Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Oh Friends, that should be the motto of all believers! ‘I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Wow! Only Bruh Paul could put it thus. And if we seriously adhere to that dictum, then what a wonderful world this would be eh! Hn! Awright, so I’m somewhat naive to believe that, but I don’t mind. I like me naive and innocent. (smile) Two days ago, while talking about forgetting the past and looking towards the future, we mentioned Bruh Paul’s avid desire and briefly talked about it. I thought we could go into it in a little more detail, but had to put it off, because yesterday was Remembrance Day. Anyway, the mark Bruh Paul’s talking about is his life’s objective, his burning desire to know Christ as fully and completely as humanly possible, and he wouldn’t let anything prevent him from accomplishing that goal. When he says, ‘I press toward the mark,’ that infers positive action; getting up and doing whatever it takes, not just sitting around, waiting for it to happen. As believers, I think our inaction and reactionary bent is one of our biggest problems. We tend to talk a good talk, but then sit around and wait for something to happen, instead of doing the necessary stuff to make our goals and pursuits become reality. As I keep reminding us, all the great names in Christianity were movers and shakers. From Abraham, all the way through Moses, Joshua, Bruh David, Solomon, Jesus, to Bruh Paul. They all got up and did what was necessary to achieve their ends. And Friends, that’s how we need to be, if we want to win any prize at all, but especially ‘the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Remember prizes are by nature awarded for exemplary work and /or effort, dedication to duty, etc. And this prize Bruh Paul’s talking about is the biggest and best we can ever receive. Wow! Personal satisfaction and joy in having achieved his mark, his objective of being a clone of Jesus, as well as God’s approval and blessings he’d receive in heaven, for being such a worthy, such a magnificent example in Christ’s ministry here on earth. That’s our high calling Friends; to be like Jesus. It’s a divine summons extended to all believers, that’s rewarded by salvation and eternal life with the Father and the Son. How can we turn that down eh? We are God’s creations, and we need to respond to His calls for repentance that leads to salvation, based on complete obedience and dedication to His will, and diligent performance of any specific task or ministry that he guides us to. ‘Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.’ (2 Tim.1:9) Yes people, each of us has a holy calling written in our hearts by the Creator, and it’s our bounden duty to discover it and carry it out. Bruh Paul describes his holy calling: ‘Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.’ (2 Tim. 1:11) With the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we must each find our God given purpose, then diligently set out to accomplish it. Remember one thing; it’s never going to be easy. But it’s the only way for believers to become worthy, to get in the running for the prize. We must tirelessly press on for spiritual maturity, always seeking higher spiritual achievements. And don’t forget Friends, God will help and guide us all the way, once we’re sincere. But our stated intention at the end of the line should be to say, like Bruh Paul, with proud conviction, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.’ (2 Tim.4:7-8) Yes Friends, if we run a steadfast race of faith, then later we’ll receive the victor’s crown. So let’s get up and do whatever it takes as both individuals and as the body of Christ on earth, to get in shape, get in the race and diligently stay the course. This entails studying the Word, encouraging ourselves in the Lord, like Bruh David, and also encouraging others. It’s all for our benefit Friends, so let’s get to it nuh. Much LOVE!…the race is not for the swift…but for the sure of foot…
Oh Friends, that should be the motto of all believers! ‘I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Wow! Only Bruh Paul could put it thus. And if we seriously adhere to that dictum, then what a wonderful world this would be eh! Hn! Awright, so I’m somewhat naive to believe that, but I don’t mind. I like me naive and innocent. (smile) Two days ago, while talking about forgetting the past and looking towards the future, we mentioned Bruh Paul’s avid desire and briefly talked about it. I thought we could go into it in a little more detail, but had to put it off, because yesterday was Remembrance Day. Anyway, the mark Bruh Paul’s talking about is his life’s objective, his burning desire to know Christ as fully and completely as humanly possible, and he wouldn’t let anything prevent him from accomplishing that goal. When he says, ‘I press toward the mark,’ that infers positive action; getting up and doing whatever it takes, not just sitting around, waiting for it to happen. As believers, I think our inaction and reactionary bent is one of our biggest problems. We tend to talk a good talk, but then sit around and wait for something to happen, instead of doing the necessary stuff to make our goals and pursuits become reality. As I keep reminding us, all the great names in Christianity were movers and shakers. From Abraham, all the way through Moses, Joshua, Bruh David, Solomon, Jesus, to Bruh Paul. They all got up and did what was necessary to achieve their ends. And Friends, that’s how we need to be, if we want to win any prize at all, but especially ‘the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Remember prizes are by nature awarded for exemplary work and /or effort, dedication to duty, etc. And this prize Bruh Paul’s talking about is the biggest and best we can ever receive. Wow! Personal satisfaction and joy in having achieved his mark, his objective of being a clone of Jesus, as well as God’s approval and blessings he’d receive in heaven, for being such a worthy, such a magnificent example in Christ’s ministry here on earth. That’s our high calling Friends; to be like Jesus. It’s a divine summons extended to all believers, that’s rewarded by salvation and eternal life with the Father and the Son. How can we turn that down eh? We are God’s creations, and we need to respond to His calls for repentance that leads to salvation, based on complete obedience and dedication to His will, and diligent performance of any specific task or ministry that he guides us to. ‘Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.’ (2 Tim.1:9) Yes people, each of us has a holy calling written in our hearts by the Creator, and it’s our bounden duty to discover it and carry it out. Bruh Paul describes his holy calling: ‘Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.’ (2 Tim. 1:11) With the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we must each find our God given purpose, then diligently set out to accomplish it. Remember one thing; it’s never going to be easy. But it’s the only way for believers to become worthy, to get in the running for the prize. We must tirelessly press on for spiritual maturity, always seeking higher spiritual achievements. And don’t forget Friends, God will help and guide us all the way, once we’re sincere. But our stated intention at the end of the line should be to say, like Bruh Paul, with proud conviction, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.’ (2 Tim.4:7-8) Yes Friends, if we run a steadfast race of faith, then later we’ll receive the victor’s crown. So let’s get up and do whatever it takes as both individuals and as the body of Christ on earth, to get in shape, get in the race and diligently stay the course. This entails studying the Word, encouraging ourselves in the Lord, like Bruh David, and also encouraging others. It’s all for our benefit Friends, so let’s get to it nuh. Much LOVE!…the race is not for the swift…but for the sure of foot…
SCRIP-BITS 