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Paul: The First Theologian

How to never sin again

12/27/2016

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       In the race of life Paul, runs directly toward the finish line. He knows why he is here and where he is going. In Philippians 3.14 he identifies that goal line as ”the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The metaphor pictures life as a foot race in which the winner is called up to the judge’s stand to receive a trophy.  In the race of life the winner is called up to heaven for a heavenly reward.
       Against this background Paul encourages the believers at Philippi to adopt a winner’s attitude in their own race of life. He is saying that this intense desire to live for a goal that is yet future is what it means to be a mature Christian. And then in the middle of v.15 he adds the highly significant point, “and if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you” (NIV). This means that if, in your Christian walk, you are diverted somehow from the right goal, God will call it to your attention.
       This basic truth has relevance for every part of life. During my years of teaching in a Christian college I remember that a major question for so many students was what was the will of God for their life. What profession has God in mind for me? Has He chosen this girl, or that girl, to be my wife?  I used to tell students that Philippians 3:15 guarantees that the committed Christian can not make a mistake in those decisions because, as the text says – “God will make this clear to you” (TEV). What a great privilege for life! If you have adopted a Christian world-view you simply can’t go wrong. He won’t let you.
       So one of great benefits of a mature Christian life is that you never need to question whether something could be out of God’s will for you because if it is, he’ll warn you about it ahead of time. Looking back I have to confess the mistakes I did make were not accidental but because I intentionally did/said what He said I shouldn’t. It’s wonderful to have a friend who will always warn you in every situation whether a proposed act is right or wrong. All we have to do is pay attention and follow his warning. This allows you to consider anything you want to because if it is against his will he has promised to tell you. If you are surrendered to God you never have to sin again!
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    Author

    Robert Mounce
    President emeritus
    Whitworth University

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  • Paul
  • David
  • Peter
  • John
  • INDICES
  • Psalm 118