Perfection
This is one of the most amazing statements in the Bible:
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.
Paul, writer of much of the new testament, survivor of shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment...chased all over the middle east... left all of the prestige and honor of being a Pharisee...started multiple churches...healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead...Paul says to the church at Philippi "I haven't quite made it, but I am going to keep pressing in until I reach my goal!" What??!!
Paul wasn't talking about salvation. Paul wasn't saying "if I do just a little more, I will be saved." No! Paul was talking about His desire for greatness. Paul knew there was a measure of greatness available to Him...that Jesus was beckoning him to...and he had not made it yet. Even though Paul had accomplished MUCH in the eyes of those on earth, Paul wasn't walking according to any earthly standard. Paul only cared what Jesus said, and Jesus said "a bit further Paul and you will receive the crown."
Lots of Christians talk about their crowns. Not everyone is getting a crown. Heavenly rewards aren't like 3rd grade soccer trophies. Not everyone gets a crown for participating. No person can give you a crown. A compliment about your performance has nothing to do with crowns that last forever. There will be a very select few who actually gain a crown. You gain a crown by pushing aside the earthly rewards and living for the heavenly rewards, which can only be obtained in secret.
Right after Paul talks about himself and his determination to reach for the fullness Jesus wanted, despite all of his earthly achievements, he says one of the most disturbing things:
Philippians 3:17-21 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Paul said that there were only a few who ACTUALLY made heavenly approval their aim. He said "many walk"...that means many appear to be going after God...but Paul said they are actually enemies of the cross...they are really serving themselves. They have ignored the still small voice calling them to die here and be resurrected bit by bit now, and found identity in what people think about them, and in what people say about them, or their position on earth...the building of their own ministry. These have made their own appetite for success here and now their God...instead of dying here and living all in for the time when life begins. I could not overstate this: life is not even possible yet, the way God defines it.
Most people who claim to be following God have mostly no paradigm for what the real goal is. The goal is not a comfortable life now. The goal is not to write a good book, or be a "famous" worship leader. It isn't to lead the multitudes in some end-time move, or start the next revival. There is only one goal worthy of the One who paid it all...the only goal is greatness as Jesus defines it:
Matthew 5:18-19 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
OBEDIENCE in dying to myself and living in agreement with Jesus, first in the secret place, and letting HIM elevate that to being seen as an example is the only goal worth living for.
Earth looks at Paul and says "my, you achieved so much"...but Paul knew that Jesus was peering right into his heart and saying "Paul, how are you going to handle this next increase? Are you ready to die some more?" Every increase in earthly recognition carries a choice: give in to the recognition from men, or die to earth's evaluation and take one more step in disconnecting your heart from earth and connecting it to God. Its a little like a game of "Deal or No Deal"...settle for the lame prize you will burn through quickly in the suitcase you can see, or hold out for the real prize...the one that requires you risk everything you can see to win.
THAT prize will never diminish. Everyone wins if they just keep their minds on heaven and stop making success here and now the goal:
Colossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Everyone goes where they are looking. Whether you are riding a bike, driving a car, or walking out a life with Jesus...what you keep your eye on will direct your steps. Many have chosen Jesus but keep their eye on the world. They are so afraid of missing out on what the world has..in a fading and temporary reality...that they mostly make decisions that will bring them an increase in prominence, money, time, excitement, or comfort here. This is what it means to build with straw. To build with precious materials that won't burn up means to build in the secret place...to build a resurrected life in heaven...storing up wealth there that cannot be destroyed:
I Corinthians 3:11-15 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
This is especially important for OUR generation, where the final test will happen. The fire that tests the work is the fire of TRIBULATION. The intensity that is coming is going to test every motive of the heart. God is going to first remove every earthly strength during the tribulation to get the Bride ready for the great tribulation. Tribulation touches the Bride first, so that she can lead in purity through the great tribulation.
The earth will soon turn against Christians in one hour. The moment that the 7-year peace treaty is signed, a great religious war is coming to planet earth. One side will say "this man is brilliant," while those loyal to Jesus will have to say "this man is the antichrist." This will cause Christians to be persecuted like no other time in history. There will be no earthly fame...no earthly treasure to be gained in loyalty to Jesus...no great new worship albums, or New York Times best sellers...only heavenly rubies, and silver, and gold...refined in the fire...forged by worship of the One who is making war on everything that hinders love, even in the midst of our own earthly death. Most "that walk" are completely unprepared for this paradigm. That is what Paul was talking about.
Every choice to agree with Jesus will help you FLOURISH in this time:
Daniel 12:1-3 “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.
Jesus said the same thing:
Mark 13:14, 19-27 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “THEN let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. “THEN if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand. “But in those days, AFTER that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. THEN they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And THEN He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.
This is the fire that will test the work of every heart. Whatever stands will be rewarded forever!
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.
Paul, writer of much of the new testament, survivor of shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment...chased all over the middle east... left all of the prestige and honor of being a Pharisee...started multiple churches...healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead...Paul says to the church at Philippi "I haven't quite made it, but I am going to keep pressing in until I reach my goal!" What??!!
Paul wasn't talking about salvation. Paul wasn't saying "if I do just a little more, I will be saved." No! Paul was talking about His desire for greatness. Paul knew there was a measure of greatness available to Him...that Jesus was beckoning him to...and he had not made it yet. Even though Paul had accomplished MUCH in the eyes of those on earth, Paul wasn't walking according to any earthly standard. Paul only cared what Jesus said, and Jesus said "a bit further Paul and you will receive the crown."
Lots of Christians talk about their crowns. Not everyone is getting a crown. Heavenly rewards aren't like 3rd grade soccer trophies. Not everyone gets a crown for participating. No person can give you a crown. A compliment about your performance has nothing to do with crowns that last forever. There will be a very select few who actually gain a crown. You gain a crown by pushing aside the earthly rewards and living for the heavenly rewards, which can only be obtained in secret.
Right after Paul talks about himself and his determination to reach for the fullness Jesus wanted, despite all of his earthly achievements, he says one of the most disturbing things:
Philippians 3:17-21 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Paul said that there were only a few who ACTUALLY made heavenly approval their aim. He said "many walk"...that means many appear to be going after God...but Paul said they are actually enemies of the cross...they are really serving themselves. They have ignored the still small voice calling them to die here and be resurrected bit by bit now, and found identity in what people think about them, and in what people say about them, or their position on earth...the building of their own ministry. These have made their own appetite for success here and now their God...instead of dying here and living all in for the time when life begins. I could not overstate this: life is not even possible yet, the way God defines it.
Most people who claim to be following God have mostly no paradigm for what the real goal is. The goal is not a comfortable life now. The goal is not to write a good book, or be a "famous" worship leader. It isn't to lead the multitudes in some end-time move, or start the next revival. There is only one goal worthy of the One who paid it all...the only goal is greatness as Jesus defines it:
Matthew 5:18-19 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
OBEDIENCE in dying to myself and living in agreement with Jesus, first in the secret place, and letting HIM elevate that to being seen as an example is the only goal worth living for.
Earth looks at Paul and says "my, you achieved so much"...but Paul knew that Jesus was peering right into his heart and saying "Paul, how are you going to handle this next increase? Are you ready to die some more?" Every increase in earthly recognition carries a choice: give in to the recognition from men, or die to earth's evaluation and take one more step in disconnecting your heart from earth and connecting it to God. Its a little like a game of "Deal or No Deal"...settle for the lame prize you will burn through quickly in the suitcase you can see, or hold out for the real prize...the one that requires you risk everything you can see to win.
THAT prize will never diminish. Everyone wins if they just keep their minds on heaven and stop making success here and now the goal:
Colossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Everyone goes where they are looking. Whether you are riding a bike, driving a car, or walking out a life with Jesus...what you keep your eye on will direct your steps. Many have chosen Jesus but keep their eye on the world. They are so afraid of missing out on what the world has..in a fading and temporary reality...that they mostly make decisions that will bring them an increase in prominence, money, time, excitement, or comfort here. This is what it means to build with straw. To build with precious materials that won't burn up means to build in the secret place...to build a resurrected life in heaven...storing up wealth there that cannot be destroyed:
I Corinthians 3:11-15 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
This is especially important for OUR generation, where the final test will happen. The fire that tests the work is the fire of TRIBULATION. The intensity that is coming is going to test every motive of the heart. God is going to first remove every earthly strength during the tribulation to get the Bride ready for the great tribulation. Tribulation touches the Bride first, so that she can lead in purity through the great tribulation.
The earth will soon turn against Christians in one hour. The moment that the 7-year peace treaty is signed, a great religious war is coming to planet earth. One side will say "this man is brilliant," while those loyal to Jesus will have to say "this man is the antichrist." This will cause Christians to be persecuted like no other time in history. There will be no earthly fame...no earthly treasure to be gained in loyalty to Jesus...no great new worship albums, or New York Times best sellers...only heavenly rubies, and silver, and gold...refined in the fire...forged by worship of the One who is making war on everything that hinders love, even in the midst of our own earthly death. Most "that walk" are completely unprepared for this paradigm. That is what Paul was talking about.
Every choice to agree with Jesus will help you FLOURISH in this time:
Daniel 12:1-3 “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.
Jesus said the same thing:
Mark 13:14, 19-27 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “THEN let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. “THEN if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand. “But in those days, AFTER that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. THEN they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And THEN He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.
This is the fire that will test the work of every heart. Whatever stands will be rewarded forever!
Comments
Post a Comment
I appreciate your comments.