Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Summary: Paul challenges us to ponder what it means to know Jesus.
Oddly, Paul has just told us all the things he has not yet obtained (vs. 12). Yet, in this passage, he points to things “we” have already attained.
What are these things?
Well, for one thing, he knows the Lord Jesus! (v. 1) Also, he knows enough to reject putting any confidence in the flesh (v. 3). In addition, he has “the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” (v. 9). Finally, he recognizes that he serves God by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 3).
We could, perhaps, list more “things” he has already attained, but for the sake of discussion, let’s discuss these four. The next question is “How do we live up to what we have already attained?”
To “live up to” something is to meet a certain standard. Sometimes it is easier to see the opposite of what we are looking for, so let’s imagine not living up to these four things. What does that look like?
To begin with, who has known the Lord Jesus and responded, “Ho Hum”? Truly knowing the Lord is a life-changing experience. To live up to knowing Jesus is to always remember who he is. To not live up to knowing Jesus is to not care.
What about not putting confidence in the flesh? To live up to that standard is to trust Jesus more than anything. To not live up to it is to not trust Jesus and instead trust your own “instincts.”
The third thing in the list is Paul’s awareness that his righteousness comes from God through faith. To live up to this standard is to always trust Christ’s righteousness. To fail here is to falter. Instead of trusting Christ’s righteousness, we fall back on trusting in what we can do on our own.
Lastly, Paul reminds us of Christ’s promise to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). To have the Holy Spirit is to be in the presence of God himself. To serve God by his Spirit is to listen and obey. To not live up to this gift from God is to ignore the Spirit’s leading.
To live up to what God has given us is not that complicated. We just have to remember that Jesus is God and we are not.
Application: Serve God in obedience and faith.
Food for Thought: If you were to make a list of what we have already attained, what would be on it?
If you were to make a list of what we have already attained, what would be on it?
I have become holy in the eyes of God. 1 Corinthians 6:11
Jesus Christ is in my heart. Galatians 2:20
My salvation is secure. Philippians 1:6
I have been given Eternal life. Acts 16:31
My status as a child of God. John 1:12
I have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7
I now have freedom & Power over sin in my life. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have peace of God, peace with God. Philippians 4:7
I have access to God. Ephesians 2:19
I have life in the absence of fear. Psalm 34:4, Philippians 4:6-7
All of these things have been given to me the moment I turned from existing as a self centered being, to life as a new creation, a Christ centered child of God.
My purpose in life now, is to focus on rejecting my old ways, the habits of my flesh before receiving Jesus Christ and my life displays the powers of life received from God.
Thank you, Ron!
As I read through your list, the one that jumped out at me was the Peace of God.
Of all the things we attain in God in this life, his Peace, for me, has been one of the most tangible.
If you were to make a list of what we have already attained, what would be on it?
We have attained salvation through Christ; we do not look to ourselves or our works to justify us, our justification is by Christ’s sacrifice, and our faith in Him is counted as righteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
We have attained the confidence to pray and commune with God through Christ, and to receive His grace and mercy as we are transformed into His likeness.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We have attained contentment in life; whatever we may face only serves to bring us closer to Him. Through Him, through submission to Him, our weakness demonstrates His power to redeem our lives.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
We have attained purpose through Him. We have been attained truth and by truth, we can turn from sin. We have attained hope, and in hope, we are able to do His good work in His name.
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Thank you, Chris.
Those are all excellent points. I love how God’s presence in our lives gives us purpose and meaning.
Good comments and verses today as usual R2T2 and CH.
Agreed! 🙂