Week 6 - Partners in Pressing On

Week 6 – Partners in Pressing On
Philippians 3:12-21
Hebrews 12:1-17

I just love the partnership language that Paul uses in Philippians, as does the author of Hebrews, with regards to “pressing on.” “Let us run,” “join me, brothers,” we eagerly await,” “our citizenship,” “we may share,” all indicate that they are fully engaged in the blessed process of striving for the prize at the end of the race—the glory of the resurrected Christ at the last day. As in any race, we must not be distracted by either the comforts that would keep us from the hardships of the race or the discomforts that would keep us from persevering. Our eyes must be focused on the end, the prize, and the reason we are even in the race at all.

The one thing I love about the races described is that they are not competitive races. I haven’t heard of too many races in which the runner goes it alone. When I worked at the local high school the track team had practices in which the team members had individual practice runs. They were probably trying to beat their own best times. In the end though, they would vie in a group against team members from other schools for the ultimate title.

Let’s envision what a non-competitive, partnering race would look like:

• Learning that self-discipline and self-control do not mean self-dependence! Jesus is the Captain, he steers the course, makes the path straight and gives us energy to go on. (v. 21, kata thn energeian, “by the power,” or “according to the energy)… 
• Not looking behind at past accomplishments, spiritual growth spurts, or obedience to the law—it just slows us down… 
• Runners lean forward, stretch out as they run toward the mark, and encourage others to follow their example by word and deed… 
• As they run, they keep their eyes on the mark, the Captain, who is constantly moving toward His goal of final glory, ruling over all the earth, bringing all into final ultimate citizenship and bestowing bodies that will no longer tire from running the race. 

This past week there was a sad occurrence in the family of one of my friends and coworkers. She lost her two-week-old niece, a result of a premature birth because of complications in the pregnancy. Because of social networking (Facebook) many people around the country were able to pray for her brother’s family during their tragedy. While the last weeks of pregnancy and the birth and illness were very stressful, the experience has brought the parents closer to their Father, a miracle only He can perform. Please take time to read the father’s thoughts after Baby Carolina’s death this week. I’m sure you will be touched, as I was, to think of how the body of Christ can minister to this hurting family from so far away. Please pray for His provision for them.

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