Philippians 2:12-4:23
We completed Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which was an expression
of gratitude for their support of his ministry (4:15). However, as he wrote this letter of
thanksgiving, Paul challenged the Philippians to live a Christ-centered life.
Paul’s challenges fell into two categories, that of salvation and sanctification.
First, in regards to salvation, “We put no confidence in human
effort,” he said. “Instead, we boast about what Christ has done for us” (3:3). Sinners cannot
save themselves from sin with sin-ridden activity, no matter how sincere it is.
Thus, Paul wrote that all of the trophies that he could boast should be thrown
in the trash. He considered them worthless (v.8). If we count anything in our lives, other than
Christ, as a gain towards our right standing before God, we are
clinging to meaningless trophies.
Second, Paul addressed the topic of personal perfection (3:1-4:1). Becoming perfect
does not mean that we somehow become sinless or never make mistakes. The word
is better defined as “complete or mature.” Sanctification is God’s work of
conforming us to the image of His Son, that we may be on the outside what we
are on the inside, a work that will not be finished until we are in heaven (1:6; 4:21). Thus, Paul
wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things... No, I
am not all that I should be” (v.12, 13). “I look forward to what lies ahead and “strain
to reach the end of the race and receive the prize...” (v.13, 14). Paul
was not passive about his sanctification; he was active. He pursued it and
pressed for it.
Daily Reflection
Sanctification is a work of God in you (1:6), but, it is also a process in which you
join Him in the work. You play an active role. Sanctification can be described as a seed
that Christ has planted in your heart; though you must water it, give it
sunlight, and tend to the soil, it is God who ultimately causes the growth.
Likewise, though the seed is in you, if you do nothing to encourage its
progress, the seed will lay dormant and never grow as it should. That is why
every believer is at a different stage of personal growth or sanctification.
What are some ways that you can encourage your “seed” of
sanctification to grow?
Paul wrote, “Forget the past” (v.13). Satan will constantly attempt to shame you
with your past, your life before Christ, the mistakes or failures after Christ,
or the weaknesses and sin traps you readily fall into. Do not pay attention to
him. He is simply trying to distract you from the work that God is doing in
your life. Also, forgetting the past includes looking beyond your successes, your
achievements, your trophies. Satan will use them to cater to your ego and puff
you up with pride or self-confidence. You must follow Paul’s example and
consider them worthless compared to Christ.
Paul also wrote to “look forward to what lies ahead... “Strain to
reach the end of the race and receive the prize...” You
must never be complacent with where you are in your walk with God. Never stop pressing
the accelerator and just coast. You are like a car on an incline; you are
either progressing up the hill or rolling backwards. In your spiritual life, there
is no such thing as neutral. Strain to reach the end and receive the prize!
BiAY.org | Day 345 — 20 Days to Go
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