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July 5 - Philippians 3-4
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
Paul begins by confessing that he has not yet “attained” spiritual perfection. Although he was an apostle, missionary, and faithful servant of Christ, he did not view himself as having arrived at perfection. His example reminds believers that spiritual maturity is a lifelong process. No Christian reaches a point where growth is no longer necessary. Humility is essential because those who believe they have already attained perfection cease striving for greater conformity to Christ.
The apostle then emphasizes the importance of “forgetting those things which are behind.” Paul does not mean that believers should erase all memories of the past. Rather, he teaches that Christians must not allow past failures, sins, regrets, accomplishments, or victories to hinder their present pursuit of Christ. Paul himself had much to forget. Before his conversion, he persecuted the church and opposed the gospel. Had he remained trapped by guilt and shame, his ministry would have been crippled. At the same time, he also had remarkable accomplishments that could have produced pride and complacency. Instead of dwelling on either failures or successes, Paul fixed his attention on Christ and the work yet to be done.
Many believers struggle in this area. Some are burdened by past sins and continually relive former mistakes. Others become satisfied with past achievements and lose their spiritual hunger. Both attitudes are dangerous. The Christian life requires a forward-looking faith that rests in God’s forgiveness and continually seeks greater obedience. Paul further describes his pursuit as “reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” The language suggests an athlete straining every muscle toward the finish line. The Christian life is not passive. It involves disciplined effort, perseverance, and determination. God saves believers by grace, but those who are saved are called to actively pursue holiness, service, and spiritual growth.
Finally, Paul declares, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The goal is complete conformity to Christ and ultimate fellowship with Him in glory. The prize is not earthly success but the eternal reward that awaits faithful believers. This heavenly focus gave Paul strength to endure suffering, opposition, and hardship.
Philippians 3:12–14 challenges every believer to stop living in the shadows of the past and to press forward in faith. By forgetting what lies behind and reaching toward what lies ahead, Christians can pursue the high calling of God with confidence, perseverance, and hope until the day they stand complete in Christ.