Reaching the Goal

We should all strive to reach the goal before us. Some will reach it and unfortunately some will not. What is that goal, Eternal life.

Acts 26:1-16

26:1-2 God allowed Paul to answer for his actions. Agrippa was appointed by the Romans and well versed in the customs of the Jews.

26:3-5 Paul was highly educated and followed after the Pharisees sect with great zeal. The Sadducees believed not in life after death but the Pharisees did, this is one of the reasons why he was arrested. In order to reach the goal of eternal life there must be a resurrection of the soul.

26:6-7 instantly G 1722; intensity. Paul was accused by the Sadducees for believing in this hope. What is that promise Paul speaks of?

26:8 incredible G 571; disbelieving (without Christian faith). Why should it be a strange thing to believe in life after death.

26:9 Paul was very wrong in the things he did for his religion before being struck down. Paul was just as zealous for Christians as he was against them.

26:10 voice G 5586; a pebble used for voting. Paul is admitting the sins he committed against Christians.

26:11 Many horrible things are committed today in the name of religion! Those who choose to follow after the traditions of man rather than the simplicity of God’s word will have a difficult time achieving eternal life.

26:12 The chief priests under the Roman rule gave authority to persecute Christians in the name of religion.

26:13-14 the prick is the center point of the compass utilized to draw a perfect circle. If you kick against the prick, you attempt to knock the very circle out of line. Paul was fighting against the plan of God and it had to be stopped. They all knew Jesus was crucified and now is speaking to Paul. How is that possible?  Jesus rose again after the crucifixion.

26:15-16 Paul had a purpose and it was to testify of His resurrection and the good news. We too can resurrect into eternal life if we follow after Jesus.

Philippians 2:1-13

2:1-2 consolation G 2874; comfort. Bowels G 4698; inward affection. We are all a part of the many membered body of Christ which makes up the church.

2:3 vainglory G 2754; self-conceit. God gives gifts to the body for a purpose. Don’t ever be jealous or envious of what others may have. Utilize the gifts God has given you!

2:4 We must put others first. We must all strive together for the end prize of eternal life.

2:5-7 The King of kings and Lord of lords took upon Him the form of a servant for us. We must be the same way.

2:8 Jesus died a criminal’s death for us, so that we can achieve eternal life.

2:9-11 every knee shall bow and tongue confess on the first day of the millennium that Jesus Christ is Lord.

2:12-13 We should strive to attain this goal as well. Be pleasing to God all the time. This is the only way we can receive His blessings. Please God over man!

Ephesians 4:1-16

4:1-2 vocation G 2821; calling. We all face troubles in this world. Be patient and tolerant to others and willing to give a lending hand. Christ (our example) suffered many things but always kept the focus on others, this is how we should try and be.

4:3 be a peace maker and not a trouble maker!

4:4-6 The Holy Spirit dwells within us, if you will allow it. This is how it is!

4:7 Each member of the body of Christ receives what they are able to handle. All are important for the edifying and nourishing of the body!

4:8 (compare: Psalm 68:18).  Jesus resurrected and we can all look forward to the same if we follow after Him.

4:9-10 Immediately after the death of Christ He went to those who had passed away under the law (compare: 1Peter 3:19). He preached the good news and many were saved.

4:11-12 we must all work together for the goal that lies ahead.

4:13-14 perfect G 5046; complete. Stature G 2244; maturity. None of us are perfect but it is our duty to mature in our faith. When we mature as Christians we don’t have to worry about being deceived.

4:15-16 it takes the whole body to bring forth the message of peace and understanding th help reach the goal.

Hebrews 1:10-14

1:10-11 the ages will perish but God will remain forever!

1:12-14 the heirs of salvation are those that reach the goal. We should all strive to hear the words from God, “well done thou good and faithful servant”.