The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order

that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and

reaching forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Slowly, but surely, the Apostle Paul is moving toward the end of his letter to the Philippians. He has been steadily

instructing them to be joyous regarding the Coming of the LORD Jesus Christ. He admits without hesitation that

he is not perfect (???????, teleioo, meaning complete. At the same time, he is adamant that the LORD has a reward

for him and he is anxious to receive it. Paul speaks of a runner, who is straining and stretching to reach the goal,

because that’s what’s required to gain the prize.

Paul may actually have two goals in mind. One, of course, is that of coming face-to-face with his LORD, Jesus Christ. The other, a lesser goal to be sure, is that of successfully carrying out the ministry to which the LORD has called him.

The word “press” (?????, dioko) means both pursue and put to flight. When he speaks of “forgetting what lies behind,” he doubtlessly means “put to flight.” He wants to pursue them in the sense of chasing the away. Those are the hindrances he has encountered to his work on Earth. At the same time, he is chasing the the ultimate goal of seeing and being with Jesus eternally in Heaven.

The “call of God in Christ Jesus” has both meanings to us, as well. It is simultaneously an “upward call.” We can both be and do better than we have. There is also a prize awaiting us in Glory –a prize that will be presented by the LORD Jesus Christ Himself! It would be an honor for any American to be summoned to the White House to meet the President. It would be an even greater honor if the President were to present him an award. That’s the idea Paul has in mind.

How do we receive what Paul has in mind? It’s contained in verse 15 – a verse reserved for our conclusion.

“Let us therefore, as many as are perfect

have this attitude; and if in anything you

have a different attitude, God will reveal

that also to you…”

Stay close to the LORD; and may He use, bless, and preserve you unto the Coming of our Great King!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”