WORD FOR THE WEEK

"Paul taught that we are co-heirs with Christ of all the fullness of God, but that our full enjoyment of it was contingent on one thing – suffering – “...we are heirs–heirs of God and co- heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Rom 8:17).

Blazing the trail for us, Christ’s own humanity was perfected through suffering – “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God … should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10). However, in the next breath the writer underscores the identification between Christ and the believer: “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same ...” (v 11). We are made holy through identification with Christ and his sufferings. And so, Paul cries out, “that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Phil 3:10-11). Only as we are conformed to his death will we enter the full manifestation of his life.

Now, how does this work in practice?

In the context of Paul’s discussion of our “present sufferings” and the consequent “glory to be revealed in us” (see Rom 8:18) he explains, “...that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:28-29).

Put very simply, all the circumstances of life, including suffering, are ordained of God to change us into the image of his Son – to reveal his glory in us. Depending on our response, the painful things either turn us or twist us. If we love him we will die to self, turning to him in humility and surrender, more closely identifying with the death of Christ, and thereby entering his life. If not, we become bitter, harbouring resentment toward God and those who have offended us.

Through the seeming minutiae of daily life God is raising up a new humanity in the image of his own Son. He is restoring them to perfect union (and communion) with himself, and with one another – “for it is God who works in you both to will and do of his good pleasure” (Phil 2:13).

As we surrender to the workings of God in the inner man the word is made flesh, the indwelling Christ is formed, and therefore, many will “behold his glory”."

Excerpt from "The Dwelling of God"

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Mike