|
|
|
Brothers, I do not reckon that I myself have received it. But one thing is certain: forgetting the things of the past,1 I am straining myself to reach what is in front.2
| 1 | Forgetting the things of the past: Or, forgetting the things behind. A healthy attitude. Compare the Nazarene at Luke 9:62. |
| 2 | I am straining myself to reach what is in front: Or, ASV: stretching forward; TCN: strain every nerve. Compare GDS Luke 13:24. [1 Corinthians 9:24] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Philippians 3:13 as the theme of chapter three – Goal-oriented. The right attitude will cause one to rejoice. [1] Paul warns about the “dogs” – those Christian Judaizers. [2-4] These have the wrong attitude – “a fleshly confidence.” Paul had the right attitude and gave up all that he had been or could be. [4-11] He lost everything in order to attain to a relationship with Christ. He considers his Jewish past to have been “a lot of garbage” now that he has gained that righteousness resulting from faith in Christ. Sharing in Christ’s suffering and self-sacrificing death Paul hopes to attain the first resurrection.
The right attitude or frame of mind is to forget the past. 12-16] Paul’s example encourages Christians to keep pursuing the heavenly goal. He exhorts the mature to keep that goal-oriented attitude. God is willing to reveal the right attitude of mind and Christians are urged to continue to make progress as they “walk in the same rank and file.”
Abba our Father bless the goal-oriented.
[9 July 2002]
The prize is yet before. Constant effort is still required. His whole life is given to one purpose. Especially the things which he once counted gain, and even all the hardships and sufferings of the apostolic lot. The image is of one so eager for what is before him that hands and body are stretched to lay hold of it.
