Philippians 3:12-16: Press On With Joy
Healthy beings grow and mature. Parents will look for markers, every few weeks or months, that young children are growing; farmers look for it in their livestock; entrepreneurs look for it in their profit margins.
The Christian life is no different: it is not about standing still, but about pressing forward, seeing growth. Paul is eager to see the Philippian believers mature, grow, press forward in their faith. But how do we know if this is happening in our Christian lives?
First of all, Paul says that maturing believers know we’re not “there” yet – that is, we know we’re not as mature as we will someday be. Paul said in chapter 3:10 that he wants to “know” Christ and to “become like him” in every way – but he says in verse 12 that he knows he’s not there yet.
And so, secondly, Paul presses on, verse 14. Maybe you’ve seen the sprinters at the Olympics lean and stretch out at the end of the race in an effort to finish first. Paul is telling us that he presses on in his faith with every fibre of his being – it take effort.
It is not “unspiritual” to say that the Christian life is often just about getting on with things: dishes need washed, rubbish bins need emptied, homework needs to be done. But as Christians we have the great assurance that our faithful plodding and pressing on is taking us somewhere: closer and closer to “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (verse 14). We’re going to be with our Saviour! We’re going to be glorified in heaven with him and all his people! Does this not motivate us to stretch and strain, a little bit more, day by ordinary day?
Paul says in verse 15 that this mindset is a mark of maturity. If we don’t have it, Paul says God can change us – or “reveal” our faulty thinking. God reveals things in his Word. If we don’t find ourselves motivated to “press on”, perhaps we should turn to the Scriptures, consider Christ in all his glory, and remind ourselves of the wonderful promises he has made for our glorious future with him.
Questions
- Why do you think Paul says he must “forget what lies behind” (verse 13)?
- What should motivate us to “press on with joy”?
Prayer Points
- Ask for a spirit of perseverance to “press on” in your Christian life.
- Ask for a spirit of joy, even in the “ordinary” days of life.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.