Philippians 3:10-14
Many people think, “if I only have a vision, I will accomplish a lot in my life.” Visions, plans and dreams are all good, but there will be challenges along the way. You must have “stick-to-it-ness” to get it accomplished … (stay with the stuff).
We have been a mandate from Christ in Matthew 28:19,20a “Go make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you.”
Paul had a very specific goal.
- Go preach to the Gentiles, and I will help you.
- Paul preached because he was indebted to the Lord.
- Paul knew that God’s judgment was coming to the world.
Paul was driven by these three truths. So, what drove him to do this? v. 13
- He kept his goal in sight, which is Christ.
- Forgot what was behind. (Don’t look back).
- Reaching forward to what was ahead.
- 14 Paul said I press toward the goal for the prize, (the payoff).
Jonathan Edwards envisioned people drifting in a river heading to the lake of fire, which drove him in his ministry. We all get discouraged in our journey from obstacles we encounter, to being turned down in our everyday life. I find myself being driven by the gratitude of my salvation, and question why would God bother with a kid from Baghdad, Iraq? And, why did He save me, but not my neighbor? So, I am sticking to Him to find out. Paul says “that I may know Him.”
One more question I have is the reality of judgment, and how to keep people from going there. This is my drive, vision and desire!!
In my interview on my first job, I asked the boss what are the steps of advancement in this grocery store business. He said you stick with bagging groceries, and I will worry about your advancements.
We have a mandate from God. The Father is helping to achieve this goal.
WHAT IS GOD ASKING YOU TO STICK WITH AND COMPLETE?
Bill Badal is Pastor Emeritus at First Baptist. He was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to the United States as a teenager.
