Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 61-64 and Philippians 3.
Paul exhorts the reader to persevere in his Christian endeavours, using himself as an example. We see a "high flier" in the strictest of Jewish sects being humbled to his knees in the face of Christ, whereupon he declares in this passage, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." (Phi 3:7)
Paul reminds us that it is a continuous effort! Notice in verse 13
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,"
The word "apprehended" is katalambano, which Strongs defines as to "take eagerly, seize, possess". The American Standard Version has it as "lay hold", while the New King James Version uses "attain". The concept here is that of possession and attainment, having come to a certain state. Such is the nature of our Christian life. It should be an ever growing and maturing process. We should never catch ourselves being complacent and "rest on laurels" so to speak but a continuous striving for perfection in Christ. As brother Eddy used to say, "When we are green, we grow; when we are ripe we drop!"
The second part of verse 13 is vivid and interesting. More so coming from the apostle Paul, while the reader was reminded earlier of his past, of one whom claimed to be the "chief" of sinners (1Ti 1:15)! Nevertheless, just like the farmer as described by Jesus, who should not look back when ploughing the furrows (Luk 9:62), the Christian needs to forsake his past and strive forward to things above, with our eye ever on our heavenly goal.
It is with this premise that we "press toward the mark for the prize". And what a prize! A prize for which Paul earlier was willing to declare, "to die is gain"!
The verses following lay out some practical guidelines in our endeavour:
1) Likemindedness
As we've seen previously in chapter 2, we need to develop this as fellow brethren. A godly disposition, ever mindful of spiritual matters, continual exhorting and encouraging one another. Brethren, it's challenging! But being around with likeminded brethren certainly makes it easier. (c.f. Gal 6:2) When we choose to focus on things above, the frivolous things in this world/of this world seem miles away. Spirits get lifted up, ties get closer. Trivial bickering loses its place but instead warm words of encouragement and edification. Because we all know, God has a far more important role for us and a far more valuable reward that awaits the faithful. So perhaps the next time we see each other, share a verse, talk about your last evangelistic effort, instead of just talking about our worldly lives.
2) Role models
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1Co 11:1) The NKJV renders it even more vividly (and accurately) "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."
We all need role models from time to time. At home, children look up to their parents. In church, the younger Christians to the elder. Obviously, as even the verse in 1Co 11:1 states, our ultimate role model must be of Christ, yet God certainly acknowledges the value of looking up to faithful brethren. Joshua found an ideal role model in Moses. Elisha had Elijah as a mentor. Timothy and Titus were much influenced by Paul. Yet these mentors, inspired as they were, had their share of failings and inglorious pasts. But the very spirit of putting the past behind and "pressing toward the mark", the spirit of knowing one's inadequacies and hence striving to do better and better is what truly makes these men effective role models. This is "perfection" that God looks at in our worldly existence - not perfect in being, but perfect in spirit, in heart, in attitude (c.f. King David, 1Ki 11:4b).
3) Shun worldly characters
Unfortunately, even in the first century, enemies of the cross grew from within the ranks. If we were to concentrate on the mark, we would do well to remove all obstacles and distractions that get in the way!
Paul warned the Christians at Rome to "mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Rom 16:17) To the Ephesian elders, Paul had similar misgivings and constantly warned them of such "grievous wolves" (Act 20:29-31). Surely, more so today, we need to be sober and vigilant and guard ourselves against threats within and without the ranks.
God help us all and we in turn, one another in our sojourn here, well knowing a greater place awaits those who remain faithful till the end. (2Tim 4:8; Rev 2:10b)
The Lord bless our day ahead.
in Him
Paul
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ~ John 17:17
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. ~ John 20:30,31
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