PRESS ON TOWARDS THE GOAL TO WIN THE PRIZE

PROCLAMATION

“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.”  Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Philippi.  Paul begins this third chapter by stating that he has no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:1-4)  He briefly recounts his personal history (Philippians 3:4-6) then states that all he has gained in life he considers a loss, and everything that he lost for Christ’s sake is surpassed in worth by knowing Christ Jesus The Lord. (Philippians 3:7-9)  Then he said that he wants to know more about Christ, the power of His resurrection, and participate in His suffering, and somehow attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11)  He said that he had not yet attained this, but it is his goal, and he is pressing on towards that goal.  He encouraged them to follow his example and to be an example to others to live as they do. (Philippians 3:15-17)  He ends by reminding them that they are citizens of heaven, eagerly awaiting the day when The Lord Jesus Christ would transform their earthly bodies into glorious bodies like His. (Philippians 3:18-21)

 

APPLICATION

We know that it is not humanly possible for us to obtain perfection, but it is still a goal which is well worth striving for.  No matter what it is that we are going through, we need to keep our eyes on the heavenly prize.  There is so much more that we can learn about our Lord and Savior Jesus, The Christ, and like Paul we should want to know more. (Philippians 3:10-11)  After we ask Him for forgiveness, let us leave all of our past mistakes behind us and look forward to that which lies ahead, the prize which God has in store for us.  Remember, we are not of this world.  We are just passing through this world on our way home.  We are citizens of heaven. (Philippians 3:20-21)