Philippians 3:14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
There is a race of life and everyone is involved in that race whether or not they know it. When Paul said “I press toward…” the idea most folks get is that someone inching his way slowly through a press to reach the goal.
The Greek word translated “Press” is “dioko” and it means “to run swiftly as to win a prize”
Not only is it important for you to know that you have a race to run, it is even more important for you to know “how” to run your race. You must run fast because the time is short and the adversary will do everything to frustrate you from getting the prize. This is why Paul said “I run swiftly toward the mark for the prize”. What’s that prize? It not just talking about heaven; the man wanted to fulfill God’s purpose and calling for his life and finish it completely.
No wonder at the end of his life, he could boldly declare “I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: “nceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2Timothy 4:7-8).
Like the Apostle Paul, run your race with purpose. What is that God has called you to do? Commit your whole being to it. Let your hearts cry be to fulfill God’s purpose and plans for your life. Run your race to win, so that at the end, you too can boldly declare, “I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”, and then receive the Master Crown.
The bible says “Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” (2Corinthians 2:14)
Secondly, many people think life is full of “Up and Down”, but the reason they think this way is because of their ignorance. You’re supposed to live each and everyday of life in victory over every situation that you face. The day you were born again, you were born into the life of total and continuous victory – You’re born to win! The death of Jesus on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection made us one with God, and brought us into a life of victory. The bible says that God, … raised him (Jesus) from the dead … (Ephesians).
What about you? The Bible says “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-6). The story doesn’t end with Jesus alone; God raise you up together with Him and you’re also seated with Him in Glory!
You’re seated right in the place of His authority and power and this is the reason you cannot be defeated. The Bible says “… as He is, so are we in this world” (1John 4:17) You were born again with His life, nature and character, so you’re not going to start experiencing victory in the sweet by and by, but here on earth.
In addition the bible say “but the path of the just is as ..
The Good News Bible version of the scripture above says, “the road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come.”
The message translation puts it this way: “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine” I like that! You need to understand that for the Christian, life isn’t supposed to be one “Ups and Downs”.
You’re not supposed to be well sometimes and sick sometimes, or have money today and broke next week, or be happy this minute and sad the next. We’ve been called to live an ever-winning life, where we’re on top and victorious everyday and in all situations.
When the Lord Jesus walked on this earth, He never had a “blue day” He dominated His environment and exercised mastery over the circumstances of life. He grew in influence, wisdom and favour with God and man. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”(Luke 2:52). He lived an ever-winning life. Now that you’re born again, God has given you that same life. Each day for you is greater, better and more fulfilling than the day before. Each month should be greater than the one before, and each years for you should be better than before. You should be able to look back at your life and plot an upward and forward graph over any length of time. This is the ever-winning life! This life knows no disadvantage and no failure. This is God’s dream for you and to walk in this path, you must first accept that God has given you this life irrespective of what your experience of life has been.
Tell yourself “I am living the ever-winning everyday in the name of Jesus!” That’s how to endorse it.
Culture your spirit with the word of God to think of victory, success and progress. As you renew your mind this way, you’ll discover that you’re making continual progress and advancement in life.
I don’t know if this life of victory has been your experience or not, but this is the truth you ought to be living in. As far as God is concerned, there is nothing in this world that is capable of defeating you, because “greater is he that is in you, than he that in the world (1John 4:4).