Philippians 3:12-17

BEING SAVED DOESN’T MEAN YOU’VE ARRIVED. THE RACE HAS JUST BEGUN.

Philippians 3:12–4:1 (ESV) 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his

own. 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.

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. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers,

join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you

have in us.

Paul thought he had arrived.

• He was a pure Jew.• He was trained by the best of the Jews.• He was a Pharisee. • He was zealous in his religion.• He was perfect in keeping the externals of the

Law.

Paul Learned he hadn’t arrived

• On the road to Damascus:– An encounter with the perfect made him realize how

imperfect he was. – His blindness brought him to awareness that he had

been blind spiritually.– The Gentile that healed him was closer to truth than he

was.• He spent three years in the desert of Arabia• He spent two years in Tarsus waiting, learning,

being humbled.

I want to grasp onto the one that has a grasped hold of me.

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

• Paul doesn’t fully own it yet:– Phil. 3:10–11 10 that I may

know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

I press on (push forward, strive toward) perfection (knowing Christ, understanding the power of his resurrection, know him by sharing in his suffering, attaining the out-resurrection of the dead). Why? Because Christ has taken hold of me (He has made

me his own).

I’m still running the race13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.

• “Brothers”• “Made it my own”

(katalambano) 3rd time used. “I haven’t obtained it”,

• “Christ has obtained me”,

• “I haven’t obtained it.”

If Paul didn’t think he had arrived, should we be so arrogant as to think we have or can.

I’ll do what it takes to gain it

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind

• If the past hinders, put it behind:– For Paul:

• His persecutions (sins)• His Jewish heritage• His attainments

– What hinders you?• Positives of the past?• Negatives of the past?

Consider those that looked back:•Lots wife•Israel, while in the wilderness

I’ll do what it takes to gain it

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

• What can keep us from straining forward?– Fear

• Of the unknown (change)• Of loss of control• Of loss of relationships• Of new relationships• Of knowing self

– Lack of desire/discipline• Satisfaction with what you

have• Accountability/

Responsibility.

Don’t Stop, Focus on the goal.14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

• Don’t allow the world’s pressures to slow your pace.

• Don’t allow the behavior of others to slow your pace.

• Don’t allow adverse circumstances to push you out of your lane.

• Keep your eyes on the finish line.

Don’t even allow the imperfections of the church to loose your focus. Paul’s church

was a prison cell.

Change your thinking!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.

• Who are the Mature?– Those that understand

they haven’t yet arrived.– Those that aren’t

legalistically clinging to the Law.

– Those that are pursuing Christ: to know him, to suffer for him, who anxiously await the resurrection.

How will God reveal it to you?

Paul doesn’t say.Maybe he will have to knock you in the head.

Maybe you’ll learn it at the judgment seat of Christ.

Hold true!16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

• What have we attained?– The righteousness of

Jesus Christ.– Eternal life.– A relationship with Christ. – A brotherhood.

• “hold true” military term meaning to keep rank. Also means stay in Harmony.

Be Like Paul – Run the Race17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

• Don’t think you’ve arrived.

• Don’t be a spectator.• Don’t put obstacles in the

way of those that run• Get out of the starting

blocks. • Encourage – run beside

those that are in the race.

Every Person’s Race Is Different• Some are marathoners.• Some are sprinters.• Some are hurdlers.• Each person has his own race, his own pace, his own

discipline and schedule. God determines the race and the training.

• Your job? Get into the race God has for you.• Your job? Encourage others in there Race.• Run your race, train for your race.• We all have the same goal. Focus on it.