I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 NABRE
Paul is reviewing his life and describing a complete flip in his values and the incomparable gift of his relationship with Christ. He is describing that he is in the middle of things. So he has been blessed with the risen Lord but is still looking forward to join Christ in His risen state. With God’s grace Paul is responding to the call of God, knowing he has unfinished business. God has taken the initiative in Paul’s life and Paul is responding with all his strength. He is in a place of already receiving God and not yet completely holding God. He says he has not taken hold of it, he has not already attained perfect maturity. He continues his pursuit in the hopes he might possess it. He has been taken possession of by Christ, but he does not consider he has taken possession yet of Christ, fully. Paul is describing his life as a process heading for a goal, it is like an image of a racer in a race. Paul knows he is in the race, though much has been accomplished there is still running toward the goal, the prize of God’s calling and his being lifted up to Christ. Paul is focused on one thing, he is concentrating so that one thing may be attained. The prize is completing the race and arriving at God the Father who has been calling Paul all along. Paul wants nothing less than to be glorified with Christ, saying that his citizenship is in heaven with Christ. Christ will change our lowly bodies to conform to His glorified body. Nothing is more important for Paul.
The journey is important, remain focused run the race for God. At the end with trust in God, you will be glorified for having taken possession of Christ completely.
Do you remain focused on the goal? Does Christ possess you but you not possess Him fully yet?
The journey is important, remain focused run the race for God. At the end with trust in God, you will be glorified for having taken possession of Christ completely. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #race #possess #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways