Pressing on Toward the Goal

There are portions in Paul’s writings that talk about being
more like the Lord Jesus.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already
arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus
took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have
taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining
toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1
Thessalonians 4:3).

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s
glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which
comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“I am using an example from everyday life because of your
human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity
and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to
righteousness leading to holiness” (Romans 6:19).

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let
us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,
perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

It is not enough to be satisfied with our justification. We
should want to increasingly be transformed into His image.

This post coordinates with today’s reading in the To
the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan,
please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.