June 23 2026

Tuesday June 23

"Pressing On" – Embracing Holy Determination

Philippians 3:12b

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we continue in Philippians 3:12. Yesterday we focused on Paul's honest confession: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected…” What a refreshing statement from one of the greatest Christians who ever lived! Paul was not satisfied with where he was spiritually because he knew there was still more of Christ to know, more of Christ to love, and more of Christ to become like. But Paul does not stop with holy dissatisfaction. He moves immediately to holy determination. Listen to the rest of verse 12: “But I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me”.

In other words, Paul says, "I haven't arrived, but I am pursuing. I haven't reached the finish line, but I am still running." There is a tremendous difference between being dissatisfied and being discouraged. Some people look at their spiritual weaknesses and simply give up. Paul looked at his weaknesses and became more determined than ever to keep growing. The phrase, “I press on,” is a strong word. It is the same word often translated "pursue" or even "follow after." Ironically, it was the same word Paul used earlier when he described how he once persecuted the church. Before his conversion, Paul pursued Christians with relentless zeal. Now he pursues Christ with that same passion and intensity. What a transformation! The energy that once opposed Christ now serves Christ.

This reminds us that Christianity is not passive. We are not called merely to sit and drift through life. We are called to pursue Christ. The writer of Hebrews said: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Notice that Paul did not say, “I am waiting around.” He said, “that I may lay hold”. The Christian life is often compared to a race. A runner does not reach the finish line accidentally. He runs intentionally. He trains. He disciplines himself. He keeps moving forward even when he is tired. Paul understood that spiritual growth requires effort. Not effort to earn salvation, but effort because we are saved. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul wrote: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” God works in us, and we cooperate with His work by pursuing Him wholeheartedly.

Then Paul gives the reason for his pursuit: “that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me...” The word “lay hold of” means to seize, grasp, to apprehend, or make one's own. Paul is saying, “I want to lay hold of the very purpose for which Christ laid hold of me.” Think back to the Damascus Road. Paul was traveling to persecute believers when suddenly the risen Christ stopped him in his tracks. Jesus literally seized Paul's life and changed his direction forever. Paul never forgot that day. He knew Christ had saved him for a purpose. He knew Christ had not rescued him merely to take him to heaven someday. Christ had a plan for his life here and now.

The same is true for every believer. God did not save us simply to forgive our sins. He saved us so that we might know Him, serve Him, glorify Him, and become like His Son. Romans 8:29 tells us: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God's goal for every Christian is Christlikeness. Paul knew he had not yet fully become what God intended him to be. Therefore, he kept pressing on. Imagine a sculptor working on a block of marble. Every strike of the chisel removes something unnecessary and reveals more of the intended masterpiece. God is doing that in our lives. Through His Word, through prayer, through trials, through service, and through daily obedience, He is shaping us into the likeness of Christ. The process is not always comfortable, but it is always purposeful.

Perhaps today you feel frustrated by your spiritual progress. Maybe you see habits that still need to change. Maybe you struggle with the same temptations you've battled for years.  Take encouragement from Paul. Even after decades of faithful service, he did not claim perfection. Instead, he kept pursuing Christ with greater passion. The question is not whether you have arrived. The question is whether you are still pressing on. Are you growing in your knowledge of God's Word? Are you becoming more like Christ? Are you pursuing Him more today than you were a year ago? The Christian who stops growing soon begins drifting. The Christian who keeps pursuing Christ continues experiencing His transforming power. Remember, the goal is not simply to know about Christ. The goal is to know Christ Himself. That was Paul's passion. That should be ours as well.

Today, ask yourself: Am I still pressing on? Am I actively pursuing the purpose for which Christ saved me? May we never become spiritually complacent. May we keep running the race until the day we see Jesus face to face.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for saving us and giving us a purpose for living. Forgive us for the times we become complacent or satisfied with spiritual mediocrity. Help us to press on in our walk with You. Give us a greater hunger for Your Word, a deeper love for Christ, and a stronger desire to become like Him. May we lay hold of the purpose for which You have laid hold of us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!