Pressing Toward the Prize Text: Philippians 3:13-21
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
He forgot the things, which were behind, so as not to be content with past labors or present measures of grace. (He had all reasons to be conceded.) He reached forth, stretched himself forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and more like unto Christ. He, who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but press forward as fast as he can; so those who have heaven in their view, must still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavors. Paul states, many which started the race, have quit, but I am one who knows their citizenship is in heaven!
Phil.3: 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things, which are behind, and reaching forward to those things, which are ahead,
Paul decided to have a good case of memory lapse, so he could do more for his newfound love. His desire was to go forward and to know only Christ!
Paul is a good example of a man who is sold out to Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
We too are partakers of the heavenly calling, and that should get every believer in here very exciting!
Phil. 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Paul uses the word, “Press toward.”
Of course, Paul is speaking unto an audience that loves to watch athletic events. Notice, Paul calls the prize an upward call unto Christ Jesus!
II.Timothy 4:7-8 Paul understood that he was close to his heavenly reward. Vs.7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8). 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Phil. 3:15-17 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
For Paul to use words like this, heaven must have been on his mind a lot. It was said about Abraham Lincoln, “This great man had one secret vice that was far more unpopular among his followers than the habit of drinking. He had the habit of thinking.”
Paul says in Vs. 17 Note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (Try to cultivate the company of good thinkers!)
Proverbs 13:20 Solomon gives some wise advice, 20). He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Phil. 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Exodus 23:2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.
Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Testimony: This was the first verse of scripture I read as a small boy that brought an impression on me.
Phil. 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
The apostles were great sufferers, yet they met with wonderful support. Believers may be forsaken of their friends, as well as persecuted by enemies; but their God will never leave them nor forsake them. There may be fears within, as well as fighting’s without; yet we are not destroyed. The apostle speaks of their sufferings as a counterpart of the sufferings of Christ, that people might see the power of Christ’s resurrection, and of grace in and from the living.
