Pressing on Toward the Goal

There are portions in Paul’s writings that talk about beingmore like the Lord Jesus.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have alreadyarrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesustook hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to havetaken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and strainingtoward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which Godhas called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1Thessalonians 4:3).

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’sglory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, whichcomes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“I am using an example from everyday life because of yourhuman limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurityand to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves torighteousness leading to holiness” (Romans 6:19).

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, letus purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

It is not enough to be satisfied with our justification. Weshould want to increasingly be transformed into His image.

This post coordinates with today's reading in the Tothe Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan,please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships