dv0807-Daily Verse

Author: Stephen Weller
1,232 words, 7 minutes read time

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Pressing On Toward the Goal

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. (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)

Paul was speaking, in the first part of chapter 3, about not having a righteousness of his own that came from the law, but a righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. He then says, 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. 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” (verses 10 – 12).

This sets the context for our two verses. Paul confesses that he is not perfect but is pressing on towards that goal. As he points out in Ephesians 2:1 – 3, we were all dead in our trespasses and sins and lived a very undesirable life away from God. ⁴ “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV).

The transgressions of the past have been covered by Jesus on the cross, so we are to forget them and focus on that which lies ahead. Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 ESV). Don’t be anxious about the past; what was done was done and in Jesus Christ it is settled, so let us press on to what God has ahead for us; like my daughter, who pressed on against tiredness and pain and qualified for the Boston 2020 marathon, we are to press on toward the finish line of life.

My daughter pressed on toward the goal of qualifying and Paul was “[pressing] toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” To run a qualifying race requires months of training and discipline during the race. The race must be run in such a way that we maximize our resource of energy. Likewise, we are to run the marathon of life is such a way that we obtain the prize.

The prize, the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, that we seek is the fullness of blessings and rewards in the age to come; especially being in perfect fellowship with Jesus Christ. As we run, God is using all things we encounter along the way to work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) and that purpose is our being conformed into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).

What goal are you pressing on toward and how does that goal relate to eternity? Are you running the race well, pressing on toward the on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Pressing Forward Toward Christ’s Heavenly Calling

Summary Paragraph

In these verses, Paul describes the mindset of every growing believer. Although he had experienced extraordinary revelations, planted churches, and faithfully served Christ, he refused to believe that he had already reached spiritual perfection. Instead, he focused on one primary pursuit: continually growing in Christ. Forgetting what lay behind did not mean erasing memories but refusing to allow past failures, successes, regrets, or accomplishments to hinder present obedience. Like a runner leaning toward the finish line, Paul strained every spiritual muscle toward the future God had prepared for him. His goal was not earthly recognition or temporary rewards but the eternal prize of fully knowing Christ and receiving the heavenly reward promised to all who faithfully follow Him. These verses challenge believers to live with perseverance, purpose, and eternal perspective, continually moving forward in their relationship with Jesus.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does Paul mean by “forgetting what lies behind”?

Answer:
Paul is not suggesting that believers should lose their memory or ignore lessons learned from the past. Rather, he teaches that the past should not control the present. Past sins have been forgiven through Christ, so guilt should no longer imprison believers. Likewise, past achievements should not produce pride or spiritual complacency. Every day is a new opportunity to grow in Christ. A believer who continually dwells on yesterday—whether its failures or successes—cannot fully pursue God’s calling today. True spiritual maturity requires gratitude for God’s faithfulness in the past while maintaining complete focus on present obedience and future growth.

2. Why does Paul say, “one thing I do”?

Answer:
Paul emphasizes the importance of a focused life. Although believers have many responsibilities, their central priority should always be knowing and following Christ. Paul was not distracted by competing ambitions or divided loyalties. His life revolved around a single overriding purpose—to become more like Christ and faithfully complete the work God had given him. This focused commitment allowed him to endure suffering, overcome opposition, and remain steadfast in ministry. Christians today are likewise called to keep Christ at the center of every decision, relationship, and goal.

3. What is the “goal” Paul is pursuing?

Answer:
The goal is complete conformity to Christ and faithful perseverance until the end of life’s race. Paul desired to know Christ more deeply, live in obedience to Him, and finish his earthly ministry faithfully. While salvation is a free gift received by grace through faith, the Christian life involves continual growth in holiness and faithfulness. The goal is not earning salvation but becoming increasingly like Jesus while awaiting the day believers will stand complete in His presence.

4. What is the “prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”?

Answer:
The prize refers to the eternal reward awaiting those who faithfully follow Christ. The “upward call” speaks of God’s heavenly invitation into His eternal kingdom and ultimately into His presence. Paul looked beyond temporary earthly rewards to the everlasting joy of hearing the Lord’s commendation, enjoying perfect fellowship with Christ, and receiving the rewards promised to faithful servants. This eternal perspective gave Paul strength to endure hardship and remain faithful despite persecution and suffering.

5. How should these verses influence the daily life of a believer?

Answer:
These verses encourage believers to live with perseverance, discipline, and hope. Instead of allowing past mistakes to produce discouragement or past accomplishments to produce complacency, Christians are called to keep moving forward in faith. Spiritual growth requires intentional effort through prayer, studying God’s Word, worship, service, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Every day becomes another opportunity to pursue Christ more passionately. Keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal prize enables us to endure present trials with confidence, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.