The Highest Calling

January 27, 2013

Lesson: Philippians 3:12–17

Key Verse: Philippians 3:14

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Introduction

Paul’s testimony directs our eyes, our very lives, to heaven: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). Christ Jesus gives his disciples this promise: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him (God the Father) that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). John Calvin understood this road which we travel: “Although Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shining upon us through the gospel, has, as Paul declares, after conquering death, given us the light of life; and hence on believing we are said to have passed from “death unto life,” being no longer strangers and pilgrims, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, who has made us sit with his only begotten Son in heavenly places, so that nothing is wanting to our complete felicity.” We who are in Christ are not wanting for happiness, even in persecution: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14).

It is God who has reached down to pluck us out of darkness into His wonderful light. It is the living Lord who has redeemed us from our sins that we might have a place in the presence of God. It is our Good Shepherd who walks with us through the dark valleys. It is the Spirit of God who comforts and teaches us as He abides with us daily. It is by the grace and goodwill of the Triune God that we are place upon a rock. We are the fruit of the tender mercies of Him who loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Our testimony is that of King David: “For thou wilt light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through (a marauding army); and by my God I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all those who trust in him. For whom is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God” (Psa. 18:28–31). Christ is our light, our well-being, victory and happiness. He is our lamp, our instruction, our guide and counselor. Matthew Henry wrote, “Thou wilt light my candle to work by, and give me an opportunity of serving thee and the interests of thy kingdom among men.”

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Press On Toward the Goal—Philippians 3:12–14

In his commentary, William Hendriksen tells us about the Greek stadium with “its course for foot-races and tiers of seats for the spectators.” The contestants stood at their assigned places on a stone threshold. With their bodies bent forward, they waited for the signal to start, which was the letting down of a cord which had been stretched before them. They leapt forward at the drop of the cord. The question is asked, “Will this contestant succeed?” The answer is, “Much will depend on his frame of mind.” So with Paul, or any Christian who runs pilgrims’ race; if our attitude is, since we are saved, we don’t have to be so careful, or do very much, then we are not geared up to run the race, or walk the Christian life. Yes, we will have the victory in Christ. Yes, the Shepherd holds us in His hands and will never let us go. However, our state of mind is that we have not reached the goal. We must, therefore, live as those who are pressing on toward that goal. Paul tells us that he had not “already attained,” nor was he “already perfect.” He writes: “I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Christ had taken a firm hold on Paul. Now he would press on toward that for which he was held. We show our willingness to run that race saying, with Paul, “I count myself not to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We have received forgiveness of sins and resurrection of life in being called by the Father in Christ Jesus. We look forward to seeing Him face to face. Along the way we are perfected, we receive the prize of our high calling as we grow in the grace we received. We rejoice in the fellowship of believers, in the love we have for one another, for the comfort we can give by the comfort given to us by Christ. We joy in tribulation that the name of Christ be glorified. We serve Christ in the preaching of His glorious Gospel that out of every nation and tongue people will come to know Him as Lord and Savior.

Discussion: What does it mean to press on toward the goal in Christ?

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Walk Toward Maturity—Philippians 3:15–17

Our maturity in Christ progresses as we run that race. We walk in Christ in this life, one with each other. “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded; and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” We are being perfected or made mature in Christ Jesus. Moral perfection is our goal. We are being sanctified in Christ Jesus to bear the image of our Creator. Sanctification is “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness” (Shorter Catechism). Through His written Word, the Spirit of God will teach us, admonishing us in the truth that we might know that righteousness which will grant us spiritual maturity.

“Nevertheless,” writes Paul, in those thing we have already attained, “let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” In those truths which we have been taught and find much agreement, let us walk heartily, giving glory to our Father in heaven, thereby edifying the Body of Christ. In those things which we find some disagreement, let us be patient with one another, looking to Christ, together, that we might learn of Him. Paul encourages the church at Philippi to be followers together of him, “and mark them which walk so as ye have us an ensample.” An ensample is a model and living parable. Likewise, Paul and others who are faithful in the Word of God are to be seen as prototypes or models of what it means to belong to Christ. Christ is our perfect example. Paul’s example is only that of Christ in him. Our example to others must radiate Christ and not ourselves. Be careful who you mark as examples in your life.

Our fellowship is not with the wicked but with Christ. We are to “look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). We set our eyes upon Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is He who will provide us with a new resurrected body, which will bear the glory of His resurrected body (Phil. 3:21). He will also give us victory in this life. For all things, those of the wicked and the righteous are under His supreme rule. By His authority all things will work together for His glory and the good of His people.

Discussion: What does it mean to grow in maturity in Christ?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2013 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.