Press Toward the Prize - Jesus! - Part 648

The Bible encourages us to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Paul the Apostle here is writing to the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi. He is praying that the love they have for their Lord God and Saviour may abound -- yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement that they may approve things which are excellent. Paul was equally thankful that they also were filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.

Indeed, Paul confirmed his joy in His Lord God and Saviour when he said,  "For me to live is Christ." (Philippians 1:1-11)

Like the Philippians, Paul wanted us to have this mind in us "which was also in Christ Jesus -- who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men." In being found in fashion as a man, our Lord God who created us in the beginning willingly humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death - even the death on the cross.

Behold then, what manner of love is this? That our Father would shed His holy precious blood for us. He that is highly exalted and given the name which is above every name. That name is Jesus.

The scriptures say that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow -- including the things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth -- and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The scriptures further state that "whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ born of God; and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him."

Because of this revelation, we know that we who believe in Jesus and willingly desire His righteousness are the children of God. As the Bible states - when we love God and keep His commandments.

In Colossians, Paul continued proclaiming the love of Jesus for His people. He writes, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and and spiritual understanding. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature;

For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things and by Him all things consist, And He is the Head of the body, the church who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that is in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.

And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:1-20)

Therefore, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:1-14) Similarly, read the scriptures for your edification and wisdom. Willingly do His will. Rejoice in the Lord Jesus greatly. Most of all, take your place in the offering plate. Praise Jesus!