DAILY TEXT, From today Friday September 10, 2021, I continue towards the goal (Philip. 3:14).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday, September 10, 2021

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021

Friday, September 10, 2021

I press on towards the goal (Philip. 3:14).

The Apostle Paul reminded the Philippian Christians to keep running with endurance. The congregation in that city suffered stiff opposition from its inception. It all began around the year 50, when Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi after receiving God's invitation to go to Macedonia (Acts 16: 9). There they found a woman named Lidia, who listened to them. Jehovah opened her heart to pay attention to the good news. - Acts 16:14. Soon after, she and everyone who lived in her home was baptized. However, the Devil did not sit idly by. Men from the city dragged Pablo and Silas before the civil magistrates and falsely accused them of causing disturbances. As a result, they beat Paul and Silas, imprisoned them, and asked them to leave the city (Acts 16: 16-40). They gave up? Never. And the brothers of that newly formed congregation? Their reaction was admirable, as they also endured. They were certainly encouraged by the good example Paul and Silas set. w19.08 2 paras. 1, 2

What did Paul know he had to do to reach the goal?

Pablo was convinced that he would finish the race and reach the goal. As an anointed Christian, he expected to receive the award of the heavenly call. But he knew he had to keep going to get it (Philippians 3:14). To help the Philippians keep track of the goal, he gave them an interesting comparison.

How did Paul use the theme of citizenship to encourage the Philippians to move on?

The apostle reminded the Philippians that they had their citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Why was it important that they not forget it? In those days, Roman citizenship was highly valued. * However, anointed Christians had a much better citizenship, allowing them to enjoy greater benefits. By comparison, Roman citizenship had little value. So Paul encouraged the Philippians with these words: "Conduct yourselves as citizens in a way worthy of the good news about the Christ" (Philippians 1:27, note). Today, anointed Christians are a magnificent example, as they press forward to achieve the goal of eternal life in heaven.

According to Philippians 4: 6, 7, what should we continue to do whether we hope to live in heaven or hope to live on earth?

We must move forward to reach the goal, whether it is to live forever in heaven or in a Paradise on Earth. No matter what our circumstances are, let's not look back or let anything stop us from progressing (Phil. 3:16). It may seem that our expectations are slow to be met or we may not have the strength we had before. We may have endured hardship and persecution for many years. Be that as it may, let us not worry about anything, but let us make our prayers and requests known to God. He will give us a peace we cannot even imagine (read Philippians 4: 6, 7).

What are we going to analyze in the next article?

Like a runner struggling to reach the finish line, let's focus entirely on the goal of finishing the race for life. As our strength and circumstances allow, let us continue to progress and do our best to achieve the wonderful things to come. What must we do to move forward in the right direction and at a pace that we can maintain? The following article will help us set proper priorities and ensure “the things that matter most” (Philippians 1: 9, 10).

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