Pressing Toward the Prize
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
7/26/2009 AM
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Text:
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Philippians 3:12-14
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Psalters: |
228, 336, 160, 31 |
Confession of Faith |
- The race.
- Salvation (being apprehended by Jesus Christ) puts one on a race (Heb. 12:1).
- There are opponents in our path who try to keep us from running the race (2).
- The race is constant relying on the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
- The goal is spiritual perfection (complete) in heaven.
- It is a “mark” (something observed, the object of our focus): the post marking the end of the race course.
- It is a “prize:” the crown of blessed eternal life.
- The mark and prize are “of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
- How are we to run this race? Putting forth every and all effort.
- Paul calls the running of this race “one thing,” i.e., persistent concentration.
- A physical marathon requires that the runner concentrate all his efforts in preparation and during the race.
- “One thing” means that the running of this race for the prize dominates and controls his life.
- The proper frame of mind: “I count not myself to have apprehended” (13a).
- Also an important part of it too is the mental activity of “forgetting those things which are behind” (13).
- The idea is that the runner does not look back.
- This is especially a special kind of forgetting, an active putting away of thoughts of merits.
- Finally, Paul exerts great effort.
- He is to “press toward” (14a), i.e., run after, seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire.
- The “reaching” (13b) is to lay hold of in order to make one’s own, to take possession of.