In Pursuit of Christ

​Philippians 3:12 ~ “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
 
From this often-familiar passage of Scripture, we will take a look today at what is required to live a life that is in pursuit of Christ. There are those who strive to ascend the heights of the spiritual mountains, and it is good to do so. Yet, some believe that they have arrived, having achieved a certain level of personal growth or spiritual success. Others believe that they’ve done enough and can merely enjoy a spiritual retirement of sorts—leaving the pursuit to others. But the LORD does not give room in His word for any of His children to merely plateau in their walk with Him. Only when the race is over does the runner stop running. And only when we stand before the Majesty of Heaven will our pursuit be fulfilled. Let us, then, look upon three things from our text that will prompt our vigilant pursuit of Christ.
 
It starts with a dissatisfied progress. Our text for today begins, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect.” Let every believer find their heart filled with great satisfaction in the person of Christ. Yet, when we look upon ourselves, there must be a genuine dissatisfaction with our own progress. We have not yet arrived at the elevated state of perfection. We read in Romans 7:24-25, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.” Don’t let it discourage you. There are some who see their own faults and fling themselves into a state of despair that prevents them from moving further. Let it, instead, motivate you to seek to grow even more.
 
It continues with a determined pursuit. The next portion of our text reads, “but I press on to make it my own.” We do not have an aimless journey, nor do we passively meander as if we are merely strolling into glory. There is an intentional, determined pursuit for the believer to take hold of this life for the glory and honor of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” Casual Christianity is a far cry from the Biblical mandate to move through this world as a soldier for the LORD. There is a danger when we grow too comfortable. It causes us to drift. Like a ship that is not actively pressing through the water, the current will easily take the ship off course. To keep on track with the LORD, you must press on.
 
It flows from a Divine purpose. Our text today concludes, “because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Here is a question that very few Christians ask: Why did Jesus save you? He saved you for one ultimate purpose—that you will be used to glorify Him. Yes, you needed saving. Yes, you were helpless without His deliverance. But the Lord Jesus took hold of you that you should be for Him the display of His grace and mercy. He is glorified through your life as you walk in His salvation and live for His honor. Consider what Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:16, “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” Jesus the LORD has saved you, and made you His own. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Purchased by the precious blood of Christ, through His death and resurrection, we have come into a whole new paradigm of purpose. No longer do we live for ourselves, but now we live that we should be a testimony of His love and grace.
 
Consider the disciples’ response to the call of Jesus. Luke 5:11 reveals, “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” Let us do no less when it comes to our willingness to follow Him. Until we find ourselves walking the streets of gold in the glorious presence of the King of kings, let us always strive in this world to live in pursuit of Christ.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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