That I May Know Him...

Thursday:

Philippians 3:1-4:1

I believe one of the general truths this morning that spoke to me the most was that I am still a work in progress. Working every day to be more like Christ, and to know Him more. I need to depend not on my own works to get me where I need to be, but on Christ to get me there. A couple of verses that stood out to me:

V.10 – “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (KJV)

V. 13 – “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,” (KJV)

V.14 – “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (KJV)

I think verse 14, probably stood out to me the most. Not because it is a verse we may all know well, but because of the study notes in one of my study bibles. The notes say that the Greek word for ‘press on’ “was used of a sprinter, and refers to aggressive, energetic action. Paul pursued sanctification with all his might, straining every spiritual muscle to win the prize. (1 Cor. 9:24-27; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 12:1).” (The Macarthur Study Bible) This morning I was feeling very ‘worn out’. And then I read the verses, and see that I need to “aggressively” press on? I just didn’t feel like I had any more “aggression” or “energetic action” to give. Then I went back and read the verses again, and realize, that while we need to put forth our very best, and everything we can, that we need to get that energy and aggression from God. I need to ask Him for the strength, because as I have seen all week, that strength is not found in myself. I find that strength in Him.

I am so thankful for the truths this morning, and the blessing from His Word.

Dear Lord,

Thank You, again for blessing us with another day to serve you. Thank you for reminding me that I need strength from you, not from myself. And thank you for showing me how to press on towards you. Please draw me closer to you. Help me to be an example to others, and help me see the example in others.

Amen.