"It is important to note that Paul is not telling us how to be saved. If he were, it would be a picture of salvation by works or self-effort. In order to participate in the Greek games, the athlete had to be a citizen. He did not run the race to gain his citizenship. Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven.” Because we are already the children of God through faith in Christ, we have the responsibility of “running the race” and achieving the goals God has set for us." - Warren Wiersbe

Your good works were not enough to earn heaven, and—because of Christ—your great sins were not enough to keep you from there. What Christ has done in your past is all that matters.

The Greek word translated “goal” is the word skopos. Our English word “scope” comes from this word. It means a mark on which you fix your eye.” It can also mean to take aim. The Christian’s life is lived purposefully—aimed at a target. One of the ways we overcome our past is to give our undivided attention to living for Jesus today. The prize is our Christlikeness. The “upward call” describes the time when God calls us home to heaven. Until then, we press on, our eyes fixed firmly on the goal.

Ways to be Christlike:
(from John Stott in Decision Magazine)

#1-Be like Christ in his service (John 13:5)

2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, …4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:5

Ways to be Christlike:

#2-Be like Christ in his love (Eph. 5:2)

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

Ways to be Christlike:

#3-Be like Christ in his endurance (1 Pet. 2:21)

20 But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 1:20-21

Ways to be Christlike:

#4-Be like Christ in his mission (John 20:21)

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
John 20:21

“We state and commend the faith only in so far as we go out and put ourselves inside the doubts of the doubters, the questions of the questioners and the loneliness of those who have lost their way.” - Archbishop Michael Ramsey

4 ways we used to live:

• We chose short-term pleasure even when it came with long-term destruction.
• We pursued what we wanted, when we wanted.
• We took pride in shameful things.
• We thought like the world, not like God.

Ways to be Christlike:

#1-Be like Christ in his service (John 13:5)

#2-Be like Christ in his love (Eph. 5:2)

#3-Be like Christ in his endurance (1 Pet. 2:21)

#4-Be like Christ in his mission (John 20:21)

(John Stott in Decision Magazine)

Don’t forget where you live (3:20).

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."