July 24th, 2020

“Winning Christians”
 
"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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."      Philippians  3:14
 
Paul in these verses is referring to the Olympics of his day and specifically to the chariot race. During the race the chariot driver stood on a small platform, above the turning wheels, with little or nothing to hold onto. He had to lean forward and strain every muscle and nerve to maintain balance and control the horses. The statement “press toward” literally means, “stretching as in a race”.
 
This is exactly what the Christian does when he “fights the good fight of faith” or runs with patience the race set before him”. He is continually stretching himself, reaching forward, strengthening, until the prize is obtained.  In verse 13 Paul gives three steps on how to reach this prize and become “Winning Christians”.
 

1. Winning Christians never become satisfied. V.13” Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended”.  Paul was never satisfied with his spiritual growth. He didn’t compare himself with others but with the Lord Jesus Christ. You and I are not commanded to be like men but to be conformed to the image of God.

 

1. Winning Christians never look back. “forgetting those things that are behind”. The Christian is not controlled by the past because the past is completely forgiven and forgotten. Every sin, every failure, every heartache is wonderfully forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.     Hallelujah!!!
   

 

1. Winning Christians never stop reaching forward. “reaching forth unto those things which are before”. We constantly look ahead and live for the future to fulfill Christ’s mission in our lives.  The important thing is that we reach the goal that Christ has set for each of us.
   

 
May each new day find us conforming to the image of our God as we forget the past, rejoice in the present and reach forward to our future life in Christ Jesus. 

Pastor Rudy