Philippians
3:12-16 “I don’t mean to say
that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached
perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus
first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have
not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling
us. Let all who are spiritually
mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will
make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we
have already made.”
Pastor JJ continued this Sunday in His
verse-by-verse study of the book of Philippians, explaining the three stages of
Christian life in Justification (past), Sanctification (present), &
Glorification (future). Justification takes place one time, the moment that we
first believe. We are justified by the grace of God, through faith in the atoning
death, resurrection & ascension of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ in
our place and our sins are forgiven. Glorification is when the Believer passes
from this life to eternity in heaven with our glorified bodies to be with the
Lord. But Sanctification is the here & now process of walking in the Spirit
and growing into the likeness of Christ, by the refining work of God in our
life to shape us (Jeremiah 18), and trim off the unfruitful parts of our life
(John 15), and teach us (John 6:45). We never get to the place where we think
that we’ve “made it”. We haven’t perfection and don’t measure up, so God has
more work in perfecting the saints. God isn’t done with us yet. Don’t miss out
on this process and direction that the Lord is taking us in personal relationship
as we press on heavenward to reach the goal and receive our prize. We are never
out of the race. This life-long process is conditioning us for eternity and we
need to keep that prospective in view to guide our stride and path. Enjoy the
true pursuit of happiness and cherish how far you’ve come. Heaven is just up
ahead, on the horizon. Press on.
Revelation
3:5 “He who overcomes shall be
clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of
Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
In Christ, Brian
2 comments:
Very encouraging!
Wow Ma! What a great word to describe our pastor's verse-by-verse study of the Word of God: "encouraging" - meaning to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: to promote, advance, or foster. That is exactly what the living Word does in a day and age that surely needs encouragement. You always add the perfect touch. Thanks for the great comment.
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