April 8, 2025 -- Philippians 3:16 -- What Do You Want Most?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:16 ESV

Whenever interpreters translate the Bible (now specifically the New Testament) from Greek into English, choices have to be made so that the range of meaning of a word will be accurately conveyed. The verb “hold true” has the meaning of walking in row or in line with others as well as a metaphorical sense of progress. It is in the aorist, which means the verb is a past action which has a continuing present implication. One other key place where this verb is used is Galatians 5:25, just after Paul has described the Fruit of the Spirit, he commands the people to “keep in step” with the Spirit. I like that latter sense, to keep in step. Some translations option to use that expression here in Philippians also.

Paul has expressed his very personal testimony that he does not think he has already obtained the knowledge of Christ and the awareness of the power of His resurrection as fully as he’d like to know Him. He still sees the goal ahead of himself, to be more fully united with Christ and more gloriously joined with those people who have the same goal. That is, walking in step with other people who desire the same things.

What you must understand by Paul’s teaching is how much better than anything and greater than any other relationship is the knowledge Jesus and living in relationship with Him and His people. How often we read of famous people who at the height of fame or at the pinnacle of their prowess find themselves empty and life meaningless.

Dear brothers and sisters, let me ask you, where are you at in your walk with Jesus? Are you pushing forward, walking with other Christians who inspire you to go further with Christ? Or do you find yourself looking for the next thing? The next moment of excitement? If it is the latter, I wonder, are you really pursuing Jesus as He is revealed in the Bible? If Jesus needs to be presented with bouncy castles, strobe lights and crazy music, or sporting events I wonder if we as Christians have lost the thread? Perhaps in such instances Christians are being invited to follow a caricature of Him, something that always needs to be bigger, better, brighter —at least humanly speaking.

Song of Songs notes that Jesus, our beloved, is altogether lovely. There is no one who can compare to Him. He Who created all things and sustains them by His power, He is your life’s greatest good. He is blessedness beyond compare. I would respectfully suggest if you do not find Him to be such, you need to dive into the Word again and ask the Spirit to show you Jesus, as He truly is. Nothing, no other thing in this world you can desire could ever compare to Him. Hold on tight to all you have obtained in Jesus Christ and continually desire more of Jesus, more of His Word, more of His Spirit’s presence in your life, more fellowship with Christians whose walk is God is truly admirable.

Father in heaven, by Your Holy Spirit, teach me once again to rejoice in Jesus Christ. To find in Him all my life’s greatest good. Reveal to me what has been interfering with my walk with God, and help me to throw down that idol, that distraction, that hindrance so that Jesus will be all in all to me. Amen.

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