Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Philippians 3:12-16.

 

“¹² Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

 

¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;  but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

 

¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude;   and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

 

¹⁶ however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”  Philippians 3:12-16.

 

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“I press on” is mentioned twice in today’s Scripture.  Verse 12 and 14.  And, although Paul recognizes God’s sovereignty “for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus”, he is intent to “press on”. 

 

We remember the last chapter.  “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13.   

 

Yes, there is election.  But, God wants us to work.  He gives us the will to work;  He works within us;  He even created the good works that we are to do;  but, he wants us to work and “press on”.

 

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;  I box in such a way, as not beating the air;  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

 

God wants us to be diligent and practice good moral qualities.  “Now for this very reason (God’s promises and provisions) also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you;  for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”  2 Peter 1:5-11.

 

And so, we “press on”, and run the race, but we are careful to fix our eyes on Jesus as we run the race.  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.

 

There is also this hope:  “and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you”.  Verse 15.

 

Finally, let us make progress.  Through God’s grace, we achieve standards.  Let us not just relax, stay put, and just go through the motions.  Rather, let us use those standards as “stepping stones” to “press on” and make progress.  “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;  but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Verses 12 through 14.