Knowing The Word in Philippians 3:12-16, Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this [resurrection from the dead] or am already perfect [see Matthew 5:48: “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”—which will only happen at the day of resurrection], but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [The allusion to the future resurrection makes it clear that the work of sanctifying grace is progressive, that the believer lives within the tension of salvation begun now but not yet final. Final perfection cannot be expected in this life. There will always be room for progress while the church is God’s people on the move.] 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [We can live in the confidence of our ultimate salvation, not afraid of our past because Jesus calls us home, not by merit but by grace. What is the prize? The prize is the perfection we will experience in the age to come.] 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [Paul is saying, “If you really are perfect, you’ll know you are not perfect!”] 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. [Apparently there are some in the church who think differently than Paul—probably people who believe ultimate salvation comes through some merit of their own, while Paul proclaims it is only by grace. When salvation comes through some merit of our own, we will always be anxious.]

Prayer

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.