NEWS & THOUGHTS ARCHIVE

The Process of Pressing 

Evangelist Dr. Bob Sanders
January 1, 2009
 

Philippians 3:12-14 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, 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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

When Paul was used of God to write this letter to the Philippians, he was in his first imprisonment. He had no idea how the matter will end. He did not know if he would be released or if he would pay the supreme sacrifice for choosing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul could now say, “I have now sat were they sat.” “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.” Acts 9:1-2 At one time Paul had been the oppressor, now he was the oppressed! When Paul had been on the other side of the bars, he had seen people in numerous ways! Some people begged for life, some denied knowing Christ, and some walked to the end in silence. Persecution, prison, or punishment; whatever may come, Paul said, “I press toward the mark.” Within these verses, Paul delivered for us the process or pattern for pressing! 

(I) A Proper Evaluation – vs. 13 “I count not myself to have apprehended”

All of us agree that every planned journey must begin with the knowledge of present location. If you were headed to a particular destination and were to call because you were having trouble finding it, the first question that they would ask is, “Where are you now?” If Paul is to press toward the mark, he must establish where he is in his Christian experience. By using the two words, “count” and “apprehend”, Paul revealed that he was totally aware of where he was in the journey! 

Paul desired an honest evaluation of his life, ministry, and relationship with Christ. The word “count” means to take inventory, thus coming to a conclusion. If Paul was to accomplish the evaluation, there must be a standard of comparison for this inventory or conclusion. This is in the word, “apprehend” which means to seize or possess. On the Damascus road, God took possession of Paul and there was a purpose, a plan, and a will established in Paul’s life and it was yet to be completed. As I evaluate my Christian journey, I thank God for what has been accomplished in the past thirty years, but I know that there is much more to be accomplished. 

(II) A Priority Established - vs. 13 “this one thing I do”

There can only be one first place, one thing that you live for and that gives real meaning to life! Paul’s consuming desire is his pursuit of God! While it is one thing, it consists of two parts. For Paul, the past is forgotten, “forgetting those things which are behind.” While there is nothing wrong with an occasional inventory of the past, the past must be forgotten. You cannot live in the past! Paul must forget his past wealth (see Philippians 3:4-7). Many people want to try to live in the glory days of the past. It is not what you had then, but what do you have in the present. Paul must forget his past wavering (see Acts 8:1-3). Paul had done great harm to the body of Christ and destroyed countless lives. He had to get beyond his failures.

Paul not only had to deal with the past, but he needed to look to the present; the pursuit is forward, “reaching forth unto those things which are before.” The past cannot be undone, but Paul could do something in the present. There are goals to attain and a will to be pursued; Paul would do all for the glory of God. I know that there are areas in which I have come short, but by the grace of God I will press on to exalt His Name and advance His Kingdom. 

(III) A Prize Exposed – vs. 14 “for the prize”

As the Christian runner pursues the prize, there are three things to be remembered. There is a course determined. No matter what the race may be, no runner determines the course for the race, it is predetermine before the runner begins the race. Paul did not determine the course for his earthly race. God has predetermined a course for each of us. With that in mind, there is a caution delivered, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (II Timothy 2:5). The runner can be disqualified if he does not abide by the rules. We can become a casualty in the race of life if we don’t abide by the principle and precepts of the Word of God. But, there is what every runner looks for, a coronation day, “for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” What a blessing to think that one day we could hear Him say, “Well done!” It is the desire of my heart to please Him as I look beyond the past and look toward that which lies ahead, to Slove and honor Him with the life He has given me. 

Thanks again for stopping by our way. It is always a joy to have you visit with us. Please continue to pray for us and if you get the chance, pay us a visit if we are in services near you.

Because of Him,

Brother Bobby & Sister Glenda
Hebrews 9:28

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