Philippians 3:12-14 - Homilies By V. Hutton

The Christian race: conditions of victory.

1 . The recognition that we are not yet conquerors, and that every effort on our part is necessary if we would secure the prize.

2 . The knowledge that we are not running the race in our own strength, but that. we are seeking to seize upon a victory already designed for us. When we realize that Christ has grasped us we know that we are being upheld by him, and our confidence of final victory is no longer in ourselves, but in him.

3 . The faith that we are freed from our past sins by the atoning power of Christ. If we cannot feel assured of this we are for ever worrying about the things which are behind instead of forgetting them, and are thus powerless to look forward to the things that are before. Look forwards and upwards, rather than backwards, if you would succeed in life's race.

4 . Striving under such conditions we are more than conquerors through him who loves u s.—V.W.H.