of the person, seeing the reality of their nature. It is borne out of experiencing the PERCEPTION and RECOGNITION in practical applications of God’s Word in our every day.
If our intentions or “ASPIRATION” for this degree of insight is simply KNOWLEDGE, then our pursuit is in vain. All knowledge aside from Christ is extraneous, peripheral, trivial. THE WHOLE GOAL that Paul specifies here is that we should be astounded, flabbergasted, thunderstruck by THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST. This perception is not possible to apprehend just with the mortal mind, for how can a mere mortal grasp the wonder and the INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS of the creator of the universe and the Redeemer of mankind.
But there are degrees Paul says, “STRONGLY’, or a reinforced appreciation of God, and then “CLEARLY”, or without any distortion. This is important in the age we live as there is foretold that there will be a proliferation of spurious doctrines and “isms” and unless we have that “STRONGLY AND CLEARLY” as clarifiers of truth, then there is the potential for these destructive forces to seduce the “UNKNOWING”. We must ensure that our pursuit of the goal is not sacrificed by the lack of appreciation of the clarity and magnitude of our call.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized),
- #4 IN THAT SAME WAY COME TO KNOW THE POWER (DUNAMIS) OUTFLOWING FROM HIS RESURRECTION [WHICH IT EXERTS OVER BELIEVERS The next “ASPIRATION” that Paul defines has the same qualities as the last one, for he says “IN THAT SAME WAY”, meaning that we should understand the POWER OUTFLOWING FROM HIS RESURRECTION with the same DEEPNESS AND CLARITY as we understand His PERSON.
The power that could raise from the dead Jesus Christ is the same power that created this world and the universe, and the same power that created this world and this universe is the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
But that power is now available to the qualifying Christian who has that indivertible “ASPIRATION” to understand, appreciate, be grateful for and strive to make the evidence visible and sometimes even tangible. How can this occur? Paul says that power is “EXERTED OVER BELIEVERS” or is in the process and progress of restoring them to the original design, IN HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS.
Is that not an “ASPIRATION” that carries such an incredible wealth of spiritual potential worth clamouring for? That power of His resurrection is the power of Christ’s resurrection impacting upon me, upon my very human heart and soul, it is “EXERTED”, or exercised, or brought to bear over every aspect of my life as a believer. But am I appreciating it or resisting it?
THE POWER OUTFLOWING FROM HIS RESURRECTION is a PRESSURE, it is “EXERTED”, something the natural man resists, but if you are not being pressured then a serious review of your “ASPIRATIONS”and status in Christ is necessary.
THIS IS WHAT PRESSURE LOOKS LIKE
Heb 12:6 -11 For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes. You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline? Now if you are exempt from correction and left without discipline in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons [at all]. Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we yielded [to them] and respected [them for training us]. Shall we not much more cheerfully submit to the Father of spirits and so [truly] live? For [our earthly fathers] disciplined us for only a short period of time and chastised us as seemed proper and good to them; but He disciplines us for our certain good, that we may become sharers in His own holiness. FOR THE TIME BEING NO DISCIPLINE BRINGS JOY, BUT SEEMS GRIEVOUS AND PAINFUL; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].
- #5 THAT I MAY SO SHARE HIS SUFFERINGS AS TO BE CONTINUALLY TRANSFORMED [IN SPIRIT INTO HIS LIKENESS EVEN] TO HIS DEATH
To “SHARE” is to participate, either bearing half the load or sometimes spread more widely. In this case, we need to realise that it is “HIS SUFFERINGS” that we are to share or participate in, not just some discomfort we may casually encounter.
This is not some fatalistic or masochistic attitude but a surrender of our whole life, enabling a TRANSFORMATION. What a “DETERMINED PURPOSE” Paul espoused here. Paul was not morbidly focused on suffering and death in the Christian life, but he had a defined “ASPIRATION”.
Many are willing to reign with Christ, but are not be willing to suffer with him; many would be willing to wear a crown of glory like him, but not the crown of thorns; many would be willing to put on the robes of splendour which will be worn in heaven, but not the robe of contempt and mockery promised to the faithful. (Matthew 5:11)
“TRANSFORMATION” is a term we usually associate with electricity, where a “transformer” is involved. This piece of equipment is employed to change the voltage or power to a system to suit the attached service or appliance. But there is a “TRANSFORMATION” that is far more efficient, with greater and more pleasing results but comes at a cost.
In Philippians 3:10 the word in Greek is “Conformable” and by extension, “to render like, that is, (figuratively) to assimilate: – make conformable unto.”
Does this do justice to the thrust of what the Apostle is saying? The strenuous terms that Paul is using suggests that there is a greater degree of change required than just conforming, and in Romans 12:2 he has used a word which means “Metamorphose”.
Romans 12:2 (A) Do not be CONFORMED to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be TRANSFORMED (changed) by the [ENTIRE] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], (A new heart … comments mine)
How “modern” are we, how conformed are we to this world and this age? How tied are we to mobile devices or dress codes or climate change? Are we beset by the malignancy of “INSTANT GRATIFICATION” that pervades modern society?
Paul goes on to say, “CONTINUALLY TRANSFORMED”, not just a “oncer”, not just on one occasion but an uninterrupted change brought about by the events of each and every day and every circumstance so that the equivalent change is to produce “LIKENESS”. The cost involved is “sufferings and death”, and Romans states that it is the focus, the concentration, the object of our mind that is the characteristic that must change. The “self- syndrome” has to pass through death before we can claim any change or transformation that will produce the required result.
As with the analogy of the electrical transformer, it only works when it is in circuit, or plugged in, and if we want perpetual power to our appliance then the transformer is switched on “CONTINUALLY”. That’s how Paul classifies his goal to be “TRANSFORMED”, a progressive and perpetual change of mind and behaviour.
2 Timothy 2:3 Take [with me] YOUR SHARE of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus. (It may come as a surprise that we have not only been allocated a “SHARE” but have been “CALLED” to engage and see it through … comments mine)
The Apostle has stated in Philippians 3:10, “THAT I MAY SO SHARE HIS SUFFERINGS”, and now in Timothy we are again encouraged to take “OUR SHARE”, and nominates that it is an allocation and participation, a calling, “called to endure”, and if we are not prepared to participate then our “ASPIRATION” is flimsy and futile.
- #6. THAT IF POSSIBLE I MAY ATTAIN TO THE [SPIRITUAL AND MORAL] RESURRECTION This statement would seem to introduce some conjecture as to the possibility of attaining the “ASPIRATION” of a resurrection from the decay that overtook humanity through the foolishness of the residents of Eden.
KNOWLEDGE of the power of His resurrection is one thing, POSSESSION of the power is another. This exclamation “IF POSSIBLE” has been further translated as “so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”.
It is not to be understood as if Paul was in doubt of the goal, which would be inconsistent with his firm “ASPIRATION” that nothing should separate him from the love of God, and with his full assurance of faith, but it denotes the difficulty of attaining it, since it incurs various afflictions and great tribulations, which to much of the church is an anathema.
Another translation makes it clearer, “(ESV) that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” In other words, Paul was dedicated to pursuing his “ASPIRATION” with every available resource and at any cost.
The “Resurrection” is twofold, both “SPIRITUAL” and “MORAL”, both the ethos and the ethic, the character of God and the principles of God. Did the Apostle have some qualms about one aspect or the other, I think not, but I am sure he knew that if he attained to the “SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION” then the “MORAL RESURRECTION” would follow just like day follows night.
He has already been through a “near death” experience on the Damascus Road and has been left for dead by his oppressors on one occasion, but now he views a greater opportunity, that both his nature and behaviour would comply with the same new life as that of his Christ.
Pauls transparency and honesty is an example for us all, despite his monumental status as an Apostle, despite his influence and teaching to the nations, despite his deprivations and privileges, he is quick to point out that he still has “ASPIRATION” for even greater achievements, “the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.”
Paul is singular in his “ASPIRATION”, he calls it “ONE THING”, and again gives us some keys to achieving the goal, FORGET, STRAIN, PRESS ON. (Another name for “one thing” is PRIORITY and you can only have one priority)
Philippians 3:13-14 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [IT IS MY ONE ASPIRATION]: FORGETTING what lies behind and STRAINING forward to what lies ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
“Forgetting what lies behind” is the key to dismissing the rear vision of irretrievable history, it is the “YET” fuelling the “STRAINING FORWARD”.
Do we have things to “FORGET”, no doubt we do, and they constitute historical events that can never be revived, but from which we can always recover? The Bible alerts us to the fact that it is fatal to look back, as it disqualifies us from reaching the “ASPIRATION”.
Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.
PROLONGED REFLECTION INCURS EXTENDED CORRECTION
Then there is the need for “STRAIN”, an unwelcome suggestion to many as they would like to assume that the Christian life is a doddle, just accept Christ as Saviour then sit back and wait for eternity. (See Pauls dissertation on this matter in 2 Thessalonians 3:6) This is an unfortunate lie that the enemy has sown and much of the church has perpetuated. The KJV uses the term “reaching forth” and this infers the extending of oneself in pursuit of the goal. 2 Peter is effusive in the suggestion of how energetic we should be if we are to attain our “ASPIRATION”.
2 Peter 1:5 (A) For this very reason, ADDING YOUR DILIGENCE [to the divine promises], EMPLOY EVERY EFFORT
Matthew 7:14 But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.
Lastly Paul says, “PRESS ON”, and the Greek is intense, meaning, “to pursue,” and is used as a metaphor for a footrace, of “speeding on earnestly’, and we have been left in no doubt throughout scripture as to the implications of the race we have embarked upon.
WHAT IS OUR “DETERMINED PURPOSE” OUR “ASPIRATION” MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR REVIEW?
Ross Smith 