Verse of the 'Day 5/4
Philippians 3:13-14 English StandarVersion
13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Our church is beginning an all church study in the book of Philippians and today's verses are a couple of the key verses in the book. Paul often uses sports analogies and metaphors in his letters and this passage is a prime example.
Here in the U.S. there is always some sport that is nearing or in the middle of a championship run. You'll hear athletes stating the career desire of winning that championship ring. From pre-season training you'lll hear someone ask what the key ingredient is in a long season that "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing". It is all about focusing on the prize. It is not looking back at the losses and wondering what if, it is focusing forward and what they and we can do to put our best effort into attaining the goal the prize.
The good thing for us as Christians, it is not all up to us. By grace through faith, Christ will lead us. He started the work and He will be faithful to complete it. Our part is to press on, not to lose heart in those losses and defeats. But to get back up and stay in the game, knowing He will see us through.
Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "But one thing I do", he didn't say "Twelve things I dabble at". In other words, Paul's life had a strong focus that helped him prioritize everything else." May we pray, and strive to focus on what is important and not to dabble in things that will not contribute to winning the prize.
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Straining Toward the Goal
12 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. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
No comments:
Post a Comment