Philippians 3:12-16
Over the course of daily life, it can sometimes be easy to feel that living as a Christian is more like a series of life deepening disciplines than a walk that has a purpose and end goal for us to pursue. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he urges all mature disciples to continually remember the ‘goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus’ (Phil 3:14). He reminds us all that following Christ isn’t about an aimless meandering, waiting for our life to end for our eternity to truly begin. Rather a Christian must persist in chasing the call of Christ. But what is the upward call of God? What kind of things is Paul reminding a disciple to keep in mind? How can that apply to our lives? Let’s unpack three areas which make sense in this context.
1. Seeking the righteousness of God (Phil 3:9)
Paul is making a point in Philippians that human righteousness is insufficient for holy living in the Kingdom of God. A disciple ought to keep their eyes on Christ as the Holy Spirit sanctifies us to be more like Him in every decision and in every sphere of life. In life it can be easy to think that our values and priorities are the most important and we must simply hold by our own maxims and experiences. Scripture however is constantly challenging our hearts to value what God values over what we do - whether it is in the area of generosity, of forgiveness or of integrity. We must not make the mistake of thinking that scripture agrees with us when God’s word is meant to shake our worldly perspectives and check our dysfunctional hearts.
2. Counting what we have as loss to gain hold of Christ (Phil 3:8)
It is easy to focus on material blessings and overlook spiritual ones, such as enrichment of our inner lives. Yet Paul writes to the Church to remind us that what blessings we have are for the Kingdom. All our riches, our gifts, our attention and capacity are given to us for the sake of the gospel, so that we may know Christ deeper and lead others to him. What is the Lord calling you towards with your blessings?
3. To live is Christ and to die is gain. (Phil 1:21)
Paul in this letter is writing to the Church as he prepares to die and be united with the Lord. It is something that disciples don’t often talk about but the Christian life is about finishing well. No matter what age we are at, we must all know that the end is coming for all and that the challenge for all of us is to finish in the will of Christ and to impart a legacy of faith and hope for the next generation. What kind of legacy are you prepared to leave? Or want to leave in the Kingdom? Let’s not lose sight of the finish line which is prepared for us all.
Paul in Philippians challenges us all to think of the end and to live according to it. How can a life informed by the end impact you this week?
腓立比書 3:12-16
身為基督徒、有時會在日常生活中很容易感覺好像是只過着一系列深入鍛練人生的課程、而非有目的、邁向所追求的標桿而行。保羅在腓立比書中懇求所有已成長的門徒持續地不忘「向着標桿直跑、要得神在基督耶穌𥚃從上而召我來得的奬賞」。他提醒我們跟從耶穌並非漫無目的、左旋右轉地只等臨終後進入永恆。反之、基督徒必須持守地追隨主的呼召。何謂「從上而召我」呢？保羅提醒門徒要緊記的又是甚麼？我們又如何在生命中去實踐呢？待我從三方面來解釋這些問題。
1. 追求神的義 （腓3:9）
保羅的要點是，人為的義是不足以在神的國中過聖潔的生活。門徒需要定睛仰望主，藉聖靈幫助我們成聖，作任何決定及在我們生命各方面都更像祂。如衆人一樣，我們抱有個人的價值觀及作事的先後次序，以為只需按原則及經驗立身處事便可。但聖經不住地挑戰我們，要以神的價值來掌管一切，無論是關乎施與給別人也好，或關乎饒恕他人也好，以及關乎個人人格修養也好。更不能誤以聖經來咐和我所想所做的，其實神的話語卻是打醒我們屬世的觀點及監察我們的心懐意念。
2. 視我們所得的為失，為要抓緊基督（腓3:8）
我們很容易會只聚焦神給我們物質上的祝福，而勿視了祂屬靈的恩惠，例如祂所賜內在生命的豐盛。而保羅則提醒教會這些都是為神的國所用，所有我們所擁有的財富、才能、專注、容量都是為傳福音所用、藉此使我們更深入認識基督並帶領人歸主。請問神藉那些祝福在呼召你作甚麼呢？
3. 因我活著就是基督，我死了就有益處。（腓1:21）
保羅寫這書信時正準備面對死亡並盼望與主聯合。這是門徒不常談及的話題。但基督徒的生命是有關如何好好地去跑完這人生的路程。無論我們歲數多少、都必定知道那終點必會來臨。而每人都要面對挑戰如何去成就主的旨意、並遺給下一代信心及希望。你想遺留甚麼給我們的下一代呢？有甚麼是對神國度的貢獻呢？請勿忽視主為我們每人已準備了的終點線。
保羅在腓立比書挑戰我們去想及終點並藉此而活。這已宣告了有終點的生命對你在今星期有何影響呢？
