FORWARD LIVING

December, 2014

“…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph 3:19 ESV)

The Apostle Paul’s greatest desire was to always move forward in the knowledge and blessing of God. But some Bible teachers instruct there is no need to hunger and thirst after God; the new Christian is now complete in Christ therefore they should relax and be glad that there is nothing more they will ever need.

With great desire Paul wrote: “That I may gain [win] Christ” (Phil 3:8)—and yet he already had Christ. With certain longing he said: “[That I may] be found in him” (3:9)—and yet he was already in Him!

Paul humbly and intensely breathed his great desire: “That I may know Him” (3:10)—even though he already knew Him.”

Because he had no desire to stand still, Paul testified, “I follow after; I press toward the mark. I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own!” (3:12)

It is very plain that the apostle had no other desire than to be completely available to God. As we come to a close of yet another year may we continually choose to “live the life” unto God, availing ourselves unto Him-consistently moving forward!

In His service,

Keith L. Bagwell