14. PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL (PHIL 3:12-16)

14. PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL (PHIL 3:12-16):

Paul writes to the Philippians that not that he has obtained the resurrection from the dead or is already perfect, but he presses on to make it his own, because Christ Jesus has made him His own. Paul acknowledges that he grows in the Lord continuously and never claims that he has already received the fruit of his labour, that is being raised to be with the Lord during the Day of Judgment, by being what pleases God and by following His commandments. Paul continuously works to follow God’s commandments because Christ has chosen him to be His by relating with him.

Paul further calls his recipients brothers and tells them that he does not consider that he has made it his own. But one thing he does, that is forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, that he presses on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Though Paul was sincere and hardworking to follow what is right and follow the commandments of God, Paul did not take that as a credit for any reward because he was already clear that he was living his reward in following God and His commandments. Thereby, Paul is not bothered about his past, which was with all the mistakes, but he strives to move ahead by focusing on the goals set by God to fulfill His purpose and a greater call.

Paul conveys to the Philippians that those of them who are mature shall think that way, and if in anything they think otherwise, God will reveal that also to them. Only they shall hold true to what they have attained. Those who had grown to maturity by keeping up the commandments of God shall have the same attitude to fulfil the purpose of God that brings a great joy and peace, and if anyone thinks differently or considers of a greater reward, God would help them understand what is perfect, which is the same thing that is received by Paul and his companions, based on truth.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      What does Paul mention about obtaining the resurrection from the dead?

2.      Why has Paul pressed on to make the resurrection from the dead his own?

3.      What Paul does not do and what he does?

4.      What does Paul mention by saying that he presses on toward the goal?

5.      What does Paul mean by saying ‘Prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus’?

6.      What does Paul instruct us to hold true?

7.      How shall we be humble in following what is right, irrespective of anticipating the rewards?

How shall we set our goals in God and fulfil the call of God?

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