Philippians 3:12–21 - 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching 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 us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul says that he has not reached spiritual perfection but continues pursuing it wholeheartedly to become more like Christ (vv. 12-14). He encourages the Philippian believers to have this same mindset and to imitate his example and other mature Christians who live according to Jesus’ pattern (vv. 15-17). Paul then contrasts believers who set their minds on earthly things with those looking forward to the glory of heaven. He warns against getting sucked in by those whose god is their appetites rather than Christ (vv. 18-19). But as citizens of heaven, we must keep our focus on our future hope and the day we will be with the Lord (vv. 20-21).
How can I apply Philippians 3:12-21 to my life?
The Christian life is often depicted as a race we run for Christ. Doing so requires self-discipline, endurance through fatigue or hardships, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than looking back or wandering off course after distractions. In these verses, Paul uses this analogy of a long-distance race to challenge believers to pursue spiritual maturity with the same intensity as athletes trying to win competitions. There should be no coasting or complacency if we want to grow. This requires making difficult but wise choices every day to get rid of sinful weights, embrace God’s training program for righteousness, and race toward the finish line where glorious eternity awaits all in Christ. Trusting Jesus as Savior is the starting blocks. A lifetime of devotion, service, and being transformed into His image awaits us. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Pursue Spiritual Maturity with Passion and Purpose (vv. 12-14): declares that he has not reached spiritual perfection but stresses that he continually presses on toward the goal of complete conformity to Christ. As believers, we should adopt this mindset rather than assuming we have already spiritually arrived. Our sanctification involves actively and enthusiastically engaging in the means of grace God provides to grow. This includes bible study, serving others, fellowship with other Christians, and an intentional prayer life. These activities will not automatically result in our transformation into Christlikeness unless we consciously apply ourselves to them with endurance, focus, faith, and hope. Just as a marathon runner pursues the finish line with great effort and discipline, we too must daily make difficult choices to die more to sin and self while running wholeheartedly after righteousness. So let us keep striving in the power of the Spirit to attain all that Christ has called us to be for His glory. We must not coast in our spiritual development. There is always room to grow deeper in Jesus. With God's help, we should fix our eyes on the goal of being conformed to the perfect image of Christ (1 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1, 2 Peter 1:5-8, 3:18).
Food for Thought: How would evaluating your spiritual maturity encourage or convict you? What specific actions can you start taking to pursue spiritual growth more wholeheartedly?
2. Imitate Mature Believers Who Follow Christ's Example (vv. 15-17): Paul encourages the Philippian believers to follow his example and other spiritually mature Christians who walk according to Jesus' pattern. As we each run our own race of faith, we need such godly models to show us firsthand what wholehearted discipleship looks like when lived out. Their perseverance through trials, dedication to God's Word and ways, selfless service, and love for others exemplify the beauty of transformed lives in Christ. We must be discerning, however, since not all who claim Christ truly follow Him. There are those whose actual master is their own appetites and earthly ambitions rather than the Lord. But by keeping our eyes on Jesus and those who authentically imitate His humility and obedience, we can learn how to walk worthily of our calling as we become more conformed to His image. Mature believers provide a tangible picture of applied faith that we can follow as we grow. Their lives give credibility to the truth. We should prayerfully seek some mature Christians to mentor and advise us, to keep us accountable and answer our questions. Their spiritual wisdom and experience are invaluable assets we need. And even as we learn from them, we can pass on what we receive to younger believers coming up behind us. In this way the whole body of Christ is built up (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)
Food for Thought: Which mature believers do you know that exemplify dedication to Christ? What specific aspects of their walk with Jesus can you apply to your own life?
3. Set Your Mind on Heaven, Not Earthly Things (vv. 18-21): Paul contrasts believers whose mindset and conduct reflect the world's values rather than heaven's. As followers of Christ, we look forward to the day when He returns and gives us immortal, glorified bodies. Yet realistically, you and I both know how easily we can become consumed by earthly pursuits, passions, and distractions that ultimately don't matter. Life's demands and culture's values often dominate our thoughts more than God's kingdom and the joy of eternity. Though we belong to an unshakable kingdom, we sometimes waste time and energy on things that are fleeting rather than living wholeheartedly for Christ our King who is coming back. Instead of focusing on temporary things like wealth, pleasure, recognition, or comfort, we must continually redirect our minds and hearts heavenward. We belong to God's kingdom as His dearly loved children. One day we will be with our Lord face-to-face, our sanctification complete. But until then, we live as strangers and exiles in a fallen world that opposes kingdom values. We must make deliberate efforts every day to set our minds on the magnificent hope that awaits us rather than earthly comforts. This requires replacing social media and entertainment with Scripture meditation, prayer, worship music, and fellowship focused on Christ. As we fill our thoughts with eternal realities, it changes our priorities and compels us to good works that have lasting impact. We need to let the wonder of eternity govern our choices as we steward each day He gives us (Colossians 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 John 3:2-3).
Food for Thought: What earthly things tend to distract you from living with an eternal perspective? What specific actions can you take this week to set your mind more fully on the reality of heaven?
This passage stirs us to pursue maturity in Christ with the intensity of an athlete in training. There is always room to grow deeper in Jesus. By God’s enablement, we can make the daily choices needed to know Christ more, serve Him better, and shine brighter for Him. On this lifelong journey, we have fellow believers to encourage us and mature Christians to model authentic faith. We need to keep our sights on the finish line where we will finally see Jesus face to face so let’s continue running hard after holiness until we cross over to unfading glory in His presence.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me a holy dissatisfaction with my current spiritual maturity. Convict me whenever I become complacent. Help me evaluate my growth in Christ honestly. Show me sins I still tolerate or worldly practices slowing me down that I need to lay aside. Teach me through godly mentors who exemplify wholehearted devotion. I pray that You would keep my mind and heart focused on the coming day when I will see You face to face. Empower me to make the hard choices needed each day to pursue Christlikeness. I pray that you would conform my words, thoughts, actions, and desires increasingly to Your will. Help me to run this race with endurance until I obtain the imperishable crown that You have for me.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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