Lesson from Philippians 3:13







Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things  which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul has used the analogy of a runner who focuses on the goal ahead of him. This prevents distractions and stumbling. Paul's spiritual goal is stated directly here: "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

As verse 13 notes, Paul's focus is on forward momentum, not prior mistakes. A person cannot move ahead if their thoughts and vision are focused on the past. Paul has a clear goal: being in heaven with the Lord. He looks forward to the ultimate reward for his faithful service. This prize is to be with Christ, though there is some uncertainty about what he specifically meant, in the context of this remark.

Although Christians are called to be like Christ, we continue to make mistakes. We have not "arrived" yet. We fail. In fact, we'll never obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord. But, God uses our imperfections to "grow us" in faith.

We have a problem to deal with called "the flesh." Our flesh pulls us toward sin and away from the prize of the upward call. Our flesh keeps us painfully aware of our need to diligently press on toward the goal.

The Apostle Paul was laser-focused on the race, the goal, the finish line. Like an Olympian runner, he would not look back at his failures. Now, remember, Paul was Saul who persecuted the church violently. He played a part in the stoning of Stephen, and he could have let guilt and shame cripple him for that. But Paul forgot the past. He didn't dwell on his sufferings, beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. He looked forward resolutely toward the finish line where he would see the face of Jesus Christ.

The author of the book of Hebrews, possibly Paul, made a similar statement in Hebrews 12:1-2:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ( NIV)
Paul knew that God alone was the source of his salvation as well as the source of his spiritual growth. The closer we get to completion, the more we realize how much further we have to go to become like Christ.

So, be encouraged by Paul's emphasis here on forgetting the past and straining forward to what lies ahead. Don't let yesterday's failures derail you from the goal of your upward call. Press on for the prize until you meet the Lord Jesus at the finish line.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chosen But Totally Unqualified

Image
I'm not perfect. I have all kinds of problems. I have no ability. I have no gifts. I'm just not worthy. Why would God want me? Well, did you know that Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a persecutor of the church. Moses was a murderer. Jonah ran from God's will. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. Martha was a worry-wart. Noah got drunk. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, Paul - well, lots of folks did. But God doesn't require a job interview for salvation. He's our Heavenly Father. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, orbrassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. He know who we are and what we are and loves us...
Read more

To the Depressed Christian

Image
I close my eyes, turn toward the back of the couch and curl my knees up to my chest. “Don’t hang up,” I cry softly into the phone. “I’m afraid to be alone.” My Brother’s coming home early. Today’s one of the bad days. If I admit my thoughts to someone, they’ll think I’m crazy. Am I going crazy? No, you’re not. For me, depression came with the winter, though warning signs could be felt and seen much sooner. I was tired. Really tired. I was edgy and emotional and anxious. I began noticing that I felt exactly like it looked outside — gray and miserable. Numb. I sank further and further until finally breaking down one day at a work conference. I just couldn’t go through the motions anymore. I felt like I was dying inside. If you’re in the thick of the dark and lonely hell that is depression, I wish I could wrap my arms around you and cry with you because I know how badly you hurt. Come take my virtual hand and know you’re not alone. I am a...
Read more

A Love Story

Image
The Bible is the greatest love story ever written. It is the story of God's love for all mankind - especially you. it is not a book of verses such as you would find on greeting cards; it is a revelation. It must be read, digested,studied, questioned and revered from beginning to end. Don't divide it into short devotional paragraphs and think you can understand its message. Come to its pages with common sense, believe that every book is about something and read and reread until you find out what that book is about.      Since the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit, you need the Holy Spirit's power to help you understand it, to interpret it. That is one of the function of the Holy Spirit - to help you understand the Bible. Therefore, before you begin any serious study of the Bible , ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Only as He interprets it to you will it make any sense. Otherwise it will be nothing more than great literature, interesting history or a jumble of words an...
Read more