2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Isaiah 66:1-24 ESV, Philippians 3:4-21 ESV, Psalm 74:1-23 ESV, Proverbs 24:15-16 ESV
Daily Verse: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12 ESV)
TELEIOO (5048): “The main distinction between teleo (5055) and teleioo is that teleo more frequently signifies to fulfill, teleioo, more frequently, to make perfect.[1]
Make perfect.
Paul explains to the Philippians how Christ changed his life. When the apostle met Jesus on the road to Damascus, it made Paul want to know Christ even more. As a result, Paul’s life goals changed; he no longer persecuted Christ-followers; he became one instead.
Meeting Jesus and starting a relationship with him does change your life goals. Instead of pursuing the desires of the flesh, you begin to chase Godly desires. The more you experience Jesus, the more you want to know.
As Christ exposes the sin in your life, you understand that you can only overcome it with Jesus. Our imperfections will never become perfect unless we journey with Jesus.
Strive valiantly.
Paul also wants the Philippians to understand that he has a long way to go. Christ changed Paul’s life, exposed his sin, and now Paul’s striving valiantly to become more like Jesus.
God’s Son exemplifies perfection. As you get to know Christ through eyewitness testimonies recorded in scripture, you understand that Jesus always had the answer. Handling life’s situations never rattled Jesus; not when Lazarus died or when the rich young ruler rejected Him; Christ handled all things well.
Like Paul, wanting to know Jesus more means learning how to respond as Christ did. Instead of letting our negative human emotions rule our thoughts and actions, we can allow God’s peace to lead the way.
Only with Jesus can we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. No matter what we face, Christ faces it with us. In our imperfections, Jesus makes us perfect as we lean into Him.
Strive valiantly to become more like Jesus. We won’t reach perfection until God calls us home, but like Paul, we can try.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 248) Thomas Nelson
