Philippians: A Life in ChristSampel

Paul stands firmly on the good news of Jesus that has transformed his life. He reminds the church at Philippi and us to understand the impact that the gospel has had as he navigates the gospel road map. This is to provide encouragement to followers of Jesus to keep on going as they stand firmly on the gospel, growing together in Christ-likeness through the trials of life. From this platform, Paul looks to the eternal future.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:12-14)

Paul urges Christ’s followers (then and today) to press on towards that prize for which Christ’s disciples were made: a day where we will be welcomed home into a totally restored creation and eternal life with God our Father. All sin and suffering will be swallowed up, and we will become perfectly like Christ because we will see him face to face.

You know that Jesus gives you a better future. But do you know that he also gives you a better past? Nothing in your past, present, or future can separate you from Jesus and his love.

How can you “press on toward the goal” of knowing Christ and becoming more like him? What are the things in your life that keep you from knowing Christ better?