In what ways can we "take hold of that for which Christ took hold"? The Verse in View “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12) Christ’s Purpose in Grasping Us - Rescue from sin’s penalty: “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) - Conformation to His likeness: “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29) - Deployment into good works: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) - Eternal fellowship with Himself: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) What “Take Hold” Means for Us - Cling to saving faith and persevere in it (1 Timothy 6:12). - Actively pursue spiritual maturity, not settle for initial conversion (Hebrews 6:1). - Seize the privileges of sonship—access to God’s presence, inheritance, authority (Romans 8:15–17). - Embrace Christ’s mission as our own, living as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Running the Race Daily • Focus on the goal: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) • Fix eyes on Jesus: “Let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2) • Forget what hinders: past failures, successes, and distractions (Philippians 3:13) • Rely on His strength: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Practical Ways to Take Hold 1. Daily Scripture intake and meditation (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8) 2. Quick obedience to revealed truth (John 14:15) 3. Steady prayer and unbroken communion (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 4. Active fellowship and mutual accountability in the body (Hebrews 10:24–25) 5. Service shaped by spiritual gifts and good works (1 Peter 4:10) 6. Witness to the lost with words and life (Acts 1:8) 7. Discipline the mind, replacing lies with truth (2 Corinthians 10:5) 8. Cultivate holiness, turning from sin immediately (1 Peter 1:15–16) 9. Practice gratitude and worship, fueling joy (Colossians 3:15–17) 10. Keep short accounts through regular confession (1 John 1:9) Encouragement from Related Scriptures - “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) - “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10) - “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence with great joy.” (Jude 24) Conclusion: Pressing On Until He Comes Taking hold of that for which Christ took hold of us means vigorously pursuing the full measure of salvation’s purpose: likeness to Christ, partnership in His work, and everlasting fellowship with Him. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, discarding hindrances, and engaging daily in faith-driven obedience, we lay hold of the very reason He first laid hold of us—until the day we see Him and the race is finished. |
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