This is How You Stand Firm

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he shares one thing he does: he forgets everything behind and focuses on what is ahead. That is good advice for all of us because the past often hinders us from going forward. Paul would say to you today: “Forget the past and let Jesus help you move forward!”

Paul encourages these young believers to place all their confidence in Christ rather than in their own strength. The Apostle did that once, believing he was faultless in his obedience to the law, and then he met Jesus. Here is his testimony:

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:7-11).

For Paul is Jesus; focusing on Jesus is his goal, and Christ is the prize Philippians 3:13-17). The Apostle encourages the believers in Philippi to follow his example and that of other mature Christians. Paul makes it clear that he does not consider himself a perfect example, but rather one who is truly committed to Christ.

At the same time, Paul warns these believers that there are enemies of Jesus living around us. They live for the moment because they only think about earthly things. We, however, are citizens of heaven and live in the anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ, who will one day come and transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:17-22).

Then Paul says, “that is how you should stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). With all our confidence in Christ—forgetting what is behind; grateful we know him and excited about his coming- we stand firm. This is what we look forward to and wait for. This is what keeps us going. This is what we get up to and start another day. 

Author of Crianza Responsiva:

https://www.amazon.com/Crianza-Responsiva-Principios-conectados-saludables-ebook/dp/B08FW8Q7D5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=crianza+responsiva&qid=1610663595&sr=8-1