Apostolic Admonitions V ~ Follow the Apostles: Philippians 3:8-19, especially vs. 17: "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern."
In this passage, St. Paul admonishes us to follow the example of his life (vss. 15-18). However, no one can hope to "walk" according to the Apostle's pattern unless he is aided by the same Spirit Who guided the Saint's life, and unless he has embraced the same personal aims and made the same commitments that governed all of St. Paul's actions. In this we are blessed, for St. Paul reveals the ten principles that governed his life in the first portion of today's reading (vss. 8-14). As we read, notice how Christ-centered the Apostle's life was.
"I...count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (vs. 8). All other relationships, personal attainments, his ethnic heritage, education, exemplary conduct, all that an individual might count as valuable in life (see vss. 4-6), paled before Christ Jesus Who exceeds all the things of this world and all that may be.
"I have suffered the loss of all things...that I may gain Christ" (vs. 8). The Holy Fathers of Orthodoxy teach us to labor for "theosis," to grow through repentance, purification, and enlightenment into greater and greater unity with the Lord Jesus until, by His grace, we attain all that He is by nature. In other words, theosis is the life-long work by which we "gain Christ."
“...that I may...be found in Him" (vss. 8,9). In whom do we hope to "be found" when we stand before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ, "Christ” or "Adam?" We pray for a "good defense," yet St. Paul teaches that there is only one defense: "not having my own righteousness ...but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God" (vs. 9).
"...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection" (vs. 10). Elsewhere, St. Paul says, "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty" (1 Cor. 15:14). Yes, and Christ is risen! The Lord may be known, received, and even partaken!
"...that I may know...the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Phil. 3:10). Brethren, we have been warned by the Lord Jesus Himself, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mk. 8:34). Our desires, our will, our ways are to be put to the cross in life or we have no fellowship with Him.
"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has...laid hold of me" (Phil. 3:12). A lifeguard lays hold of a drowning man, who in turn grabs hold of his savior.
"I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet" (vs. 13). Notice the humility in the Blessed Apostle. We are reminded that the process of "laying hold" is life-long. Theosis is growing in Christ, a movement away from self and toward Him. Listen to the Apostle: "Press on!"
"...one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind..." (vs.13). Here is another reminder to forget the past: "Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified...in the Name of the Lord Jesus" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
"...reaching forward to those things which are ahead" (Phil. 3:13). What lies ahead for the Faithful? Increase of wisdom, growth in divine grace, and the attainment of God's kingdom.
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (vs. 14). And our King shall say to those at His right hand, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Mt. 25:34). Yes, let us press on!
Appear to us, O Light of the world, that we may become children of Thine undying light.
(Just my own preference.)