Pressing Toward the Goal

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts eager to know You more deeply and to grow in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Word, which guides and shapes us. As we look into this passage today, open our eyes to see the areas in our lives where we need to press forward in faith. Help us to leave behind anything that hinders us and to strain toward the goal You have set before us. May Your Spirit give us the strength, focus, and endurance we need to run this race well. Let this time be one of renewal, clarity, and purpose as we commit ourselves to follow You wholeheartedly.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:12-16

Introduction: As we dive into Philippians 3:12-16, we find Paul providing a glimpse into his journey with Christ.

This passage is a call to every believer to keep pressing forward, rooted in a desire to know Christ deeply.

Paul illustrates the Christian’s spiritual journey using the analogy of a runner. Though the believer has not yet reached the goal of full Christlikeness, he must continually strive toward it, much like a runner pressing forward in a race. This goal of becoming like Christ is a call for every believer, as seen in passages like Romans 8:29, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, and 1 John 3:2.

Philippians 3:12–16 ESV

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. 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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Verse 12: Recognizing Our Imperfection and Pressing On

“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.”

Paul begins by clearly stating, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect.” The “this” he refers to is his desire to “know [Christ] and the power of His resurrection, and [to] share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death” Philippians 3:10.

Paul acknowledges his spiritual journey is still a work in progress. Despite his accomplishments and his role as an apostle, he admits he has not yet reached the full goal of being like Christ.

Exegesis: Paul’s words are humble, reflecting a truth about spiritual maturity: it is a journey, not an endpoint.

The Greek word translated “press on” is dioko, often used for pursuit with intense effort, like a runner aiming for the finish line.

The Gr. word for “press on” was used of a sprinter, and refers to aggressive, energetic action. Paul pursued sanctification with all his might, straining every spiritual muscle to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24–27; 1 Tim. 6:12; Heb. 12:1).

For Paul, this pursuit is driven by the fact that “Christ Jesus has made [him] His own.”

lay hold … laid hold of me. “Lay hold” means “to make one’s own possession.” Christ chose Paul for the ultimate purpose of conforming Paul to His glorious image (Rom. 8:29), and that is the very goal Paul pursued to attain.

Application: For us, this means that true spiritual growth begins with acknowledging our need for Jesus. We are not perfect, and we don’t have all the answers. Instead, we “press on,” trusting that our pursuit of Christ is rooted in His pursuit of us.

Verse 13: Forgetting What Lies Behind and Straining Forward

“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.”

Paul emphasizes here, “one thing I do.” It’s a singular focus. This “one thing” includes both “forgetting what lies behind” and “straining forward.”

Paul’s language reveals an intentional effort: he is choosing to let go of past failures and achievements that could distract him from moving forward in his walk with Christ.

Exegesis: The Greek word for “forgetting” (epilanthanomai) doesn’t mean a complete mental deletion but rather not letting the past weigh on his present pursuit. The image here is one of an athlete running a race, casting aside every hindrance.

Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Isaiah 43:18–19 (NKJV)

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,

God tells Israel, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Just as Israel was called to leave past sins behind, we too are encouraged to focus on the new work God is doing in our lives

Now back to Phil 3.13 - The phrase “straining forward” (from epekteinomai) has the thought and idea of stretching with every muscle toward the finish line, reflecting the intentional effort of pushing toward a goal.

Application: We are called to leave behind the weight of past sins, failures, and even accomplishments. Focusing too much on past success can make us complacent, while past mistakes can create shame. Paul shows us that neither should hold us back from the future God has for us. We are to press forward with intentionality.

Verse 14: Pressing Toward the Goal for the Prize

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Here, Paul identifies his ultimate aim: the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” This upward call is the promise of eternal life and complete Christlikeness, which Paul eagerly anticipates. For Paul, knowing Christ and being fully conformed to His image was his life’s purpose and prize.

Exegesis: The term “goal” (Greek: skopos) can refer to a target or objective. In Paul’s context, the “goal” is the high calling of growing into complete union with Christ. The “prize” is often seen as eternal life or the ultimate glorification believers will experience in God’s presence (Romans 8:30). Paul is not working to earn salvation; rather, he presses on because he has already been saved and seeks to fully live out the implications of this transformation.

Cross-Reference:

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – Paul compares the Christian life to a race where only one receives the prize. Here, the “imperishable wreath” signifies the eternal reward that awaits believers.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 – As Paul nears the end of his life, he reflects on having “fought the good fight” and is confident in receiving a “crown of righteousness.” This crown represents the fulfillment of his lifelong pursuit of Christ.

Application: We, too, are called to press toward this prize, to live with an eternal perspective that fuels our present actions. Rather than being driven by temporary goals, let us fix our eyes on the ultimate reward, a life fully conformed to Christ’s likeness.

Verses 15-16: Living in Maturity and Consistency

“Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”

Paul concludes this section by addressing those who are mature in the faith. He acknowledges that not everyone may fully understand the call to let go of the past and press on toward Christ, but he trusts that God will reveal this truth to them in time. He then calls for consistency: “let us hold true to what we have attained.”

Exegesis: Paul’s statement “those of us who are mature” is an appeal to believers who are growing in spiritual understanding. The Greek word for “mature” (teleios) can mean “complete” or “full-grown,” but in this context, it points to those who grasp the importance of pressing forward in Christ. “Holding true” suggests a commitment to live in line with what one has already learned or experienced in their faith.

Cross-Reference:

Galatians 5:25 – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Paul encourages believers to walk in accordance with the Spirit, maintaining consistency.

2 Peter 3:18 – “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Growth in grace and knowledge indicates that maturity is an ongoing process for believers.

Application: Paul encourages us to live in line with the spiritual progress we’ve made, reminding us to remain faithful to what we’ve learned in our journey. Spiritual maturity is not about achieving perfection but maintaining a steady commitment to growing in Christ and being open to His correction.

Conclusion:

In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul gives us a vivid picture of what it means to pursue Christ relentlessly. His words challenge us to:

Humbly Acknowledge Our Need for Growth – Like Paul, we are not yet perfect, and there is always more to learn about Christ.

Let Go of the Past – Don’t allow past successes or failures to hinder you from moving forward in your faith.

Keep Pressing Toward the Goal – Stay focused on the ultimate prize: being with Christ and being like Him.

Live in Consistency and Maturity – Hold true to the progress you’ve made, and continue growing in grace.

Paul’s example encourages us to see the Christian life as a journey of constant growth, with our eyes set on Jesus. As we press on, may we do so with the knowledge that Christ has already made us His own, and it’s by His strength and for His glory that we continue pressing toward the goal.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

We thank You for the call to pursue You and for the promise of Your presence along the way. As we go forth from this time, give us courage to leave behind any past weight that holds us back and strength to press on toward the prize of Your calling. Remind us daily that we are not running this race alone but that You are with us, guiding and sustaining us. May our lives reflect Your light as we grow in maturity, pressing onward in the power of Your Spirit. Keep our hearts focused on You, and help us to live in a way that glorifies Your name.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.