Pressing On Toward the Goal (Philippians 3:12-16)
Philippians 3:12–16 – Pressing On Toward the Goal
Introduction
Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12–16 provide a stirring image of the Christian life as a race—not a sprint but a long-distance journey of endurance. He acknowledges his imperfection and the unfinished nature of his walk with Christ, yet he presses on with singular focus and determination. His gaze is fixed on the “prize of the heavenly call,” a goal that motivates every step he takes.
This passage is deeply personal, reflecting Paul’s humility and his relentless pursuit of knowing Christ. At the same time, it is communal. Paul calls the Philippians to share this mindset of striving toward God’s purposes. The Christian journey is not one of complacency or passive waiting but of active engagement, where maturity and unity go hand in hand.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Philippians 3:12–16 and Commentary
Philippians 3:12 – Acknowledging Imperfection
“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own” (Philippians 3:12, NRSV).
Paul begins with a candid admission: he hasn’t yet reached perfection. Despite his profound experiences with Christ and his remarkable ministry accomplishments, he knows there is more to grasp. His humility is striking. In a world where credentials and achievements often define a person’s worth, Paul chooses to highlight his unfinished journey.
The phrase “press on” evokes a sense of urgency and persistence. Paul’s faith is not passive but an active pursuit of the purpose for which Christ has “made [him] his own.” This reflects the reciprocal nature of the Christian life—Paul presses on to take hold of what Christ has already secured for him. Gordon Fee notes that Paul’s striving is not about earning salvation but about responding to the transformative call of Christ (Fee, p. 263).
Philippians 3:13–14 – Forgetting What Lies Behind
“Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13, NRSV).
Paul’s focus shifts to the metaphor of a race. Like a runner, he is entirely focused on the finish line, leaving the past behind. His use of “forgetting” doesn’t imply erasing memories but rather choosing not to be hindered by them. This includes both past achievements and failures. Dwelling on the past—whether in pride or regret—can distract from the forward momentum required in the Christian life.
The imagery of “straining forward” captures the physical effort and determination of a runner in motion. Every fiber of Paul’s being is directed toward the goal. For Paul, this “prize” is the fullness of knowing Christ and participating in the resurrection (v. 11). Moises Silva points out that this upward call isn’t just about individual salvation but about living in alignment with God’s ultimate purposes for humanity (Silva, p. 146).
In Luke 9, Jesus models this for us as he "resolutely set his face to Jerusalem."
Philippians 3:15–16 – A Call to Maturity and Unity
“Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:15–16, NRSV).
Here, Paul shifts his focus from personal reflection to communal exhortation. He addresses those who are “mature,” encouraging them to adopt the same perspective he has outlined. Spiritual maturity, in Paul’s view, involves recognizing the ongoing nature of growth and the need to press forward in faith.
Paul’s confidence in God’s ability to reveal truth to those who may not yet share this mindset is striking. It reflects his trust in the Spirit’s work within the community. He concludes with a call to unity, urging believers to “hold fast to what we have attained.” This phrase underscores the importance of perseverance and standing firm in the faith. N.T. Wright suggests that Paul’s focus here is both on the individual journey of faith and the collective journey of the church as a body of believers striving toward God’s purposes (Wright, p. 118).
Philippians 3:12–16: Meaning for Today
This passage provides a powerful framework for understanding the Christian life as an ongoing journey of growth and transformation. It reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal in this life—progress is. Paul’s honest admission that he hasn’t “arrived” yet is an encouragement for all of us. No matter where we are in our faith journey, there is always more to learn, experience, and become in Christ.
One of the most challenging aspects of Paul’s message is his insistence on leaving the past behind. For many, the past—whether marked by success or failure—can become a stumbling block. Paul’s example calls us to let go of anything that hinders our forward momentum. This isn’t about denying the past but about refusing to let it define or control us.
The imagery of a race is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced, goal-oriented culture. It invites us to evaluate what we are striving for. Are we running the race God has set before us, or are we chasing after prizes that ultimately won’t last? Paul’s focus on the “heavenly call” challenges us to align our priorities with God’s eternal purposes.
Paul’s emphasis on maturity and unity also speaks to the communal aspect of faith. The Christian journey is not a solo endeavor. We are called to encourage one another, support each other, and strive together toward the goal. Lynn Cohick highlights that unity doesn’t mean uniformity but rather a shared commitment to the gospel and a willingness to grow together in Christ (Cohick, p. 120).
In practical terms, pressing on toward the goal might look like setting aside time for prayer and Scripture study, seeking out opportunities to serve, or intentionally building relationships within the church community. It’s about living with purpose and direction, not in our own strength but in response to the call of Christ.
Conclusion
Philippians 3:12–16 captures the essence of the Christian life as a dynamic and ongoing journey. Paul’s humility, determination, and vision challenge us to adopt a similar mindset. We are called to press on, leaving behind anything that hinders our growth and focusing on the ultimate prize of knowing Christ fully.
This passage also reminds us of the importance of community. Faith isn’t meant to be lived in isolation. As we strive toward the goal, we do so alongside fellow believers, encouraging one another and standing firm together.
Ultimately, pressing on isn’t about striving in our own strength but about responding to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. It’s a journey worth pursuing—a race worth running—because the prize is nothing less than the fullness of life in Christ.
Sources:
• Fee, Gordon D. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. NICNT, 1995, pp. 259–270.
• Silva, Moises. Philippians. BECNT, 2005, pp. 144–152.
• Wright, N.T. Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters. SPCK, 2004, pp. 114–120.
• Cohick, Lynn. Philippians. Story of God Bible Commentary, 2013, pp. 117–126.
