Philippians 3-5.24.22

Scripture

Philippians 3:12-16

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Observation

In the beginning of chapter 3, Paul talks about how he is willing to give up everything in his pursuit of knowing Christ. “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” In verses 12-16, he acknowledges that he isn’t there yet, but he is willing to spend the rest of his life pursuing that goal.

Understanding

Paul is the ultimate example of a Christ follower and he encourages us to follow his example. He doesn’t say, “Look at me - I’ve arrived,” and rest on his many laurels. He says, “I must continue daily to press on to what God has called me to.” He uses the words straining and pressing on to win the prize. He means he is going to continue to put in the work.

Life Application

I too want to know Christ fully. I don’t want my zeal to only surface after a time of great worship or a strong sermon. I want to start each day, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what He has called me to. And that means daily disciplines of prayer, self-examination, reading scripture, and asking for His guidance. I want to know Him.

-Debbie Dunn