Philippians 3:10,12 ” That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and may share in His sufferings…Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.”

What the Apostle Paul was explaining to the Church in Phillipi was “The Already and the Not Yet.” Justification is by faith, and faith alone on the basis of Jesus Christ’s merits, not ours. Our ongoing Christian Walk, imperfect as it is, finds its focus and power in Christ’s death and resurrection. Thus, as our personal fellowship with the Lord deepens, so does our participation in His sufferings. In verse twelve, this prize not yet won but what Paul strove for was “The not yet”… Salvation in its fullness. Know then as a Believer, you too will share in Christ’s suffering… but also know that your suffering will prepare you to share in His glory.