Philippians - Week 7 - Day 3

READ 

Philippians 3:12 

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 

Paul seems to be viewing himself as a runner in this verse. He had not yet reached the goal he had in mind. The word “perfection” has the idea of “complete” and he had not completed his race in honoring Jesus. Mentioning “pressing on” was also a reference to pursuing a goal. Paul realizes that Jesus had not yet accomplished all He had in mind for him.  

REFLECT 

Do you view the Christian life as pursuing a goal as you seek to honor Jesus in all you do? 

RESPOND 

Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 to see how Paul viewed the Christian life as a race. In the Greek games only the winner won a prize but in the Christian life all can be rewarded for the quality work they have done for Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).