Philippians 3:12-21 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Philippians 3:12-21. Let’s go!
Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
13 Brothers, 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,
14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
On verses 12-14: In verse 12 Paul says that Jesus took hold of him so that he could take hold of something. What is that thing Paul is pressing on to take hold of? It’s the full knowledge and experience of Jesus and His resurrection power (see v10-11). As much as Paul knew the Lord and experienced His power, Paul was not content with what he already knew and experienced. He wanted to know Christ and His resurrection power in all its fullness. That’s why Paul says, “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.”
In the same way, Jesus took hold of you so that you could take hold of an increasingly intimate and powerful relationship with Him. May we not settle for what we already have, but like Paul may we press on toward a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:15-16 (NIV)
15 All of us 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.
16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
On verses 15-16: Paul encourages his church in Philippi to have the same attitude that he has. He’s saying, “Don’t settle for where you are currently at with God, but like me make it your number goal in life to know Christ and His resurrection power working in your weakness.” That’s what mature people do (v15). Mature people don’t keep focusing on the past, whether it’s worshiping their past happiness or wallowing in their past hurts. May you and I take on a mature view of things, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, pressing on toward a more intimate relationship with Jesus. May we live up to what we have already attained in our relationship with God (v16) and press on for more.
Philippians 3:17-21 (NIV)
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
On verses 17-21: Paul knew that a Christian’s growth has a lot to do with who they allow to influence them. That’s why Paul tells his church in Philippi to join with others in following his example (v17) and to “keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (v17). He tells the Philippian brothers and sisters not to be distracted by the many others who live as enemies of Christ’s cross (v18) since they are heading down a path that will only lead to destruction (v19).
Similarly, who do you allow to influence you the most? If you are mainly influenced by people who live as enemies to Christ’s cross, then you will not grow spiritually. You may even find yourself going backwards. But if you will join with other like-minded Christians in following Jesus, and keep your eyes on them, you will surely grow. It matters which crowd you follow.
We all need models to learn from, people who can show us practically what it looks like to follow Jesus. So treasure those Christians in your life who can be a good example of how to follow Jesus. Learn from them and don’t be distracted by the majority whose “mind is on earthly things” (v19).
And if you find yourself surrounded by people who worship their appetites (“their god is their stomach” – v19), who glory in shameful things and whose minds are more on the world than on God’s kingdom, remember this: Your citizenship is in heaven. You are in the world but not of it. So put your hope not in the people around you, but in the One above you. When the influence of the wrong crowd feels strong, remember that Jesus is with you and He is far more powerful. Let the One who is able “to bring everything under his control” (v21) take control of you.
Lord Jesus, I pray that like Paul I would have a mature view of things. May I not settle for where I am currently at, but like Paul may my number one goal in life be to know You more. May I not keep focusing on the past, whether it’s worshiping my past happiness or wallowing in my past hurts. May I allow the right people to influence me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
