-
Philippians 3:17-21
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH - Nov 09, 2022 -
Philippians 3:12-16
LIVE UP TO WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY ATTAINED - Nov 08, 2022 -
Philippians 3:1-11
A SURPASSING WORTH - Nov 07, 2022 -
Philippians 3:17-21
EAGERLY AWAITING CHRIST - Aug 24, 2020 -
Philippians 3:1-11
I WANT TO KNOW CHRIST - Aug 22, 2020 -
Philippians 3:17-21
OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN - Oct 29, 2016 -
Philippians 3:12-16
PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL - Oct 28, 2016 -
Philippians 3:1-11
CHRIST IS OUR CONFIDENCE - Oct 27, 2016 -
Philippians 3:1-9
THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF KNOWING CHRIST - Jan 01, 2000 -
Philippians 3:10-16
TO KNOW THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION - Jan 01, 2000 -
Philippians 3:17-21
OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN - Jan 01, 2000
PRESS ONWARD IN CHRIST
Key verse: 12
NIV
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,(A) but I press on to take hold(B) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.(C) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind(D) and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on(E) toward the goal to win the prize(F) for which God has called(G) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Following Paul’s Example
15 All of us, then, who are mature(H) should take such a view of things.(I) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.(J) 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Cross references
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already (A)obtained this or (B)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: (C)forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for (D)the prize of the upward (E)call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are (F)mature think this way, and if in anything (G)you think otherwise, (H)God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only (I)let us hold true to what we have attained.
Read full chapterCross references
- Philippians 3:12 : [1 Tim. 6:12, 19]
- Philippians 3:12 : Heb. 11:40; 12:23; [Heb. 5:9]
- Philippians 3:13 : [Ps. 45:10; Luke 9:62; Heb. 6:1]
- Philippians 3:14 : 1 Cor. 9:24
- Philippians 3:14 : [Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:10]; See Rom. 8:28
- Philippians 3:15 : 1 Cor. 2:6; See Matt. 5:48
- Philippians 3:15 : [Gal. 5:10]
- Philippians 3:15 : [John 7:17]
- Philippians 3:16 : Gal. 6:16
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Press onward in Christ (12-14)
Paul admitted that he had not attained all these things-meaning he was still in prison in Rome. He had setbacks, was discouraged by people, and felt a great sense of loss in the ministry. But he put all these things behind him and pressed on heavenwards to the prize in Christ Jesus. We are emboldened by his struggle to overcome hard trials and heartbreak, and press on in Christ Jesus!
2. God will make it clear to you (15-16)
Paul said that it takes mature faith to let go of the past and strain ahead. We need to ask God to make all things clear so that we can see what he is doing, and then, be able to restore our gospel faith and do his work.
Prayer: Lord, help me to overcome discouragement and press heavenward in Christ. Please give me a clear view of what you are doing through all things.
One Word: Press onward in Christ!