Philippians 3:12–4:1

Bringing the sermon home:

The second half of chapter 3 progresses the same argument from the first half, such that this week’s sermon was really just “Knowing Christ ­– Part 2”.

Paul says that he has not yet come to fully know Christ or to fully be made like Christ. And though this work of Christ within the Christian will not be brought to completion until Christ’s second advent (1:6), Paul presses on as though the finish line were within reach. Why? (1) Because knowing Christ is the greatest source of joy available in this life, and (2) “because Christ Jesus has made me his own”. So press on to take hold of Him!

May we renounce any self-righteous notion that we have already “arrived” at Christian maturity, and any self-indulgent notion that it’s permissible to remain where we are. Instead, when it comes to knowing Christ and becoming like Christ, may we embrace the need to be always striving, but never arriving, for we are citizens of heaven, from whom we await our Sovereign King.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. (James 5:7)

(See follow-up article here.)