The Hope of Transformation

Key Passage: Philippians 3:20-21

Devotional:

Philippians 3 almost paints a bleak picture of the believer’s journey. Are we called to seek out suffering? Is that the goal? If the Christian life ended in suffering, it would be unbearable. But Paul reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).

The cross is not our final destination—resurrection is. Sanctification is hard, and dying to self is painful, but God has promised transformation. What we endure now is preparing us for something far greater. As Paul writes, “...this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). What wonderful hope! No matter what trials we face, our true home and our Savior are waiting for us in Heaven.

Our response to suffering and sin is not to minimize their weight but to magnify our view of God. John Owen reminds us, “He that hath slight thoughts of sin never had great thoughts of God.” When we see Christ rightly, the struggles of this world grow dim. When our view of God is great, we can face suffering through the lens of hope.

By embracing the pain and trials of the crucified life, we also claim the promise of resurrection. The veil of self is removed. Suffering produces sanctification. And ultimately, the cross leads us to glory in His presence.

So, we press on—not as those without hope—but as those awaiting a Savior, knowing that every hardship will one day be swallowed up in resurrection life.

Application Question: How does the promise of future transformation encourage you in your walk today?

Further Reading: Romans 8:18-19; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 3:20-21

Written by Jordan West