FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
NO REGRETS FOR ME!
This week we heard teaching at Forge on Philippians chapter 3 verses 12-21.
“…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 in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3: 13-14).
Of the many metaphors used in the Bible to describe the Christian life, the “race” is one that depicts it well. Paul uses it here, seeing himself as someone who is pressing on toward the goal…the prize! The goal of course pointing toward heaven, and the prize representing the crown of life.
As you and I know, Paul had much to boast about (just look at Philippians 3: 4-6), as well as many things in his past life which I’m sure haunted him such as watching the stoning of Stephen of which he approved. But having been cleansed by the blood of Jesus of a bad conscience, he chose to put them behind him when he became a new creation in Christ.
Paul could put no confidence in his flesh (our human nature) knowing that none of his “achievements” could offer him the righteousness of God. Instead, he counted them all as loss for the surpassing value of knowing Jesus (Phil 3: 8). There was a better call of God on his life that he recognized and committed himself to, which was of far more value than anything the world could offer. After Paul’s encounter with Jesus, he gave himself wholly to the Call of God on his life with NO REGRETS. Forsaking all, he opted for JESUS.
As Pastor Pete was teaching us this morning, I had to ask myself, has Jesus taken hold of me? Have I truly surrendered my life to Him? What about you? If the answer is yes, have we realized He has taken hold of us for a purpose? Truth be told, we cannot fit the shoes of Paul or Peter or Billy Graham or even Pastor Pete. Each one of us has been called to a unique purpose when we got saved. But seeking, finding, and being in that purpose is the only thing that will bring fulfillment in our lives. We need a constant onward look to the Author and Perfector of our faith to run our race steadily (Heb 12: 1-2), though things in the past or present may try to drag us down.
Paul said: However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)
Nothing moved him from the goal.
Today, may the Lord enable us to find His good for our lives and may He enable us all to run our race with joy on the course He has marked out for us.
Blessings
Joe Bouch
FORGE WINTER SPRINGS
