We need to realize that Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians. He was chained to a Roman guard and under horrible conditions. He had been faithful to God, continuing to preach, even at the risk of his own safety, and this was his reward. He had been relegated to a life of confinement and isolation. It would have been easy to become discouraged and abandon the faith. Paul could have easily assumed his life’s work was over, but yet he remained committed and resilient. He refused to allow these difficult circumstances to dictate his life and his ministry. Paul knew there was still work yet to be done for God.
Despite all that was happening to him at this time, he writes these words in Philippians 3:12 - 14 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Paul is talking about maintaining a compass-like direction, for his life depends on it. He was staying on course, refusing the vanity and things of this world, for he knew there was nothing more wonderful in the universe than the person of Jesus Christ. But Paul says he can’t just stop here. He needed to press on to take hold of Jesus who had taken hold of Paul and wasn’t letting Go.
To press on or to press forward. The Greek word for “Press” is translated “Dioko,” and wrapped up in this word is the idea of pressure. Occurring 3 times in Philippians 3:4-14, “Dioko” intermittently describes “to follow,” “to pursue,” “to persecute,” or “to flee,” suggesting a passionate pursuit. Paul uses this word “Dioko” in the form of the word “Zeal” in verse 6 when he describes his former life when he was pursuing Christians and persecuting them as a Pharisee. And it is with this same word that Paul uses to describe him following after Christ in strong pursuit. For us as Christians, we too need to press on and pursue with this same passion for our own pursuit of Jesus and what He has called each of us to be.
Paul says here that we need to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. Paul ties this idea of pressing on with the metaphor of a running a race and striving to win the prize.
The Christian life is often described as a Marathon Race.
This race requires endurance, a steady perseverance through trials and challenges.
The Greek word for "endurance" means steadfastness or perseverance. It implies not just a passive waiting but an active, patient continuance despite difficulties.
Consider a long-distance runner who trains diligently and paces themselves to avoid burnout. They understand that the race is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring consistent effort and focus. Running with endurance means keeping our eyes on Jesus, who is the perfect example of perseverance. It involves trusting in God's strength and not our own. So as believers, we must remember to take our eyes off of things of this world and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Let us Press On toward the goal to win the prize which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.
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