Going All-Out

Aim: To earnestly hunger and thirst for Christ.

Doctrine: Maturing believers are fiercely intent on being ever-nearer to Christ. This zeal takes place in the context of the ''already, and not yet;'' our goal (Christ) is a sure and real hope.

Exegesis: Three necessary attitudes for going all-out: recognize that there is more love for Christ to attain to (v. 12); be ardently single-minded, consumed with the goal (Jesus) (vv. 13-14); accept that this spirit is expected of all Christians (vv. 15-16).

Further application: How to desire to go all-out: first, consider the meaning of life carefully; then, based on this, choose to seek Christ wholeheartedly.

Key verse: v. 12 ''Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.''