Title Toward the Sign/Philippians 3:12-16
Content Toward the goal/Philippians 3:12-16
Last month, the heat of the 2002 World Cup was rekindled. Our first goal was to get to the round of 16. This New Year, we attempted a new and powerful step forward. However, as half a year has passed, I feel like my heart is fading for the first time. I think July is an opportunity given to us again.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter from prison to the Philippian church, saying, “I do not say that I have already obtained it, nor that I have achieved it, I do not think that I have grasped it, but I forget what is behind and move toward the goal ahead.”
First, let us forget the past (verse 13). The reason many people are unable to move forward is because they cannot forget what is behind and are caught up in the past. Jesus also said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). In the old days, Lot's wife also started, but looking back, she was destroyed, but the fact is that it is a mirror to us (Genesis 19:26). If anyone thinks about the sins he has committed in the past and is buried in fear and anxiety, he cannot help but be discouraged. If you only think about the good you have done in the past and brag about it, you will be left with nothing but pride. Theologian Lightfoot said that a Christian's progress is like a runner on a racetrack without looking back.
Second, let's go toward the goal (verse 14). For Christians, the goal is a reward for calling, “Do you not know that all runners on the field run, but only one wins the prize? Run in the same way that you may also run” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Those who run towards their goals should always be humble. “Anyone who thinks he has become, deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3). Humility can always be a safe haven and a base for moving forward. Paul also told Timothy to “be wholehearted in everything, that your progress may be shown to all” (1 Corinthians 4:15). You must also be full of confidence in your hopes. Even in the wilderness, our lives do not forget praise and thanksgiving, but only move forward and look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The third is to act as it is now (verse 16). It means moving forward based on what has already been accomplished. If we are caught up in the failures of the past, we cannot move forward, and if we only look to the future, we become proud. When we believers only move toward the goal, our religious life will also advance every day. I hope that you will be praised and rewarded for doing well in the presence of the Lord.