I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
Jesus is amazing. He took hold of life to give us life. He died to rise again to show His power over death. His resurrection gives us hope in resurrection. Though Paul had yet to attain it, he now had a goal from Christ for his life – to ensure he lived a life worthy of Christ.
Paul is not one to believe he was perfect. By this I mean, he knew his faith gave him salvation, his work showed Christ in Him, and his diligence in faith practices kept his attention on the goal. Even with this knowledge, he also knew the goal was fragile. If he ceased pressing on in life and became lazy, then he risked losing eternity with God.
God, the Father, calls us each heavenward as He called Jesus. This place in heaven is reserved by God for those who belong to Christ. This was Paul’s prize – one which he did not earn. Pressing on in life means living the abundant life Christ gives us. Jesus did not come for us to hole up in a sanctuary until “perfection.” Jesus came to give us life more abundant so we can face the trials of life with His power. We have purpose in God’s kingdom and His abundance helps us live our lives to the full. It requires work on our part just as His work makes this life possible.
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. Philippians 3:15 (NIV)
Spiritual maturity is a perpetual process. Maturity leads to examination of one’s life goals and ambitions. It should also lead Christians to examine their motives and their relationship with God. Self inspection will be moderated with God’s assistance through the Holy Spirit. Praying opens up this communication. God answers our prayers through life lessons or through Bible study or through others. When we are open to how He answers, we will find them. Even maturing Christians find difficulties with certain problems or facets in life. This is all the more reason to spend time with God.
Our questions should never lead us to take steps away from God and His goal for us. If this is happening, run to Him quick – the devil is working to confuse you! We press on in the midst of difficult situations and questions with anticipation of God’s assurance and His answers. By pressing forward, our lives continue to reflect the knowledge and hope we have. When we press on, we continue to act in the fruit of the Spirit. I have seen Christians take steps backward, and they eventually lose hope or return to sin’s oppression. Live up to what you have attained – don’t let the enemies of the cross steal what God has planted firmly in you!
Verse 17 is the key to Christian living. We are not hermits! God created social beings that need social interaction. Taking up the cross to follow Jesus may be an individual decision but continuing to follow is a group effort. Joining in a Bible believing church body is essential to staying strong and for getting support when you are weak or needing a helping hand.
Following the patterns of life of those who have lived Christian lives is important for our growth. Observing our elders (Christians who have been a Christian for a long time) is important for our experiences in Christ. Listening to them and making note of those who stand firm in Christ helps us find missing life pieces of God’s design for our lives.
Why is all this so important and always seem so urgent?
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:18 (NIV)
Some who call themselves Christians are hungry for only one thing – your subservience to them. They hunger for power and shame is not beyond them. They are predators of the worst kind. Earthly gain is their only goal – they are not focused on the real goal.
Christians who press towards the goal understand that their citizenship is in heaven. They know that they are just passing through this life to get to the eternity that awaits them in heaven. It is a journey that requires life transition through Christ. Some will see Him in heaven while others who are still alive will see Him return for them.
This final part gives us a glimpse of resurrection. Our dusty clay bodies that house our souls will one day be replaced with a glorious body that matches the one Christ has. The day will come when we will have indestructible bodies that will no longer suffer. For this reason we should stand firm. If we have the love of Christ in us, then this love should translate into a love for others, and we should want the same for them.
The book of Philippians is about learning how to stand firm and press toward the goal. This was Paul’s prayer for those who read this letter. Don’t make your pastors or Bible teachers work in vain. Stand firm and press towards the goal.
- Reread chapter 4 verse 1. Write down your thoughts.
- Have you seen others who prey on the weaknesses of Christians? What do you think about them?
- Are you firmly committed to a church body? Are you involved? If not, what is holding you back?
- If you were to ask others, would they say you are maturing in faith? Ask someone you trust.
- What are your pressing towards? Are there any corrections that need to be made?
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