Caught by Christ

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Philippians 3:12-14 (KJV)

12. 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.
13. 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.
14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

1. He is not saying that he doesn't know if he is saved.
   There are some who say "I count myself not to have apprehended" is a statement of doubt regarding Paul's salvation. This is absolutely ludicrous. Throughout his letters Paul abounds with certainty regarding his salvation (cf. II Tim. 1:12; Rom. 8:38-39; Phil. 1:6).
2. He is not saying that he has yet to apprehend the resurrection.
   Some say "I count myself not to have apprehended" refers to his statement in verse 11 on the resurrection, but if that is true, what Paul says is silly -- it's obvious to all he's not dead.

1. I have yet to apprehend "that for which I was apprehended by Christ."
   Paul says that Christ caught him. The word "apprehend" means "to catch, or to grasp."
   We are often fond of saying "I found Christ," but the Scripture teaches "Christ caught me."
   1. Christ sought me --- as a shepherd would seek out and find his lost sheep, so Christ sought me and caught me. "Ye did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).
   2. Christ saved me --- it is a work that He did, from beginning to end. He lived for me, He died for me, He sent the Spirit to me, He apprehended me for Himself.
      "Salvation is of the Lord" as the prophet of old said.
   Why did He do this? Why did He apprehend me? Answer: "That I might know Him" (v.10).
2. I have yet to apprehend "this high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
   In other words, I do not know fully and intimately the Lord Jesus Christ. My relationship with Him is not perfect. Oh yes I'm saved! Oh yes my sins are forgiven! But I have not come to the place where I can say I have fully arrived in my relationship with Christ. (I.e. "I can't say I am without sin, always enjoy fellowship with Christ, etc. . .).
   1. Those who say they have arrived (Christian perfectionism) are deceived.
      1. They either don't know themselves that well, or
      2. They have lowered the standard.
   2. Those who say they haven't arrived are honest.
      There's something refreshing about one who can be transparent about his struggles.
3. I have yet to apprehend "but this one thing I do."
   The Apostle Paul understand he hasn't "arrived" in the Christian life, but he doesn't quit! He says, this one thing I do, but lists three things. Why? Because all three are a whole! You can't do one without doing the other two. The goal is a closer relationship with Christ.
   1. Forgetting that which is past . . . both the successes and the failures.
   2. Looking forward to the future . . . and God's mercies, which are new every day.
   3. I press toward the mark . . . knowing Christ. Press means "to fight with all I have."
      I continually fight self-confidence and struggle to place all my confidence in Christ.