.jpg)
Articles
Past, present and perfect!
Philippians 3:12-16 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ. V 13 Brethern, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. V 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. V 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God will reveal even this unto you. V 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Paul is reminding the brethren at Phillipi that there is a need to be looking forward and to not get bogged down looking backwards. Knowing the danger of this both for them and himself. Those of us that are walking the Christian Walk are constantly reminded that we have not reached our eternal goal. Until we do, we must keep working toward being Christ like. So many people upon entering
Christianity, tend to look at their past as if it still controls who they are. Unfortunately, sometimes they are drawn back to that because it is comfortable there. Paul here is admonishing the church at Phillipi and those who follow them, we are to keep looking forward. Also to realize that we all are works in progress. The level of maturity in a congregation will vary from one to another. 1 Peter 2:2 says,There will always be babes in Christ desiring the sincere milk of the word and those that are more mature in Christ, which need strong meat. Hebrews 5:14 also tells us, But strong meat belongs to those who by reason of use of their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
I say all of this to say God expects us to grow in the spirit upon becoming Christian. That requires us to study, listen to sound preaching, to pray, to meditate daily upon the word of God. We must have some endurance and persistence to accomplish reaching our goal of heaven!
Robby Cable
Providence Church of Christ
