Contradiction Regarding Christ's Resurrection

Dr. Couch, in Philippians 3:11 Paul says "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." I have heard some argue that this means Paul had some doubts about the resurrection, and the critics land on the words "if" and "might." This argument would go against what he says in 1 Corinthians 15. How do we answer? – from England ANSWER:  I don't know how the critic could get out of the verse that Paul is having questions about the resurrection! The wording certainly does not lead me to that conclusion. All Paul is saying is that he wants to be worthy of that great truth of Christ's resurrection from the dead! You must start his argument with verse 7 where he says he counts all things as loss "for the sake of Christ." He speaks of the surpassing value of knowing Christ and counts all things as dung (rubbish) so that he might gain Christ (v. 8). He is not doubting the resurrection but he is making it a center piece doctrine around which his life revolves.    From verses 7-14 there is not one piece of evidence that he doubts the resurrection! All of the language has to do with how he is living. Nicoll writes:    "The Resurrection is the Apostle's goal, for it will mean perfect, unbroken knowledge of Christ and fellowship with Him. Paul knows by experience the difficulty of remaining loyal to the end, of being so conformed to Christ's death that the power of sin will not revive its mastery over him. So his apparent uncertainty here of reaching the goal is not distrust of God. It is distrust of himself."    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (Dec., 09)

Do Believers Have Power Over Sin?

Dr. Couch, do believers have power over sin? 

 

    The answer is clear, no, no and no! Our flesh can accomplish nothing! I overcome and mature by the power of the Holy Spirit working through me. The power is not innately mine, though that is the way some Charismatics present it. This is wrong! 

    Paul writes, “Be continually walking (present tense) ‘with’ the Spirit and you will NOT carry out the ‘cravings, greed’ of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Paul then lists the works of the flesh in verses 19-21. This is all the human flesh can accomplish, strife, jealousy, dishonesty, etc. It is not capable of anything else! 

    The flesh has been crucified with Christ, its passions and desires (v. 24). So the fruit of the Spirit must come out, such as Paul describes in verses 22-23. He adds, “If we are living by means of the Spirit, let us also walk by means of the Spirit” (v. 25). 

    In my opinion it takes time to learn to walk with the Spirit so that what I do is really taking place by His power and ability, and not mine. This does not happen instantly! Lewis Sperry Chafer wrote: “The contention that one has no disposition to sin must be based upon a shocking lack of self-knowledge as to the motives and impulses of the heart, or such an assumption is made through failure to comprehend the true character of sin itself.” (Chafer, He That Is Spiritual, pp. 109-10) 

    Hope this helps and thanks for asking.

    Dr. Mal Couch