Pressing on . . .

The Christian life is a progressive life-style. And it was intended that way according to the Scriptures. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul writes: “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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13,14). 

Obviously, Paul was persuaded that there were things he hadn’t yet accomplished for the Lord. He said, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on.” No doubt, he must have considered how much the Lord meant to him, therefore, he just could not “take it easy.” So he decided to press on. Notice his resolve, “But one thing I do.” Paul’s single objective and purpose. He was determined not to let things of the past hinder him from moving forward. He identified some of these past things in Philippians 3:4-6. And he  concludes, ”But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (v. 7). 

Paul goes on: ”Indeed, I count everything as loss,” and he gives this reason, “because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (v. 8). He realizes there was everything to be gained in knowing Christ. In other words, absolutely nothing can be compared to, or take the place of, knowing Christ Jesus as his Lord. 

Christians should never get to the point of becoming self-satisfied, or pat ourselves on the back assuming that there’s nothing more to know about, and do for the Lord. We need a resolve like Paul’s. You see, our personal desire should be to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord, becoming more and more Christlike in word, thought, and deed. This is  accomplished by allowing Christ Jesus to live His life in and through us from day to day. 

If we are not willing to “forget what lies behind,” there will be a conflict of interest. We must cut loose from past failures, successes and other distractions, straining forward with the single purpose and desire for communion and fellowship with the Lord Jesus. “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” 

(Philippians 3:10,11). Keep in mind Paul already knew the Lord as his Savior.

“Very few could match Paul’s credentials and accomplishments.” Writes Dr. Charles Stanley. “But it was never enough for the apostle. Paul needed Jesus. It wasn’t through his success that he experienced God—it was through his suffering and adversity. And during those times, the Lord touched him so profoundly and intimately that Paul realized how priceless it was to experience adversity.” (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible NKJV p.1432).

Beloved, that same power that raised Jesus from the dead is readily available to you and me today. This is confirmed in Paul’s prayer for knowledge and power “what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19,20). 

It is very interesting that Paul puts the power of his resurrection before Christ’s “suffering and death” on the Cross. The undeniable truth is that Christ was physically raised from the dead. There is absolutely no doubt that He must suffer, bleed, and then die. Remember what Paul said. “Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). He also stated, “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20,21). 

One of the greatest joys for the Christian is the awareness that Christ lives in us. “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God.” (1 Corinthians 6:19). The   sufferings and death of Christ were also significant to Paul. The KJV says it this way, “That I may know him and the power of resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death.” (Philippians 3:10). Fellowship of His sufferings … conformable to His death. How remarkable!

It is most apparent the apostle had a yearning and heartfelt desire for an ongoing deeper spiritual experience before the Lord called him home to heaven. Remember what he said, “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.“ (Philippians 3:13). Also he says, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect.” (Philippians 3:12 KJV). “Perfect” here does not mean “sinless perfection.” Paul is referring to “ultimate perfection,” in soul, spirit, and body, which he denies he has already attained. The key is to keep pressing on. Don’t give up. This world is not our final destination.