From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 4:53 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: January 9, 2005 Blessings

"That I may know Him..."  Philippians 3:10
"Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, put I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:12

Here is the Apostle Paul, God's chosen apostle to minister and to teach the gentiles.  Teach them what?  The good news of salvation, of reconciliation, of relationship to Christ, of the Christian's position in Christ, of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, of the walk of the Believer, of the Kingdom of God to mention a few.  And yet in verse 10 he is saying, "to Know Him".

 Then in Verse 14 Paul says,
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  Since we are not yet perfected, let us follow Paul's example and challenge ourselves to press on for the prize of God's high calling in Christ.

Scripture compares the Christians life to that of running a race: Striving for the prize: "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."  1 Corinthians 9:24

There are hindrances to the runner:
"You were running the race nobly.  Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth?  This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]."  Galatians 5:7-8

Pressing toward the goal:
Reread Philippians 3:14 above.

Dress for the race, stripping away all that encumbers:
"...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." Hebrews 12:1

So that in the home stretch we can say as Paul says n 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."

He goes on to speak of the prize won in verse 8,
"In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Scripture says:
"...Seek to abound for the edification of the church."  1 Corinthians 14:12

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be shamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15

Concerning spiritual striving:
"Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."  Luke 13:24

Paul says in Philippians 1:27, "Only conduct yourselves in a  manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that...I may hear of you that you are stranding firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us,
"For Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.  You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin."  Hebrews 12:3-4

Christians, let us consider our calling as we see in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 & 30: "For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;" "But God..." "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption."

There is but one prize, life in Christ and all that it encompasses; but the winners are many and that only by God's grace!  Hallelujah! With joyous, but humble hearts we thank Him and praise Him now and forever.