It would seem that the apostle Paul is consumed by the desire to know Christ - nothing else matters but to live in Christ's resurrection power and share in His sufferings; to even be like him in his death and ultimately, to share in the glory of His resurrection. This may seem far beyond any spiritual desire that we may have and we may be tempted to opt for something far less. With refreshing honesty Paul freely acknowledges that he did not consider that he had yet taken hold of all this and so wants to encourage us to stay with him in the race not looking back at either perceived failure or success but instead 'pressing on toward the goal for which God has called us heavenward in Christ.'
This passage decisively deals with any despair we might have over not reaching perfection in the present whilst at the same time dealing with any excuse we may entertain in order to justify settling down in this present life as though this is where we belong.
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John DUNKLEY BTh, Dip.Min. and Dip. Pastoral Studies. He is an ordained Baptist minister and has pastored a number of Baptist churches. He has also ministered at Westcare Baptist Mission - an inner city ministry and served as a voluntary Police Chaplain.
