Press On – Philippians 3 (NIV)
Press On – Philippians 3 (NIV)
Verses 12-16
Paul wants to know Christ and, through sufferings and service, become like Him in life and death to resurrection.
He intends to press on “to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” That sounds like he wants to strive to be and do the things that Christ saved him to be and do.
3:13b-14 But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
He seems quite focused and determined. He also seems quite convinced this is a good mindset for himself and anyone who is mature. In fact, he believes that if you think differently, God will make it clear. That sounds a bit like a sick burn: “You don’t agree, God will show you” Ouch.
But he also says we should live up to what we’ve already attained. Of course, in a way, we can’t. We could never live up to the love and sacrifice God demonstrated for us. All that we have attained in Him is far too much. But I believe Paul’s point is more along the lines of certainly living in a way that’s at least above how we lived as sinners. Even just trying to live godly lives is light years beyond how we lived before.
Paul is often talking about the heart – not necessarily actions. Our heart and love for God should be the core of how “living.” So while we can’t live up to what we’ve attained to in God, our heart can hopefully be in the right place and completely sold out for Him.
Regardless of what we did 10 years ago, 10 days ago or 10 seconds ago, we can always refocus our lives and our hearts to Him and press on.
* Paul’s Prayer
* All Good
* Worthy Conduct
* Humble like Christ for Others
* Anger Hurts Unity
* Paul’s Two Friends
* Garbage and Suffering
* Press On