Pressing On Toward the Prize
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”
— Philippians 3:12–16 (KJV)
Paul’s words in this passage remind us that the Christian life is not static but a journey of growth and pursuit. Even the apostle himself confesses that he has not yet arrived. His humility models the posture of a disciple—always striving, never complacent. Yet his striving is not anxious or self-reliant. It is fueled by Christ’s prior grasp of him: “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
Reflection
Paul uses the imagery of an athlete pressing forward in a race, leaving behind distractions and failures. The Christian life involves forgetting what lies behind—past sins forgiven in Christ, achievements that can no longer serve as grounds of boasting—and straining forward toward the upward call of God. The prize is not earthly recognition but the fullness of knowing Christ and sharing in His resurrection.
At the same time, Paul exhorts the community to embrace this same mindset. Christian maturity is not about perfection in this life but about pressing onward together, walking by the same standard. God Himself will bring clarity where believers differ, but our task is to remain faithful to what we have already attained in Christ.
Supporting Scripture
- “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
- “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight… and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
- “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
Application
This passage challenges us to examine our direction in life. Are we pressing toward Christ, or are we dwelling in the past? True discipleship requires both focus and perseverance. We must let go of sins already forgiven and resist the temptation to rest on former victories. Instead, with eyes fixed on Christ, we run the race marked out for us.
Practically, this means cultivating habits of prayer, immersion in Scripture, and active obedience. It means living with a forward-looking hope, knowing that God will complete the work He began in us. Like Paul, we are called to live as people on the move, not yet perfected, but fully committed to the pursuit of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, fix my eyes on the prize of knowing You more fully. Free me from the chains of past failures and past glories, that I may press forward in faith. Strengthen me to run with endurance, not in my own strength but in the power of Your Spirit, until the day I see Christ face to face. Amen.
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