Focus, Focus, Focus

Verses

Philippians 3:12–16 NIV

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.

Introduction

Today we are continuing our study of Philippians in the sermon series, “Good Posture for a Bad Place.” As you remember, Paul is writing to the community of believers in Philippi. Paul has not been there for several years, but he feels very close to this community of believers. Paul visited Philippi under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. As you remember, Paul is writing from Rome. While Paul is essentially on house arrest, he is in chains, literally chained to a soldier twenty-four hours a day.

In the verses today Paul outlines his three part plan on how to be a more complete Christian. I want to take a few minutes to look at how Paul conceptualizes this and look at how we can apply this to our lives.

Accept Where You Are

First, Paul is honest with himself about where he is in his faith journey.

In Verse 12 Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal.” Later, Paul says, “...I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.” Paul is often accused of being arrogant. I don’t think this is accurate. Instead, I think Paul is honest. Sometimes that honesty sounds arrogant. Sometimes that honesty might hurt your feelings. Regardless, you could count on Paul saying or writing what he genuinely believed to be true. In this case, Paul is being honest about where he sees himself in his faith walk. Keep in mind, Paul is writing this letter after being in ministry for thirty (30) years. He has become a prime mover and shaker of the early church. He has been involved in planting churches all across Asia Minor. Paul has had a dramatic encounter with Christ that few can compete with. Paul is at a point where most of us would be retiring and relaxing. Maybe giving interviews and speaking at conferences. Maybe we would be planning a book tour to promote our “How To” book about ministry. But Paul isn’t doing any of those things. Instead he is writing authoritatively to a community of believers but is confessing to them that he has not fully achieved what he has been called to or even what he should be as a Christian. In mental health, we say that the treatment plan is only as good as the initial assessment. In other words, if you don’t know what the situation really is, you can’t make an effective plan. Paul understand that he needs to be honest about where he is in his journey to be able to move forward.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 3:12–14

Though Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippian saints, he wanted them to know that he had not yet attained the goals stated in verse 10. He was still actively pressing on toward them. He had by no means reached the final stage of his sanctification.

Paul’s salvation experience had taken place about 30 years before he wrote to the Philippians. He had won many spiritual battles in that time. He had grown much in those years, but he candidly confessed he had not obtained all this, nor was he yet made perfect (v. 12). He still had more spiritual heights to climb.

Keep in mind, part of Paul’s purpose is to confront the false concept of legalism. The Judaizers would claim to have achieved the goal of righteousness through compliance with the law. Paul is refuting this fully. Righteousness is not a matter of checking off the right boxes. It is a matter of continuing refinement and growth.

Puts the Past in the Past

Paul writes, “...Forgetting what is behind ...” What is in the past that Paul is referencing? Perhaps he doesn’t want to be burdened by guilt or regret and he is putting his history of violence against the christian church behind him. Or maybe Paul feels shame or regret about his past history of sever legalism and reliance on self and works. But there is more to it then that. Paul is also putting behind him all his successes. Once again, Paul has been in ministry for thirty (30) years and has seen a great deal of success. Paul has experienced God’s power in amazing ways and has gained incredible insight regarding faith and the nature of Christ. Paul could rest on his laurels. But Paul understands that this is not the best course of action.

I don't like to look back, and I'm always worried about the next thing rather than resting on the laurels or the degradations of the last thing.

- Steve Martin

I am in no way comparing the Apostle Paul and Steve Martin, but I believe that quote captures the concept. Here is a more “spiritual” quote:

The importance of not resting on your laurels is also relevant in the spiritual realm. Basking in the glories of past spiritual victories can lead to spiritual defeat because our spiritual battles never stop. Relaxing when we have reached plateaus of spiritual growth can spell disaster because standing still will lead to spiritual atrophy. We must press on and never rest on our laurels in this life. The time for resting is in heaven when we finally hear the Savior say, "Well done."

- Dr. David Reid (Founder, Growing Christians Ministries)

Paul is not going to dwell in the past, good or bad. Paul is not going to say, “I had such a wonderful experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus that I really can just keep living in that moment.” Paul is not content with any moment or insight or achievement he has experienced. Instead, he is forgetting all about the past. It is meaningless now.

Press Forward

Paul writes, “...I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” later in our passage, Paul writes, “...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.”

Paul is using very strong language here. He uses the image of a sprinter running at full speed, leaning forward, straining for the finish line. This is the image of aggressive full-force effort that pulls from deep reservoirs of strength and energy. The terminology here is intense!

There are two important concepts in these verses, both related to this concept of pressing forward.

Context

First, Paul is very clear about the context of his efforts. He says that he is trying to “…take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus included a specific call to missionary efforts to the gentiles. Paul described it this way when being interrogated by King Agrippa:

Acts 26:12–18 The Message

“One day on my way to Damascus, armed as always with papers from the high priests authorizing my action, right in the middle of the day a blaze of light, light outshining the sun, poured out of the sky on me and my companions. Oh, King, it was so bright! We fell flat on our faces. Then I heard a voice in Hebrew: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me? Why do you insist on going against the grain?’ “I said, ‘Who are you, Master?’ “The voice answered, ‘I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I’ve hand-picked you to be a servant and witness to what’s happened today, and to what I am going to show you. “ ‘I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’

Paul understands that God has called him to a specific purpose and Paul clarifies that all of his efforts are within the context of that calling. Paul is not just putting forth all this effort based on his own plans. All of his efforts are based on God’s plans for Paul and his ministry.

Focus on the Goal

Secondly, Paul clarifies that all effort is focused toward a specific goal. Paul’s intense effort - this straining, lunging, sprinting forward - is purposeful.

Paul’s terminology indicates that the prize is fullness of knowledge of Christ or perfection in righteousness, which cannot be achieved until we are made complete in the resurrection. So we are to intensely focus on this goal that we will be in the continuous process of achieving throughout our lives.

This intense focus is something that Jesus himself did.

Luke 9:51 NIV

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Paul is calling us to be like Jesus.

Conclusion

Paul has given us a road map to follow. If we are honest about our spiritual state, look forward with a focus on the ultimate prize of completion in Christ, all within the context of God’s calling in our lives, then we will be successful. But this will require significant effort, drawing on deep reserves of strength and energy.

This quote from Dr. Jeanne Mayo is better then any conclusion I could write.

The Revival Study Bible Philippians

Do you yearn for personal revival? If you do, Paul reminds us here in Philippians that it only comes to those with such a focused obsession. God is never moved to respond to the mildly interested. But when your heart cries out to Him, “This one thing I do,” the Father heart of God leaps in rapid response. Your focused obsession allows you to partner with Christ as you “punish the enemy” and make him regret ever wanting to take you on!

May that be the path we all take.