Thought Provoking Scriptures Series
Main Text: Philippians 3:12-4:1 New International Version (NIV)
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
There is covenant word in the Church: http://www.lifeoasisinternationalchurch.org I belong to … “Upwards and forwards only”! We say it often and in faith and by the Grace of God live it out in every area of our lives daily. Glory be to God!
Paul understood his goal, he knew why Christ called him into and he pursued it setting his face as a flint, strong, focused and undistracted. He did not fool himself into thinking that just doing a little is enough in God. He did not allow himself to settle when there were still more lands to conquer. With one victory he stepped upward to the next and forward to the other. He consciously mapped his progress and was not pulled back by past failures neither.
Our Journey is heavenward…but first we must clarify the journey we are on and the reason why.
What have we come into as Christians? What are we supposed to be doing per time and are we doing it? Is our Christianity just a cycle of boring routines or are we on an adventure of discovery of the abundant life the Christ gives, are we working out or salvation with fear and trembling, have we laid hold on the master’s garment as to say I have no other to go to, I am following all the way, no turning back…” Lord God please lead me on in your purpose!
Paul was called to a purpose as you and I are. Do we know that purpose?
Philippians 3:15-17
15 All of us, then, 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. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Maturity is not necessarily age-wise but more about the depth of revelation of the things of God and willingness to do the will of God.
In living up to what we have already attained: I think of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30)… what grace or graces have you come into in God…and are you maximising it or them?
If you are now supposed to be bringing others into the kingdom of Christ Jesus, are you still struggling to attend Church, when you are supposed to be interceding for others are still struggling to pray on your own…?
The ultimate model for us is Christ Jesus and the only way we can have Him as a model is that we have been saved by Him and we have yielded to His Lordship. You cannot model after anyone you have no true knowledge of and have no regard nor respect for.
See 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”. I paraphrase which is to say “what you know that Christ will do that I am doing, do the likewise”.
Philippians 3:18-21
18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
These attributes and consequences define those who pattern a different Jesus Christ to people.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
These is who we are: “Citizens of Heaven”. Can we comprehend what it means to be a citizen of heaven? Let’s think on that a bit and maybe do an exercise of writing it down what the implications might be?
Philippians 2:10-11 New International Version (NIV)
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We know in part but there will come a day when all things will be revealed. On that day we would fully comprehend how such a great privilege and an awesome blessing to have been a true Christian who kept the faith and endured to the end.
1 Corinthians 13:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Philippians 4:1 New International Version (NIV)
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
I would not call this an appeal, but rather a well-meaning advice from someone who knew what is on the offer and want other believers to benefit from it all. As Paul has said let’s stand firm in the living hope we have in Christ Jesus. Let us live our lives as those who are heaven-bound.
Upwards and forwards only in Jesus Name.
The Message Bearer
Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 