Topic: Press On!
Our lives are going someplace and it’s a good thing to keep our eyes on the destination so we stay on track. Yogi Berra once said, “You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there.”
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Obstacles to the Prize:
-The influence of others.
Philippians 3:2-3 says, “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.”
Paul warned the Philippians about those who would seek to interject their own beliefs into the lives of the Christians. This was particularly of interest to Paul because of their Jewish influence–he has strong language for them. He reminds the Philippians that what the Judaizers offer is an empty pursuit. We probably haven’t had anyone pressuring us to be circumcised for greater holiness lately, but we may feel pressure from others to abandon the gospel. Paul exhorts the believers to put no confidence in the flesh.
-The accomplishments of the past.
Philippians 3:4-6 says, “Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.”
Paul had great accomplishments for the Lord in his life. It’s easy to point to our past and what we have done and just be satisfied with that. Paul knew there was greater value in knowing Jesus and pressing on to accomplish God’s goals. There is nothing about Paul that suggests he was ready to live a retired Christian life. Even from prison, he continued to reach out.
We cannot let the influence of others, nor our own past accomplishments, keep us from pressing on to the prize of experiencing the power of the resurrection. Philippians 3:10 says, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem