Pressing On
Philippians 3:12-16
Here is an attitude check.
Keep in mind what he's written about. Here are just a few highlights.
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Paul has set the stage. He's saying it's time to move ahead, press on, advancing the Father's plan and desires. The target is "the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Let me give you some practical advice which comes from this message.
First, God's People Respect the Past, They don't live in it.
They forget (read: they don't get trapped in the events of the past) ie. An example is Eurodia and Syntyche.
There are always two kinds of people in the church:
- Those who have Christ's mindset and want the best for others and
- Others who want the best for themselves. Christianity for some is just a means of getting ahead in this world.
Some hang onto the hurts of the past and their ways of doing things, their idols either physical or mental. Hebrews 6:1 provides us an excellent transition here. What is it that you seem to want to retreat backwards to?
Some reach forward (1 Corinthians 9:24) They purposeful run. What has you reaching ahead? In contrast, all of our training motivates us to the upward call.
We need to remember what God has called us to do.
Secondly, Our Attitude reflects the Standard we have already set...
Consider Paul's insight in verse 15. If you have the right attitude and the right standard, simply put... "God will confirm it." If you don't, he will confirm that as well.
Luke 9:62, "No one after putting his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God."
Our Calling:
- To be holy and blameless before him in love - Ephesians 1:4
- To be one with him and the Father - John 17:22
- To be one in spirit with God - 1 Corinthians 6:17
- Everything is going to be commenced and concluded in Christ Jesus - Ephesians 1:7-10
To elevate our standard is our calling.
Whatever God is calling you to leave behind is nothing so dear as what he is calling you to do and to be.
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