Everything for Christ: Pressing Toward the Prize скачать в хорошем качестве

Everything for Christ: Pressing Toward the Prize

I want you to open your heart with me to Philippians chapter 3, because when I read Paul’s words, I don’t just see theology, I see a man who gave up everything for Christ. And I’m asking you to consider whether you’re willing to do the same. Paul warns, “Beware.” He speaks plainly about those who put confidence in the flesh. And then he does something remarkable: he lays out his résumé. Circumcised on the eighth day. Of the stock of Israel. A Hebrew of Hebrews. A Pharisee. Zealous. Blameless according to the law. If anyone ever had reason to boast in religious accomplishments, it was Paul. But then he says something that shakes me every time I read it: “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Not just some things. Not just the inconvenient things. All things. He counted them as rubbish so that he might gain Christ. I have to ask myself, and I want you to ask yourself, what am I holding onto that keeps me from fully gaining Christ? Reputation? Comfort? Security? Pride? Paul’s life changed on the road to Damascus. One encounter with Jesus, and everything shifted. His direction. His purpose. His destiny. And I believe every single person must decide what they will do with their life. Because whatever you choose will determine where you spend eternity. Let me tell you something plainly: life is uncertain. James says it’s like a vapor, here for a moment and then gone. Hebrews reminds me that it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that, the judgment. I don’t know when my last breath will be. You don’t know when yours will be. Tomorrow is not promised. So I can’t afford to delay obedience. I can’t afford to say, “Later.” Eternity is too long to gamble with. But as I look at Paul, I also see determination. He said, “I press on.” He hadn’t arrived. He wasn’t perfect. But he was pressing forward toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. That’s the attitude I need. That’s the attitude you need. I must forget what lies behind, the sins, the failures, even the past accomplishments, and reach forward to what lies ahead. I press toward the goal. Not casually. Not halfheartedly. But with purpose. And as I walk this life, I must constantly examine myself. Jesus warned about seeing the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the plank in my own. Before I correct anyone else, I need to look inward. Because on the Day of Judgment, I won’t answer for you. I will answer for myself. So I ask myself: Am I growing? Am I moving beyond the basics? Am I digging deeper into God’s Word? Hebrews tells me not to remain on the elementary principles, but to press on to maturity. Salvation has simple steps: hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, but growth requires continual effort. I cannot stay spiritually stagnant. I must improve my speech. Jesus said I will give account for every idle word. That makes me pause. What am I saying? Are my words pure? Do they build up, or tear down? I must improve my love. Paul said, " If I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy or boast. Love never fails. If I lack love, I lack everything that matters." I must strengthen my faith. Because life will test it. Trials will come. Pain will come. But Romans reminds me that I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me. And through it all, I must recognize something humbling: I cannot do this alone. God’s eyes are on the righteous. His ears are open to their prayers. Philippians 4 tells me not to be anxious, but to pray about everything. Prayer replaces worry with peace—the kind of peace that surpasses understanding. When I feel overwhelmed, I pray. When I feel weak, I pray. When I don’t know what tomorrow holds, I pray. And finally, I cling to hope, the hope of heaven. But that hope is not automatic. Jesus said not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven. That sobers me. My hope is tied to obedience. To faithfulness. To truly know Him, and be known by Him. So when I examine my life, I have to ask: If today were my last day, what would I hear? “Well done.” Or “Depart from Me”? That decision is mine. And it’s yours. Paul gave up everything to gain Christ. He pressed forward with determination. He examined himself. He depended on God. He lived with heaven in view. Now, I ask you personally: when you look at your life, what do you see? Are you pressing toward the prize? Are you improving? Are you praying? Are you ready? Because eternity is real. And your choice today will determine where you spend it. If you need to respond—to obey the gospel, to come back, to seek prayer—don’t wait. Jesus is still calling. And I want you to be ready when you hear His voice.