Toward the Goal

This passage deals with the turning point in the faith of the apostle Paul, when he boldly threw away his former legalistic pride and counted Christ alone as his boast. Paul regarded everything the world recognizes, including his education, his family background, and his Roman citizenship, as ‘refuse,’ and laid it all down for the gospel. This shows that salvation is not earned by works but given by grace, and that the Christian life is one of painting a picture of faith in response to that grace.

Through the examples of Rahab's scarlet cord and the salvation of Noah's family, the sermon explains that one person's right faith brings about the salvation of a whole household. Just as God chose special people and saved them out of a world guarded by Satan, believers too must overcome the darkness and answer the call of God, who loves souls. Paul preached the gospel even in hardship and persecution because he knew the torment of hell and because he had experienced the power of Christ's resurrection.

As those who have died and risen with Christ, believers must leave the body of sin behind and live holy lives. The sermon helps us see that the mission of believers is to become the light of the world and lead souls trapped in darkness. Believers must run toward the goal, the finish line, without looking back, and through this they receive the wisdom and understanding of the Holy Spirit. The sermon sets out that when believers run with their focus on God's call and the salvation of souls rather than on their own comfort, God will commend them.