In our study of Philippians 3:12-15, we have discovered one of Paul’s attitudes that made him a champion for Christ Jesus. He was a man set on fire for Christ that no human or culture could quench. How a man thinks defines how he acts and achieves results in life.
The second mindset we can learn from Paul can still be found in Philippians 3:12 (NKJV). He noted, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”
We Have Not Become
The second thing Paul teaches is found in his statement, “Not that I … am already perfected”. If the first mindset was about achieving goals, the second was about becoming. Theologians teach that there are three parts to salvation, namely; we have ‘been saved’, we are ‘being saved’, and we shall ‘be saved’. In the same book of Philippians, Paul said that believers should work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Only Jesus reached perfection. The rest of us are being worked on.
When we entered 2023, I had set out to do some things to aid me become a better version of myself. I must say, I couldn’t get it 100% but where I am now is far better than where I used to be in December 2022. Faithful is He who has called us. He will perfect us when Jesus appears. Keep going!
What has been your own experience? Share with us.
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