Philippians 3:12-14
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
The first question that I had when studying these verses is what is it that Paul is seeking to obtain. In verse 11 Paul is seeking to obtain the resurrection from the dead. Earlier in verse 8 it is no less Christ. Ultimately I believe that Paul merely sees the resurrection from the dead and salvation, glorification, etc as a means of attaining Christ. The Christians ultimate pursuit is to gain Christ. We do not strive to be justified; in God's eyes we are already clothed in the righteousness of Christ. It is with fear and trembling that we should work out our salvation for their is no greater nor beautiful a prize that at stake. In John 14 Jesus tells us the way to heaven is himself. The prize, Jesus, is the way to obtain the prize "I am the way and the truth and the life".
The second question I had was what practical things should I be doing to press on in a way that honors God.
a few things that I believe God commends us to scripture...
1) Make the best use of the time God has given every day (Eph 5:16). How much time am I wasting in front of my computer, listening to music, joking around with my roommate, etc.
2) Imitate Godly men in our lives and in history (Philippians 3:17), and even better, be mentored by one.
3) Exercise self-control in all things (1 Corin 9:25). Yes, get the sleep and exercise that your body needs, yet beat your body into submission for the purposes of Christ when it does not want to. It is good to spend entire nights in prayer, to fast, to wake early even if it would not seem the best thing for your body.
4) Put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Salvation is entirely of God, we can not gain it by our own merit. We must look to Christ at all times; especially when we receive praise from man.
"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" -Jude 1:24-25
posted by Peter at 1:52 PM
2 Comments:
Pete: Thank you for the challenging message. Your list is great. Very Biblical and as a result, challenging.
Concerning, imitate Godly men. I strongly believe that in order to "press on" and "strain to what lies ahead" and grow in your faith you should be interwoven in a network of mature Christian influence. List out for yourself who you spend time with. Write it down. For me, a typical week this summer: 1. Best friend, Ricky-loves the Lord, we share everything with each other and hold each other accountable and we serve in the advnacement of the Gospel together; we see each other 2-3 times a week; 2. Good friends-see each other ~2 times a week-Eric and David-guys to talk with in the moment when aspects of my day or walk are going badly; 3. Mentor, Ken, ~2 times a week-Ken is the older man of faith in my life that disciples me and coaches me and helps me in my walk with God; 4. Small group from Bethlehem-once a week-prayer support, older men who have been walking with Jesus for many many years, i.e. missionaries, pastors, lay people; these guys give good insight into my life and I simply grow by being around them, which by the way, I believe is what Paul is talking about in Phil 3:17-simply be around mature men of God because you will become who you hang out with; 5. Disciples, I am around people whom I spend lots of time with discpling and mentoring and I learn lots from them and I am greatly encouraged by them, i.e. you guys this spring.
So, are you around people who help you in your walk? We must take the Gospel to unbelievers and advance the Gospel but I don't think you will succeed if you go alone. You gotta be around men of Christ. I strongly believe that you will not grow and will also slip in your faith if you do not have a structure of men of the faith in your life. It is an interwoven fabric of men that help you. Please pray and seek out help if God is convicting you in this area. Let's help and serve one another in a loving way.
Listen up guys, I think he is onto something.
There is something sweet about the fact that God has given us the Body for our gain (bonus points), for each other to help one another out, and to imitate each other. Who influences you the most? Who are you partnering with everyday?
Post a Comment
<< Home