Can a person ever claim to be perfect? In his letter to the Philippians, Paul has this to say about warding off any future temptation towards pretentious-spirituality: obtaining “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8), he observes, is a daily process. We’ll never fully know Christ this side of eternity; it’s a lifelong pursuit. If this is true for Paul, it’s certainly true for you and me.
First, Paul says: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal” (v. 12). When Jesus calls us to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48), He isn’t talking about an accomplishment to achieve, but an ultimate goal to pursue.
Elsewhere, Paul calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Again, this is aspirational: it is a daily pursuit, not a once-and-for-all plateau.
The same is true when Paul writes: “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). He doesn’t say: “Permanently protect yourselves once-for-all from everything that contaminates”; it’s a process.
Second, Paul says: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12). In the New Testament, only Jesus and Paul use the expression, “I press on” (Luke 13:33; Philippians 3:12, 14). In the Old Testament, the expression “press on” appears in Hosea 6:3. This suggests that they know exactly what they are after, and plan to pursue it with utmost determination, steadfastness, and endurance.
How do we press on? The author of Hebrews says we need to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”. Then we need to fix “our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2).
Third, Paul says: “I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). The apostle has no intention of slowing down, slipping away, or giving up. Instead, he imagines himself leaning into the finish line and receiving the prize.
For Paul, the finish line is either martyrdom or Jesus Christ’s return. Regardless, he plans to enter glory with joy.
Here’s your training kit
A Reflection Journal
(Questions to check your progress)
What might be causing you to slow down, slip away, or give up on pressing on and ultimately receiving the eternal prize? Ask God to help you surrender it to Him.
What promises from God can you draw on to spur you on in your daily pursuit of holiness? What help can you ask from the Holy Spirit?
Journal your thoughts:
Prayer
(A time to talk with the Almighty Coach)
Abba Father, my days are in Your sovereign hands. I do not know where I am in the race—the beginning, the middle, or the end—but You do. Give me the strength and grace to keep running this race with You steadfastly.
Help me when I am weak, and strengthen my resolve to finish the race strong with You. Help me to cling to Your Word and to lean on Your Spirit each day.
