Philippians 3:12-16

October 18, 2006

Keep Going Forward

3:12 Not that I have already attained this–that is, I have not already been perfected–but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, 3:14 with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 3:15 Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways. 3:16 Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained.

Paul states the obvious; that he is not yet like Jesus, but he knows beyond any doubt what is his goal and standard. I can identify with this. I have no trouble identifying my goal, but the devil is in the details. I yearn to be able to put the past behind me and reach out for what is ahead.

An important part of this passage is the warning about thinking I am really pretty good, even perfect in some things. Such thinking will certainly result in God’s severe check, and I definitely don’t want that! On the other hand, I am to be aware of my spiritual progress to some extent and to live up to it. -sdg-

Posted by Dave | Filed Under Bible