But I Press On

by Mitchell Tan
December 28, 2018

PAUL’S EXAMPLE IN VIEWING HIS LIFE

The apostle Paul took time to look at his life. He sought to view his life based on three things.

1. HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD JESUS (PHILIPPIANS 3:7-8)

Paul sought to set aside all worldly gains so that he could focus on knowing the Lord Jesus. He saw how knowing Him was far more excellent than anything else in this world. Young people, has your knowledge of the Lord Jesus increased? Have you come to see knowing Christ as far more important than any other endeavour in this world?

2. HAVING FAITH IN CHRIST (PHILIPPIANS 3:9)

As we gain knowledge of the Lord Jesus, is there also genuine faith based on this knowledge? Paul had full assurance in the Lord Jesus. He began with imputed righteousness in his life. There was no doubt in his faith in Christ. Do you also have such a faith in the Lord?

3. HAVING A VIBRANT CHRISTIAN LIFE (PHILIPPIANS 3:10)

From this faith, Paul sought to develop a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus. He sought to experience the dynamic power of the Lord Jesus in his life. Young people, have you come to know the Lord Jesus in a deeper way and experience His power in your life? Let’s seek to do so.

PAUL’S EXAMPLE IN PRESSING ON

“Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12

Paul had a deep sense of hope that he would attain the resurrection of the dead one day (Philippians 3:11). He had been saved from his sins and there was full identification with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). He thought of how even as we have died with Christ, we would also live with Him. Paul’s challenge was to go on towards spiritual perfection.

1. GOING TOWARDS THE GOAL OF PERFECTION

Paul had a practical approach towards his life and ministry. He knew that he was nowhere near where the Lord wanted him to be. He had not reached spiritual perfection yet. Paul knew in his heart that he could never attain perfection. Only the Lord Jesus Christ is perfect and had attained spiritual perfection. And yet, Paul still sought to set his sight on spiritual maturity. We too can have a lifelong purpose of going towards perfection.

2. GROWING AS MUCH AS WE CAN

Paul desired to grow further. He was going to press on towards his goal of being “perfect”. The word “press on” in Greek has the idea of “pursuing”. He sought to grow spiritually that he may attempt to be like the Lord Jesus. There was tremendous purpose for Paul to know the Lord in a deeper way, to experience the power of His resurrection and to understand the fellowship of His suffering (Philippians 3:10). Young people, let’s also seek to grow as much as we can for the new year!

3. FOCUSING ON THE LORD JESUS

Paul sought to focus on the Lord and His call to spiritual maturity with all his heart and soul. He wanted to lay hold of that for which Christ had laid hold of him. He focused on what the Lord had called him to be and do… to be like Him, even though he knew it would be impossible. Young people, let’s also seek to focus on the Lord Jesus and what He has called us to be. Let’s press on and move forward in our faith in the years ahead.

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