Straining Toward the Goal

Philippians 3:14

English Standard Version Chapter 3

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Introduction:

Paul was in the prision: In what situation was he is important? Phil. 1:27 (the apostle does not know if he will live or die).

A letter of friendship and also a Farewell letter.

Writing to Christians in Philippi. Why did he write?

In ancient times a responsible leader who knew he might leave his post would stitch stability to his followers where tears might occur due to his departure. (Deut. 31-34; Joshua 23-24; John 13-17; Acts 20).

Emotional letter for gathered community and family leaders....(Ex: Gen. 27: 1, 2, 28, 29 (1-35).

bond of relationship were reiterated

pointed prayer might be offered

the need for humble other centered thinking was expounded

the prospect of a social tear was announced.

emotions were managed.

love and unity for the community’s future were urged

successors were anointed. (Timothy->2:19-24)

a drastic warning against false teachers might be issued.

often urging towards moral virtue

people were directed to hope in the Lord.

As a responsible leader, Paul weaves exactly the same elements into Philippians.

JOY is the major theme.

Usual perception about Roman prisions:

Paul mentions about death many times in Philippians.

Why? Because everyone knows that people die in Roman prisons.

convicted criminals were kept in prison until they were sent as slaves to public works or to be gladiators - both of which equated to death.

alternatively the convict might be left to starve or else be executed.

Roman prison was not a place for remediation or punishment (as with modern prison), but a place to hold someone awaiting death or another judicial decision.

so, death was a common and realistic outcome to imprisonment.

BUT, the prisoners were allowed to receive sustenance from others. This was their lifeblood (2 Tim. 4:9-11), this explains why Philippians sent Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:30)

Phil. 3:12-14

V.13- But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. ( A METAPHORICAL use of words).

Metaphor: A direct comparision

Talk about Chariot race:

commonly 4 horses

counterclockwise direction.

long posts (metae), left side -> the two outside horses were important.

the middle two horses were tied loose to control the speed and accuracy.

slight mistake would crash into the post or over turn the chariot.

V. 13-14 describes the charioteer, intent on the race, his eyes fixed on the front, not daring to look behind lest the slightest pressure on the reins (wrapped around his body)

V.14- the goal for the prize.....V.10 -> Paul declares that his goal is to “know Christ”, but he has not yet attained it (v.12).

He is explaining his readers in metaphorical language,

those who long to be like Christ faced danger in looking back

Past achievements and past failures are best forgotten in the interest of pressing on toward the objective.

there is much to do for Christ, and much to be achieved in the quest do be like Christ.

pulvinar - the presiding magistrate (our Lord Jesus) to recieved the prize.

Conclusion

Modern Christians

How is our spiritual journey?

Are we looking back in our journey and failing to serve one another?

Let us remember Christ. Till the end he fought..though he prayed in the garden of Gethsamene to remove the cup…his intention was different, yet he prayed that the FAther’s will be done.

Are we like looking for that end prize?