Reverend Michael Mwangi
Senior Pastor, Fedha Church, Kenya Assemblies of God
The Future of Paul’s Relationship with Jesus Christ
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
a. Not that I have already attained: Paul wrote from such spiritual maturity and purity that we might expect he believed that he had conquered all spiritual difficulties and saw himself as having arrived at near perfection. Yet he assured us this was not so. There was no perfectionism in Paul.
Sadly, it is common for many Christian leaders to cultivate the attitude that they have already attained. Without saying the words, they put forth the image of constant triumph that gives the idea that they have already attained and are already perfected.
But while the work of Christ for us is perfect, and it would be presumption to think of adding to it, the work of the Holy Spirit in us is not perfect; it is continually carried on from day to day, and will need to be continued throughout the whole of our lives.
The attitude of having achieved results leads to pride and carelessness. Growth is no longer possible, and slow but gradual death is inevitable. This is what leads to the downfall and ultimate death of believers and giants of faith. Samson and Solomon are perfect examples.
1 Corinthians 10:12
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
We should always have a teachable spirit always, and it takes a lot of humility, but it keeps us on the right path in life.
b. But I press on: Because Paul realised that he had not arrived, there was only one option open for him. He had to press on. There was no turning back for him.
Some Christian lives say, "Nothing further," and others say, "More beyond." This is where child-like faith meets real maturity. A child cannot wait to be bigger and always wants to be more mature.
But I press on meant that Paul had put his hand to the plough and refused to look back.
Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Our motto as believers ought to be: forward ever, backward never. Nimeamua sitarudi nyuma hata iweaje sitarudi nyuma [I have decided I will not go back; no matter what happens, I will not go back].
Pressing on is intentional. It does not happen by accident. It demands personal determination, discipline, and effort. It is simply growth.
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