Word@Work Phil34 - Philippians 3:12
Published: Tue, 11/10/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WORK IN PROGRESS
Phil. 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (NIV)
No Christian, in their right mind, would dream of comparing themselves with the Apostle Paul. He was given such wisdom and courage, and even dared to hold himself as an example to the churches. Few of us have such self-discipline, endurance and cool-headedness in pioneering gospel work, under persecution. Yet Paul had no delusions of spiritual grandeur. He knew he was not perfect. No doubt that was a great encouragement to his readers. And it was important for them to know that even the great Apostle had lessons still to learn; and so they could be learners (that is what 'disciple' means) too. And so can we.
Paul's statement in this verse was no false modesty: it was simply the truth. Every believer is a 'work in progress' because we are all human and still inclined to sin and selfishness. Interestingly, the Bible does not minimise the defects in each of the Old and New Testament saints. If it were otherwise, we might be tempted to think that we could earn our salvation, and 'bribe' God with our good deeds. Or we might be so discouraged that there would be no point in continuing to follow Jesus. But Paul's testimony here shows us that even the great Apostle was not perfect, yet he wanted to press on to trust the promises of Jesus and fulfil his mission.
Satan's two great lies try to convince us either that God is pleased with us because we are so good, or that we can never reach His standard and so we give up. Paul knew that he was accepted through God's grace alone, and that he was called to follow Jesus and to serve Him in obedience. So his imperfections did not stop his ministry - he relied on God's grace for that too - nor did he stop trying to please the Lord. He knew that the Lord Jesus had taken hold of him on the Damascus road, and that Christ was still guiding and empowering him. As a consequence, out of gratitude and privilege, Paul was determined to keep loving, keep serving and (if necessary) keep suffering for Jesus' sake. Whatever you think about yourself, or whatever lies Satan throws at you, keep going with Jesus; because He keeps going with you!
Prayer: Father God. Although I often feel that I am a failure in Your eyes, help me to be encouraged to keep on following Jesus. Please reassure me that You have intervened in my life for a good reason, and that You will help me to reach the goals You have set for me. Please forgive me when I feel like giving up, and give me Your strength to serve and please You each day. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
No Christian, in their right mind, would dream of comparing themselves with the Apostle Paul. He was given such wisdom and courage, and even dared to hold himself as an example to the churches. Few of us have such self-discipline, endurance and cool-headedness in pioneering gospel work, under persecution. Yet Paul had no delusions of spiritual grandeur. He knew he was not perfect. No doubt that was a great encouragement to his readers. And it was important for them to know that even the great Apostle had lessons still to learn; and so they could be learners (that is what 'disciple' means) too. And so can we.
Paul's statement in this verse was no false modesty: it was simply the truth. Every believer is a 'work in progress' because we are all human and still inclined to sin and selfishness. Interestingly, the Bible does not minimise the defects in each of the Old and New Testament saints. If it were otherwise, we might be tempted to think that we could earn our salvation, and 'bribe' God with our good deeds. Or we might be so discouraged that there would be no point in continuing to follow Jesus. But Paul's testimony here shows us that even the great Apostle was not perfect, yet he wanted to press on to trust the promises of Jesus and fulfil his mission.
Satan's two great lies try to convince us either that God is pleased with us because we are so good, or that we can never reach His standard and so we give up. Paul knew that he was accepted through God's grace alone, and that he was called to follow Jesus and to serve Him in obedience. So his imperfections did not stop his ministry - he relied on God's grace for that too - nor did he stop trying to please the Lord. He knew that the Lord Jesus had taken hold of him on the Damascus road, and that Christ was still guiding and empowering him. As a consequence, out of gratitude and privilege, Paul was determined to keep loving, keep serving and (if necessary) keep suffering for Jesus' sake. Whatever you think about yourself, or whatever lies Satan throws at you, keep going with Jesus; because He keeps going with you!
Prayer: Father God. Although I often feel that I am a failure in Your eyes, help me to be encouraged to keep on following Jesus. Please reassure me that You have intervened in my life for a good reason, and that You will help me to reach the goals You have set for me. Please forgive me when I feel like giving up, and give me Your strength to serve and please You each day. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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