Philippians 3:12-21 (May 29, 2025)

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or 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: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

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Summary

Paul has just exalted the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (vv. 1–11), but just in case people might misunderstand his meaning, he immediately clarifies that he has not already obtained it. Instead, he presses on, straining forward toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (v. 14). This image of pressing on (diōkō, διώκω) is drawn from the world of athletic competition, where every nerve and muscle is engaged in pursuit of the goal.

Paul then calls mature believers to share this mindset and warns against those who live as “enemies of the cross of Christ” (v. 18, "For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ."). These are not atheists, but people whose lives are centered on earthly desires rather than gospel hope. In contrast, believers are citizens of heaven who await the Savior who will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body (v. 21, "who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."). The hope of the resurrection compels us to run with perseverance now.

Who Is God?

God calls and completes our transformation unto glory.

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (3:20–21)

God is not just the starting point of our salvation—He is the One who calls us onward and promises to complete the transformation. He will not abandon the work He began (cf. 1:6). The verb metaschēmatizei (μετασχηματίσει) means to refashion or reshape—God will conform our weak, decaying bodies to the likeness of Christ’s resurrection glory. Our God is the King of heaven and the One who completes the resurrection hope.

What Is Our Guilt?

We tend to set our minds on earthly things and grow spiritually complacent.

“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (3:19)

Paul weeps over those who claim Christ but live as enemies of His cross. The indictment is piercing: their god is their belly, meaning their desires rule them. Their glory is their shame, suggesting a total inversion of values. Their minds are fixed on the temporal. We, too, are guilty of spiritual laziness, finding comfort in earthly ease rather than straining toward the upward call. We settle for the present rather than hunger for eternity.

How Does the Grace Shine?

Grace enables us to press on with the vision for the Glory of God.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (3:14)

The same grace that saved Paul fuels his perseverance. The goal (skopos, σκοπός) is not self-glory or success—it is Christ Himself. The prize (brabeion, βραβεῖον) is full and final fellowship with Him. Grace doesn’t just pardon us; it propels us. And Christ waits for us at the finish line. This heavenly citizenship is not achieved by effort—it is a gift received and a destiny secured through Christ, who reigns from above.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for calling us heavenward and promising to finish the good work you began.

Forgive us for fixing our eyes on the world and growing dull to the beauty of your cross.

Awaken our hearts to press on with endurance, straining toward the goal to know you fully.

Keep us from spiritual complacency, and fix our eyes on the hope of the resurrection.

Transform us to be like you in glory and in character, as we long for the day when what we believe will be fully revealed.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.