+I. The object which Paul contemplated.+--1. _The resurrection as the
proof of final escape from all evil._ 2. _The resurrection as the
occasion of public recognition by the Saviour-Judge._ 3. _The
resurrection as the pledge of eternal happiness in heaven._
+II. His desire for that object.+--_It supplies_--1. _A high
appreciation of its value._ 2. _A deep sense of its difficulty._
3. _A persuasion that it may be attained in various degrees._ 4. _A
submission to all the Divine arrangements in reference to
it.--G. Brooks._
_The Resurrection of the Just._
+I. What is that entire satisfaction and climax for which we are to
long and labour?+
+II. What are the scriptural representations of its accompaniments
and consequences?+--1. _The power of recognising all those whom they
have known in holy fellowship on earth._ 2. _The resemblance of our
nature to Christ._ 3. _High honour is destined for Christians._
+III. What are the determinations by which it is to be won?+--1. _The
relation which the present happy spiritualism of deceased saints
bears to the resurrection._ 2. _The representation of the
intermediate state._ It is a relic and disadvantageous condition of
death, though of death as far as possible mitigated. It shall be
overthrown, not only as a state, but as a separate power, in the
destruction of death.--_R. W. Hamilton._
_The Attainment of the Resurrection._
+I. Paul's aim.+--"The resurrection of the dead." 1. _The risen
Christ is the pledge of a risen life for man._ 2. _The rising of
Christ is a power to elevate life._ 3. _Hence arises the gradual
attainment of the resurrection._
+II. Paul's endeavour.+--"If by any means." The necessity for this
agonising endeavour arises from--1. _The difficulty of accomplishing
it._ 2. _The glory of its attainment.--E. L. Hull._
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 12-16.
_The Highest Type of Christian Experience._
+I. The highest type of Christian experience is Divinely outlined in
Christ.+--"That for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus"
(ver. 12). "The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
(ver. 14). The prize is not definitely described, but God through the
Gospel calls upon the soul to take hold of some great, dimly
portrayed good, some rich spiritual blessing, some fulness and
splendour of character to be secured by a fuller knowledge of Christ.
If we say the prize is heaven or the kingdom of God, what is the
heavenly kingdom but the fulness of Christ? Though not explained in
detail, the prize is sufficiently outlined in Christ, by the
master-hand of the Divine Artist, as to make it an object of intense
longing and strenuous effort to possess. The soul yearns to attain a
moral and spiritual perfection found only in Christ, and which the
unending development of the beauties of His character are constantly
disclosing in ever-growing splendour, and which closer union with Him
alone can seize and appropriate.
+II. The effort to attain the highest type of Christian experience is
stimulated by conscious defect.+--"Not as though I had already
attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I
may apprehend" (ver. 12). The more clearly the apostle saw his
privilege in Christ, the more conscious was he of his shortcomings.
There is no progress possible to the man who does not see and mourn
over his defects. "The soul of all improvement is the improvement of
the soul;" and it is only a keen sense of need that stimulates the
soul to continuous and repeated efforts. The ideal is ever ahead of
the actual, revealing its defects and exciting to fresh and more
earnest endeavours.
+III. The highest type of Christian experience is attained only by
strenuous and continuous effort.+--"But this one thing I do, . . . I
press toward the mark" (vers. 13, 14). The racer, fixing his eye upon
the goal, leans forward, and turning his back upon things behind,
presses with all speed towards the prize he covets. If he turns
aside, he misses the mark and loses the garland. The great prizes of
life are gained only by persevering labour. However prodigious may be
the gifts of genius they can only be developed and brought to
perfection by toil and study. Think of Michelangelo working for a
week without taking off his clothes, of Handel hollowing every key of
his harpsichord like a spoon by incessant practice, and of the
sculptor polishing his statue with unwearied repetitions because he
said, "the image in my head is not yet in my hands." The prize of the
Christian race--the crown of eternal life and blessedness--is worthy
of the most laborious and self-denying efforts. When at times the
heart grows weary in the struggle, a glimpse of the diadem of beauty
obtained by faith revives the flagging energies.
+IV. Those who do not see the obligation of striving after the
highest type of Christian experience shall be aided with Divine
light.+--"If in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal
even this unto you" (ver. 15). The difference of view was not some
wilful and wicked conception, or some wretched prejudice adhered to
with inveterate or malignant obstinacy. It was rather some truth not
fully seen in all its bearings, some principle not so perceived as to
be carried out in all its details and consequences, some department
of duty which they might apprehend rather than appreciate, or some
state of mind which they might admire in the apostle, but did not
really covet for themselves. The apostle throws his own teaching into
the shade, and ascribes the coming enlightenment to God (_Eadie_).
The man who is honestly in pursuit of the highest good, though led
away for a time by erroneous views, shall not lack the light he
sincerely seeks. The light which will help him most must be light
from God.
+V. All progress towards the highest Christian experience must be on
the lines of real progress already made.+--"Whereto we have already
attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing"
(ver. 16). Every victory over self and sin is a stepping-stone to
further triumphs. The struggle of to-day will be the victory of
to-morrow. Our most helpful lessons are gathered from our failures.
Our present blessings were obtained through faith and labour; our
next must be gained in the same way. God will give more light to the
man who rightfully uses what he has. "When the morning bursts
suddenly on one awakened out of sleep, it dazzles and pains him; but
to him who, on his journey, has blessed the dawn and walked by its
glimmer, the solar radiance brings with it a gradual and cheering
influence."
+Lessons.+--1. _Christ is the sum and pattern of the highest good._
2. _Progress in religious experience is a growing likeness to
Christ._ 3. _The soul retains its highest enjoyment and power only in
Christ._
_GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES._