The Race - Philippians 3:12-16

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. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 3:12–16.

• Paul has not attained perfection but presses forward because Christ Jesus has first taken hold of him.
• The Christian race requires leaving confidence in past achievements and failures behind while pursuing deeper knowledge of Christ.
• Maturity does not mean arrival; mature believers recognize their need to keep running by grace with their whole lives oriented toward the goal.
• The prize is Christ himself and the final resurrection life in which believers fully enjoy God, making costly perseverance worthwhile.

• Am I resting on religious achievements or despairing over failures instead of looking to Christ?
• What must be left behind so I can run faithfully in the calling before me?
• Does my use of time show that knowing Christ is the governing goal of my life?
• How does the promised resurrection strengthen endurance in present struggle?

Pressing on

Persistent pursuit of Christ and holiness because Christ has already claimed the believer.

Christian maturity

Humble recognition that growth continues and perfection has not yet been attained.

Prize

The upward call fulfilled in knowing Christ, resurrection, and everlasting enjoyment of God.