Philippians 3:12 - 4:1
To read the entire passage, click here.
This section starts in the middle of an exhortation. In verse 10-11, Paul has just laid out his life's goal: to know Christ so intimately that he shares both in Christ's sufferings and resurrection (Phil 3:10-11). He then goes on to soberly admit to where he is at right now - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal" (3:12a). Paul stated earlier in Chapter 3 that he used to have lots of confidence for having "arrived" spiritually by his own fleshy effort (see 3:4-6). Now, as he focuses on true spirituality ("we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus" 3:3), he faces that he is not at his destination. But this doesn't discourage him one bit. In fact, the goal/prize ahead of him thrusts him forward toward what is to come. "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (3:12b)
Jesus has done His part. Paul is in God's grip and is forgiven, cleansed, and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. Now it's Paul's turn. What does he do? I want to focus on two things: how he thinks and how he lives.
Verse 12-14 say alot about Paul's mental activity. He doesn't consider himself to have taken hold of what he was redeemed for (he does an honest, humble assessment of himself) and then focuses all his energies on the future. He doesn't let his past (remember: he DID persecute Christ followers) restrain him. No, he forgets that and strains towards what is ahead. He then asks the community of faith to do the same: "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." (3:15) This is how Paul thinks. How does he live? Verse 16 "Only let us live up to what we have already attained."
I really like this portion of Scripture. It has helped me in my relationship to the wider Church. As I have travelled in various Christian circles over the last 20 years, I've found that too often I was too concerned about those who think differently than me and would allow those encounters to get me off course for awhile. Now I see that I didn't trust that God can make the truth clear to others (as I believe He has to me!). Paul acknowledges that there will be differences amongst the saints but more importantly that trying to convince each other that we have the corner on the truth is living up to what we have already attained. I think this means that we are to live out the truth we have grasped. To extend the grace and forgiveness we have received. To bless others with the love and mercy we have tasted. To walk in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit. To be teachable and humble, standing firm and being faithful.
So wherever you are at on your journey with Jesus, let me encourage you to press on. God is with you (remember Phil 2:13) and at work transforming you. Don't give up - the end is so worth it (see Phil 3:20-21).
This section starts in the middle of an exhortation. In verse 10-11, Paul has just laid out his life's goal: to know Christ so intimately that he shares both in Christ's sufferings and resurrection (Phil 3:10-11). He then goes on to soberly admit to where he is at right now - "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal" (3:12a). Paul stated earlier in Chapter 3 that he used to have lots of confidence for having "arrived" spiritually by his own fleshy effort (see 3:4-6). Now, as he focuses on true spirituality ("we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus" 3:3), he faces that he is not at his destination. But this doesn't discourage him one bit. In fact, the goal/prize ahead of him thrusts him forward toward what is to come. "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (3:12b)
Jesus has done His part. Paul is in God's grip and is forgiven, cleansed, and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. Now it's Paul's turn. What does he do? I want to focus on two things: how he thinks and how he lives.
Verse 12-14 say alot about Paul's mental activity. He doesn't consider himself to have taken hold of what he was redeemed for (he does an honest, humble assessment of himself) and then focuses all his energies on the future. He doesn't let his past (remember: he DID persecute Christ followers) restrain him. No, he forgets that and strains towards what is ahead. He then asks the community of faith to do the same: "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." (3:15) This is how Paul thinks. How does he live? Verse 16 "Only let us live up to what we have already attained."
I really like this portion of Scripture. It has helped me in my relationship to the wider Church. As I have travelled in various Christian circles over the last 20 years, I've found that too often I was too concerned about those who think differently than me and would allow those encounters to get me off course for awhile. Now I see that I didn't trust that God can make the truth clear to others (as I believe He has to me!). Paul acknowledges that there will be differences amongst the saints but more importantly that trying to convince each other that we have the corner on the truth is living up to what we have already attained. I think this means that we are to live out the truth we have grasped. To extend the grace and forgiveness we have received. To bless others with the love and mercy we have tasted. To walk in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit. To be teachable and humble, standing firm and being faithful.
So wherever you are at on your journey with Jesus, let me encourage you to press on. God is with you (remember Phil 2:13) and at work transforming you. Don't give up - the end is so worth it (see Phil 3:20-21).
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