I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Competing in a race is no easy feat. Sure, you can put on some crocs and walk the course, but what type of representation is that? When you are in the Christian race, you represent Jesus.
I’ve had the opportunity to compete in various races over the years. What I’ve learned is that the level of difficulty is mostly based on three things: Effort, Course and Distance. (not 10% luck, 15% skill….)
Effort makes all the difference. You can lollygag through drills. You can lollygag through training. And you’ll have weak results. If your assignment is one of excellence, then your effort will match the standard. Excellent effort requires giving everything you’ve got. It’s a gut check. When the starter pistol goes off, it’s time for your fellow racers to see the back of your shirt.
In addition, the course can be challenging. In selecting a race course, most beginners look for races that involve good climate, flat surfaces and support. One of the more challenging races I participated in was a Ragnar Team Relay, from Chattanooga to Nashville. I found myself running on a state highway in the freezing early hours of the morning- headlamp and hand warmers.
Finally, distance is major factor. 3.1 miles or 100 miles? Reminiscing on past race events, it’s so cool I ran 26.2 miles when now the treadmill stops after 25 minutes….
The Power of the Holy Spirit
If Jesus is Lord of your life – if you have surrendered all to Jesus – then Christ has qualified you for the race. You are in the race. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. You’re born again. The Holy Spirit will change your desires and convict you of sin.
John chapter 14 is a wonderful passage on the Holy Spirit. In this chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus says that He would send the Helper (Holy Spirit) to all who believe in Him.
You have new desires through the power of the Holy Spirit. You will want to live for Jesus. A heart transformation gives you a desire to move forward in obedience, trusting in the promises of Jesus. Heart knowledge presses. It’s active, it’s a pursuit.
The Holy Spirit, being active in regeneration, remains active in your growth in Christ. Once you’re in the race, your assignment is to live for Jesus. Your assignment is to run to the best of your ability. As a follower of Jesus, you are to be Christ’s witness throughout the world. You glorify God through obedience to His Word.
The Greek word for press is “dioko”, which means to pursue, to strive. Pressing is an intense, active chase. In other words, there is an intense pursuit of holiness. It’s an active life that brings honor to God. Compliancy and laziness is not the calling. We endeavor to move forward, by His grace, through His strength and might.
The word press also implies opposition. You can only “press” if there is a force against you. In the Christian race, you’ll experience opposition. You will be challenged. The world and the flesh attack daily. The world- external opposition, the flesh – internal opposition. You may fell burnt out, tired, sidetracked, or overwhelmed. Friend, know that God is always with you. You are not alone. The power of the Holy Spirit is ready to ignite. Grow in the Lord through diligent study of His word and prayer.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God
Colossians 1:9-10
Challenges provide an opportunity for growth. To grow is to be blessed. I want to remind you of 1 John 4:4, he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. God is greater than the world. Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. You are able to endure because of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit!
Jesus said that his followers will bear fruit. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) . These 9 attributes testify to the goodness of the Holy Spirit. Is every Christian automatically, fully matured fruit- 9 for 9 on the fruit chart? No. Is that the goal for every believer. Yes.
We are to put sin to death daily by the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Effort, course, and distance.
Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. It was His power that saved you. It is His power that will sustain you. To God be the glory!
“Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to persevere on the path you have called me. You are my helper. Through your grace, may I give an effort pleasing to you. The race is difficult, but within you is joy and peace. May I walk in faithful obedience as I look to You.”
Side note: Earlier in Philippians 3, Paul says that he is pressing forward, instead of looking back. However, looking back is important for the believer. We don’t pridefully look back or long for Egypt. We look back through the lens of grace, and we see the power of the Holy Spirit at work. You can testify about the goodness of God!
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