Text: Philippians 3:13
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.
Paul, the Apostle, is telling us here what one thing he intends to do. Before we examine his goals I would first like to look at some other places in God’s Word where the writer has just “one thing” upon which he wants the reader to focus.
I. One Thing Desired
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. (Psalms 27:4 KJV)
The Psalmist’s desire was to…
A. Be God’s child (dwell in the Household of God)
B. Enjoy God’s blessing (behold God’s Beauty)
C. Meditate on God’s Word (inquire about the things of God when he goes into the temple)
II. One thing lacking
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (Mark 10:21 KJV)
This rich young ruler had come to Jesus wanting to know how to be saved. Jesus pointed him to the Ten Commandments. The man said He was already obeying the laws of God and had been doing so all his life. Then Jesus said, “you are lacking one thing.” He pointed out the fact that he loved his money more than God. In order to be a follower of Christ one must be willing to transfer ownership of all possessions to Jesus Christ. Everything I have must belong to Him. My time must be spent in ways that please him. My money must be used in ways that glorify God. I must not put my trust in money. Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a man who trusts in his riches to enter into Heaven. My family must be given to Christ. My abilities that God gave me must be given back to Him for His use and His glory. It matters not how religious you may be or how much money you may give to the church, if you have not given everything to God then like the rich young ruler, you still lack one thing—total commitment to Christ.
III. One thing needful
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42 KJV)
Jesus was visiting the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Martha was busy in the kitchen trying to get the meal ready. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to His teaching. Martha was overcome with the stress of preparing the meal and complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her. Jesus told Martha that though she was troubled by all the work that needed to be done, Mary had chosen the more important thing—setting aside time to be with Jesus. Jesus recognized that there was much work to be done, but He said, “One thing is needed and Mary is doing that one thing.” That one thing was to set aside time from the busy schedule to be with Jesus.
How relevant this is for us today. We think we are living in the busiest time in history, and maybe we are. But one thing is more important than any other part of our busy schedule—taking time out to be with Jesus.
IV. One thing known
He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. (John 9:25 KJV)
Jesus had just healed this man’s blindness. The jealous religious leaders were questioning him about all the details of his healing. They were trying to find ways to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing. The man finally told them that there were some things he did not know, but the one thing he knew was that once he was blind, now he can see.
It is important for us to study and learn as much as we can about the Bible. Some things will be easily understood while other things have been debated for years be learned scholars still trying to figure it out. While it is very important to have a correct understanding of Scripture, that is not all that we need. Each of us needs to have a personal knowledge of what Christ has done for us individually. Do you know that He has saved you? Do you know that whereas you were blinded by sin, now you see? Jesus wants to be more than a theory or a historical figure in your life. He wants to do something for you personally that will change your life forever.
V. One thing to do
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. (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV)
One thing to do—Reach the goal.
1. Release the successes and failures of the past into God’s hands.
2. Reach forward and grasp hold of God’s will for the future.
3. Keep pressing toward the eternal reward.
