Those Things Which Are Ahead

Paul reflects on his past with a purpose to motivate the church to move forward. Paul had many reasons to boast in his own flesh, but in all of those, there was no hope of salvation. Only faith in Christ could profit him, so he was willing to let go of everything else. He had to count all else as loss so that he could move forward in the work that God called him. As Paul kept walking by faith, he continued to count all things as loss. His desire, above all else, was to be identified with Christ. He desired an intimate, personal relationship with Christ. The knowledge of Christ is ever-increasing, so Paul had to continue to leave behind the past. Paul had decided that he was willing to go on by faith no matter what happened. What about you? Do you share in this desire to know God? Are you willing to share in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering and be conformed to Christ’s death? Paul then acknowledges that he has not already attained, or is already perfect, but he presses on. He had not yet finished the race, so he had to continue to press on by faith so that he could finish the race. Paul was convinced that there were more possibilities of grace beyond his own understanding. Let go of the way you used to understand, and be resolved to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of you. Don’t become stuck in the past. God calls us continually forward. Reach forward to the promises of God ahead of you. There’s a goal ahead--eternity in the presence of God. There is still more for God to do in your life. Humble yourself and see by faith the further possibilities of grace and promises of God. Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus! Click here to listen: Those Things Which Are Ahead