Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NABRE
The Letter to the Philippians is intended to encourage the small community at Philippi to stand fast as a community united in Christ, a work-in-progress of God the Father. Paul shares news about his detention, as they are his friends they would be concerned and that he hopes to return soon. Paul speaks of Christ and two returning workers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, as examples of faithfulness to the Father and love of others. Now in the third chapter, Paul will present himself as an example of God doing good work in him through Jesus. Paul shares his history of being a persecutor and conversion to follower. Though he’s had many rich experiences in Christ and worked unceasingly for Christ, he does not claim to be perfectly spiritually mature, he is not completely emptied and taken possession of by Christ. Paul does not look back, but looks forward with a single focus, to continue to grow in Christ as called by God. Paul dedicates all to becoming a deeper, more spiritual follower of Jesus, and won’t be satisfied until he is fully emptied of himself and filled with Jesus.
If it is possible to imagine anyone fully a disciple of Jesus, Paul should come to mind. But Paul feels he needs more, and if he does we likely do too. Don’t look back, don’t second guess where you are, rather stay focused forward on the prize of deepening your walk with Jesus. You too have an upward calling, keep Jesus at the center of your life, the total reason for your journey.
Can you be singly focused on deepening in the love of God? Do you take steps to grow spiritually daily?
The Apostle named Paul dedicates all to becoming a deeper, more spiritual follower of Jesus, and won’t be satisfied until he is fully emptied of himself and filled with Jesus. Should we do any less? Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybible @youversion #prize #upward#possession #paul #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverses #verses #pray #prayers#goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat#boca #youversion #everythingalways