PRESS ONWARD IN CHRIST

Passage: Philippians 3:12-16

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.

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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.

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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!