PRESSING FORWARD Devotion 6 of 12

"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" (Philippians 3:12-14)

A Good Warfare

This warfare was good! His faith enabled him to complete the strenuous course appointed to him. It had led him through perils (2 Cor. 11:26). It led him through weakness (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It led him through the rejection of many to whom he preached. He had to press on with infirmity (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Sometimes he had to press forward alone, with his brethren forsaking him (2 Tim. 4:10). Sometimes it led through discouraging incarceration (2 Cor. 11:23). Sometimes when he was isolated in the midst of a sea for a day and a night (2 Cor. 11:25). But "the mark" kept him coming! It was a dominating goal with which the world simply could not compete!

A Dominating Thirst

He was dominated by the same spirit as the patriarchs. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psa. 42:1-2). "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16). Every professed believer should ask himself if God is ashamed to be called his God! God is NEVER ashamed of those thirsting for Him!

The Resurrection of the Dead

In our text, Paul relates "the mark" with "the resurrection of the dead" (v. 11). He is not saying that he wants to simply participate in the resurrection of the dead; every one will do that (Acts 24:15; John 5:29). He desires that the resurrection be the answer to the dichotomy his regeneration produced. For believers, "the resurrection from the dead" is the culmination of faith. Then we will be made "whole," and all adversarial relationships will be abruptly terminated. Paul wants the resurrection to be an advantage for himself.

Salvation is not an end of itself!

It may come as a starling surprise to many to hear this. Salvation is the appointed means to the end! It prepares us for the future by removing our past and giving us power in the present. But it is "the mark" that is the real issue! It is "the mark" that must be reached. It does no good to enter this race if you do not finish it! A "heavenly call" offers no consolation prize for those that do not end up there!

The Firstfruits

The "mark" is experienced now in a firstfruits sense. The righteousness for which we "wait" will be fully experienced there, if tasted by faith now (Rom. 4:20-24). The presence of the Lord which will be "face to face" then, is enjoyed by faith now as we "fellowship" with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). The devil who will be banished there, may be successfully resisted now! These firstfruits experiences are what keep us pressing. Without them, we would soon fall by the way.

-- TOMORROW: THE MARK IS ATTAINABLE --