Holy Not Perfect

Philippians 3:12–14 KJV 1900

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Luke 5:1–11“And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Luke 5:8–11 “When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

Recognize that you are not perfect Peter recognized that he was imperfect and declared his imperfection to the Lord. The problem with many children of God, is we believe we have to be perfect to be saved. Jesus did not die for perfect people, He died for sinners.

Develop Relationship with Christ Even in your sinful state, God sees your value and your worth and has defined a purpose. Paul states I’m following after Him so I can grab a hold of Him.

When He grabbed Peter, He told him, follow Me and you will fish for men! Walking in relationship with Christ means you walk in purpose. You still have issues. You still have problems. You still have sin but everyday is a step closer to what God wants you to be in Him!

Walk in Restoration by leaving your past in the past Many times, we do not walk in purpose because we keep looking back at our past. Peter told Jesus to depart from him because he looked at his past and said I cannot compare. But Jesus looks at our future and says I’m not worried about what you did, I know where I can take you. All you have to do is follow.

Holiness means to be set apart. As a child of God, you have been set apart for God’s purpose. When Jesus called Peter, He set him apart with the command to follow Him. Jesus is calling everyone to holiness! 1 Peter 1:16 says be ye holy, for I am holy.

Redirect your focus and press toward the goal. Now is the time for the child of God to press on toward the mark. But the wording is unusual here because usually when you press, you press against something not toward something. To press against something means there is resistance but if you are pressing toward something, there is no resistance. The goal God has for the child of God is only limited by the lack of you pressing forward. When you press in God’s direction, you move in accordance to His will and you are able to achieve the purposes He has set for you.