Pressing on towards the goal
Phil3:2
In this verse Paul says "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own". This is one of the most frequent quoted verses in the Bible.
In the preceding verse of this chapter ，Paul encouraged the brethren in phillipi through his personal testimony of his confidence in Christ. Particularly in verse 10, he expressed his desire to know Christ( have a deeper knowledge of Him) and the power of His resurrection. However, he suddenly digressed in verse 12, claiming not to have attained perfection probably in his relationship with God but expectantly working to reach the goal. Apart from his spiritual maturity, his aspiration was to 'press' on and take hold or uphold the whole truth as seen and revealed in the Word of God.
The word "press" carries the idea of intense endeavor, to push after, pursue with vigour, or force down. Despite his achievements and successes in the ministry, Paul knew his limitations; therefore, he kept striving and preserving in his quest for Christ (3:12). The Christ life IS like a race in which each Christians stands and run on the right track to win the race. Paul was a skillful teacher. He had also used athletic imagery of a Runner athlete on track or course-who strain every muscle as he or she runs toward the goal (1cor9:24-27 ;Hebrew 12:1-3)
Though Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippians saint, he wanted them to know that he had not yet attained the goal. He was still actively pressing on towards the goal. For ultimate perfection to be achieved, it requires deep longing for it, constant devotion, focused direction, dogged determination and Spiritual discipline. Until perfection comes, there will always be room for progress. Because we are already chosen from God, we are already the children of God through faith in Christ, we have the responsibility of running the race and achieving the goals God has set for us. Each believer is on the track and each has a special lane in which to run and each has a goal to achieve, if we reach the goal in accordance with the guidelines, we will receive reward
Stay blessed
-Hannah-
Phil3:2
In this verse Paul says "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own". This is one of the most frequent quoted verses in the Bible.
In the preceding verse of this chapter ，Paul encouraged the brethren in phillipi through his personal testimony of his confidence in Christ. Particularly in verse 10, he expressed his desire to know Christ( have a deeper knowledge of Him) and the power of His resurrection. However, he suddenly digressed in verse 12, claiming not to have attained perfection probably in his relationship with God but expectantly working to reach the goal. Apart from his spiritual maturity, his aspiration was to 'press' on and take hold or uphold the whole truth as seen and revealed in the Word of God.
The word "press" carries the idea of intense endeavor, to push after, pursue with vigour, or force down. Despite his achievements and successes in the ministry, Paul knew his limitations; therefore, he kept striving and preserving in his quest for Christ (3:12). The Christ life IS like a race in which each Christians stands and run on the right track to win the race. Paul was a skillful teacher. He had also used athletic imagery of a Runner athlete on track or course-who strain every muscle as he or she runs toward the goal (1cor9:24-27 ;Hebrew 12:1-3)
Though Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippians saint, he wanted them to know that he had not yet attained the goal. He was still actively pressing on towards the goal. For ultimate perfection to be achieved, it requires deep longing for it, constant devotion, focused direction, dogged determination and Spiritual discipline. Until perfection comes, there will always be room for progress. Because we are already chosen from God, we are already the children of God through faith in Christ, we have the responsibility of running the race and achieving the goals God has set for us. Each believer is on the track and each has a special lane in which to run and each has a goal to achieve, if we reach the goal in accordance with the guidelines, we will receive reward
Stay blessed
-Hannah-
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