The Epistle To The Philippians Pressing On

Waiting For The Resurrection Day Ended last week with Philippians 3:11 “…in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” A chilling thought that encompassed: Counting everything as loss Counting everything as dung Paradigm shift from works to grace and mercy Knowing Jesus truly in suffering, death and resurrection

The Greatest Day Is Coming Resurrection Day is the greatest, most important day in the life of a human. Everything else, all other human accomplishments, pale by comparison. How do we live as we wait? Paul expresses some thoughts of his own experience while casting off everything known to mankind as garbage.

Are We There Yet? Vacationing with small kids. Limited perspective makes them impatient. Driver knows the roads. Or at least knows the map. Understands distances. Controls stops and rest breaks. Kids just want to be there NOW!

A Perspective Of The Journey Philippians 3:12-14 – “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Not there yet Press on Look forward, not back

Our Christian Journey We haven’t yet reached our final destination “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” We are not yet perfect, but perfection and resurrection are our intended destination.

Dad Jokes Journey from Killeen to Clovis, N.M. Involves passing a little ranch with a funny name. More importantly, involves passing a small town nearer to Clovis with a pun-worthy name. Christianity really IS a journey.

Once Saved Always Saved? Paul never indicates he believed such a nonsensical notion. Quite the opposite: Not perfect Pressing on Forgetting past, reaching forward Pressing on toward the goal/prize Colossians 1:23 – “…if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard….”

Meanwhile: How To Stay Ready Verse 12b – “…but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:30 – “…and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”

Forget the Past Vs. 13 – “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead…” What did Paul have to forget? Past sins Past disappointments Past successes

Why Forget Past Successes? 1 Samuel 7:12 – “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” Ark had been lost, but was regained. Idolatry conquered. People returning to God. Philistines chased out. For a short time……. Place your Ebenezer and then press on!

Reach For The Future Philippians 3:13b – “…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead….” We must always be forward looking, forward thinking, and forward moving individuals. Christianity doesn’t camp in the past.

Pressing On Verses 14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Marching on… Toiling on… Onward Christian soldiers… Onward rejoicing… I’m pressing on the upward way….

Satan Interviews Demons Each demon presented his works Two were foolish One was diabolically wise What is one of Satan’s greatest tools?

Attitudes Of The Perfect Verse 15: “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you….” Two different meanings of perfect Vs. 12 (not perfect) = TELIOO – perfection in completion, consummation, fulfillment. Paul meant he was not through, complete, and had not reached his final reward

Verses using TELIOO Luke 13:32 – “And He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal.” John 19:28 – “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.”

The Second Meaning Of Perfect From TELEIOS – Perfect in exercise of labor, growth, mental and moral character. So – progressing perfection. Matt. 5:48 – “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Ephesians 4:13 – “…to a mature man….”

Final Thought: Don’t Slip Slide Away Verse 16 – “…however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” Basically – let us keep marching in a straight line. Don’t stop short of the prize. Don’t camp in the past or on past successes. Don’t trip over past sins and failures. Don’t settle for anything less than perfection.