What Lies Ahead

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:12-21 NASB


Paul referred in verse 11 to “attaining to the resurrection from the dead,” meaning to realize the fully mature spiritual knowledge of the resurrected Christ. That was his ultimate goal, and he considered that a far superior condition to be in than in his earthly body and in a Roman prison, as don’t we all. Picking up in verse 12, Paul stated clearly that he knew he had not achieved that level of maturity; indeed he would not in this life.

The word translated “perfect” in the New Testament always means “mature; a completed character; fully developed (like ripe fruit).” No, Paul hadn’t arrived there yet, but he was working on it, by putting his former mistakes behind him and moving forward to the objective of rewardable service for Christ. Regret slows us down. Confess it to the Father (I John 1:9), claim His promise of forgiveness and cleansing, and get on with the ministry you’ve been assigned.

That is an important factor in spiritual growth. Wallowing in past sins or past self-righteousness or past ignorance accomplishes nothing. What it does is stunt the growth of the advancing believer. Of course there are things in all our lives we wish we could erase, but it was part of who we were. It does no good to grieve excessively over things we can never undo. Our rejoicing is that faith in Jesus Christ has changed us into New Species. We were born again and we move on from here. We have help with this, through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He will reveal to us where we are coming up short and what misconceptions we need to correct as we move along, always open to the accurate teaching of the Word.

Paul recommended that the brethren look to himself as an example of faith, humility and doctrinal teaching. Unity among the brethren is important, but we must not compromise truth for the sake of unity. Remember the dogs and evil workers in verse 2, who were a threat to the assurance of the growing believers? Well, he brought them up again, more forcefully, as enemies of the cross of Christ. The cross is what we proclaim. It is the basis of our salvation. It is the foundation of the Church. Any teaching or practice that obscures or confuses the importance of the cross of Christ is false doctrine. Their end is destruction (sin unto death), their god is their belly (KJV - it means human appetites, lust patterns). In Biblical terms, the heart (cardia) is the mind; what you think with. Our hearts are renewed by the new birth and by learning the mind of Christ. The belly is the seat of emotions. Emotions cannot think. Emotions respond to stimuli, such as music, art, literature, people, foods and other substances. When our emotions are responding to the Word of God, we appreciate our Lord with fondness, and perhaps a rosy glow. When the emotions respond to worldly things, evil influences and false doctrines, it confuses the issues of Christianity and stunts our spiritual growth. It is possible for believers to be sidetracked by these enemies who lead them astray. Believers are dishonored by such confusion. Do not be misled by your own emotions or anyone else's. Yes, we all "feel." But feelings are not our criteria for spirituality. Bible Doctrine is, as learned and applied by Holy Spirit led students of scripture.

Our citizenship is in heaven. Jesus will return from there one day and make the transformation in our lowly bodies that we all eagerly anticipate, to resemble His Own glorious body. We know that is our destiny. Let us think and behave accordingly.