PRESSING TOWARDS THE MARK – PHILIPPIANS 3:12-16

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PRESSING TOWARDS THE MARK – PHILIPPIANS 3:12-16

 

Introduction:

Paul, the Apostle, with a very impressive pedigree – vs 4-6, and diverse experiences for the sake of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, made this statement in writing to the Philippian church. As a preacher Acts 9:19,29; 13:1; 14:14, he was stoned in Lystra Acts 14:8,19; persecuted at Philippi Acts 16, charged before the elders of Ephesus, Acts 20:17 and suffered so much - ! Cor 4:9; 2 Cor 11:23 yet, he could say “I press towards the mark”. His spiritual goal was to press towards the mark for prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus v 14. He did not get hung up on his mistakes and failures. Instead, he just asked God to forgive him and then he forgot about those things, because they were now covered by the blood of Jesus. He kept his eyes on the prize, and he went for it.

 

Pressing Towards the Mark:

Brethren, the church is just a platform for us to use our gifts and calling (ministry) for the excellency of Christ in advancing the kingdom of God in earth. Since there are differing gifts and calling, the church is departmentalised. Each person, in collaboration with others, brings to bear his or her part to form a whole to glorify God. Such is the Choir, to which we belong.

 

Each person, therefore, identifies his/her own part to play and keys in, in symphony with others not only to produce a good music but to glorify God and for the blessing of the people to the saving of souls. Apart from the collective goal or mark, each one of us must identify God’s goal for him/her and determine to press towards it.

 

For those who will press towards the mark there are things to avoid:

-         Distraction

-         Defilement – sexual immorality, filthy lucre

-         Discouragement – Num 21:4; 32:7; Deut 1:21

-         Deflection – (from the truth) – Rom 16:17-19

-         Disobedience – Acts 26:14; Num 8:4

-         Division (Paul writing to the Romans, he said, mark those who cause division among you. Rom 16:7)

 

There are things to cherish:

-         Dependability

-         Availability – Exo 18:13-27 – Ability without availability is useless

-         Reliability – Prov 25:19

-         Faithfulness – Prov 25:19; Mt 25:19-23; 1 Cor 4:2

-         Discipline – Phil 4:12

-         Determination – Dan 1:8

-         Distinction - ! Sam 12 – Being different

-         Detachment from the unpleasant past – Phil 3:13

-         Yoked – with Christ – Mt 11:29

 

Conclusion:

Pressing towards the mark suggests conscious effort and great determination. It implies moving against the tide and every odd to achieve a purpose, a goal, a mark to an end of receiving a prize. It requires being focused and undistracted. It calls for no retreat.

 

Paul gave a list of people who pressed on towards the mark – Rom 16:1-16. Many of these seem unrecognised! In Luke 9:62, Jesus said: “No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”. May we not look back but keep pressing on Towards the Mark!

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