Philippians 3:12-21
Paul's "press on toward the goal" speech is one of my favorites. So as I started reading I figured I'd be talking with you about pressing on and straining forward. Instead, my attention was drawn to verse 17 and this statement, "Brothers, join in imitating me..." I started thinking about how bold those words were and if I'd be comfortable saying them. I wasn't too sure about that, so I tried to dismiss it because this was, after all, Paul. But here's where I landed. Once we decide to follow Christ, our lives should say "join in imitating me."
Paul wasn't perfect. He wasn't sinless. But he was passionate and sold out to following Christ. We can be too. So what does that look like and how do we get there? Tami W.
i think we get there by having the Holy Spirit leading us . paul said in the first verse "not that i am perfect ". i look at my children and wife . they know me and my imperfections well . but if i love the Lord and follow Christ they know that too. when i do mess up i need to let them know quickly i'm sorry and ask them to forgive me . the love of the Lord in and through me is going to outweigh the imperfection in their eyes . but if i continue in sinful acts or do not practice what i preach then i become a hypocrit to them ...
Talk about imperfections! I must be the worst of sinners. It seems we / I must go through a type of persecution in order to live , act out , or ever speak of my faith in Christ Jesus. At least you'd think so in my own family..But I trust God will bring them all to saving knowledge of Christ. He said it would be so. Please pray I will be faithful to the end. I also pray for wisdom and His Holy Spirit to lead me.
We were not made perfect. But God has given us certain instructions and if we follow them, we too can I believe come near to perfection. The whole Bible teaches us and tells us to love our God. Jesus said, Matthew 22:37-40, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets".(KJV)
Paul loved the Lord as Jesus asked and so we too must follow Jesus' example and also Paul's and and the other disciples' example of love for Jesus. Jesus loved us so much that He shed His blood and died on calvary for our sins. He never sinned but that is how great His love is for us. We have to be passionate for the Word and really read and digest it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide us each day as we commune with our God and Saviour.
Lord I thank you for all your blessings and gifts that you so freely have bestowed on us. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and strength to my life. I praise and bless Your Holy Name. Amen
I think 1st we have to make sure the world is not in us. From my recent past experience I was cought up in doing what I wanted to do, I was selfish. I had no power and I was wondering why so I asked the lord and through 2 sermons back to back the preacher said it was because we were not pure. So I asked God and he showed me that I had an idol in my life. Once I got rid of it my focus was on God instead of what i most liked to do. Now i spend more time with God and seeking his will for my life. I belive I am now on the right path.Thank God for how much he loves us and shows us our need when we are listening.
I am by no means perfect and god truly knows that I am not his perfect servant. but I do truly believe that Itry real hard and keep my eye on the goal.....and Ithink this ideal is what Jesus would have us do. I really believe he is not looking for a perfect creature, he is looking for someone that tries hard, works hard and is centered on His teachings.
I think the main point in these verses was to keep our minds set on heavenly things. I reckon that is what is pure, lovely, right, true, etc. It is hard to do with the busyness of life, work etc. I pray for God's guidance in this for all of us and I thank You Lord. Amen.
In reference to Philippianschp 3 verses 12-21
I think our main goal is to reach or attain perfection. Perfection not on earth but I think that this is the reward awaiting us who follow and live the life of Jesus Christ. What we do here on earth should not change if we want to obtain that reward Jehovah is willing to give us. He sent his son on this earth to die for us and all he ask in return is that we accept him as Lord and Saviour and to imitate and live the life of Jesus when he walked on this earth. We do that by witnessing, showing love not only to our brothers and sisters in Christ but to others. Lord help me to be Christ-like in all that I do or say.Amen