Message from Scripture: 4/29/2020

Good day! Today, our message from Scripture comes from Phil. 3:13-14: “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.”

When we obey the gospel, Christ’s goal for us as His children is to mature, to grow in His image and develop in our relationship with Him, our service for Him. As Paul said in Eph. 4:13, we are to “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

How can we do this, to live in such a way the measure of our lives is that of the fulness of Christ Himself? In Phil. 3, Paul suggests three things that will help. First, have a wise forgetfulness; forget what lies behind. Let go of those things in your past that will weigh you down, that would draw you back into a sinful lifestyle. Second, have a proper anticipation; strain forward to what lies ahead. Looking forward to the goal of eternal life can help accomplish positive growth in the present. Third, make a steady effort in doing these things; press toward the goal each day. Life in Christ isn’t a sprint, but a marathon; we must remember God blesses our every effort, and each day we should renew ourselves in heading the right direction.

Paul said of his life, as he neared the end of that journey, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Keep moving forward one step at a time, and growth will come. Have a great day today. Live for Jesus. God bless.

Robert