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Philippians 3:12-14
In Philippians 3:12-14 is the press for the onward call as given by the Apostle Paul. He was called by God to share the message of the gospel with the Gentiles – a people who were considered unworthy of God’s inclusion. Paul was also a person who had previously felt his calling to be ridding the world of the followers of Jesus (Acts 8:1-3). After his conversion, Paul, now being led by God’s Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to a people who were considered unworthy, and Paul himself being the most unlikely person to do so, are a true witness to the power of God working in the lives of people we would least expect.
Paul has realized and understands his calling from God on his life – he realizes and understands the importance of his own salvation, but also realizes and understands the importance of leading others to salvation in Christ Jesus so that others, like him, may be saved and inherit eternal life. His realization and understanding this is not the end of what God has called him to do, but just the beginning of a constant pursuit of attaining the prize.
This is a command to press for the onward call, not looking back but keeping our focus on the prize ahead of eternal life – In Christ.
Paul states in Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV), “12Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Jesus declared in Luke 9:62, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” We all have things in our past that are not reflective of the new life in Christ Jesus that we are now striving to live. God has called us not to look back at our failures but to look forward to the prize – the prize of a job well done – In Christ.
Dear LORD,
We all have been given talents to invest while we await the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus. My prayer today for us all is that we all will hear the words of our Lord as found in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” In Jesus name I pray, amen.