Articles
I Press On Toward The Goal
The apostle Paul frequently employed athletic imagery to convey spiritual truths and to encourage Christians to persevere. In Philippians 3:1-16, he uses the metaphor of a race to illustrate the Christian journey, emphasizing the necessity of "pressing on" towards a specific goal. This goal, transcends earthly achievements, encompassing a deep, transformative relationship with Christ.
Paul's goal, as outlined in verses 8-14, is multifaceted: gaining Christ, being found in Him, knowing the power of His resurrection, attaining resurrection from the dead, and ultimately, receiving the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus." This pursuit demands unwavering focus and relentless effort, as reflected in Paul's repeated declaration, "I press on." This phrase signifies a rapid and decisive movement towards a vital objective, a zealous interest in attaining something important.
Paul highlights three crucial aspects of pressing on. Firstly, it requires an awareness and avoidance of distractions. He warns against "dogs," "evil workers," and "the false circumcision," symbolizing those who distort the gospel and lead believers astray. These distractions, including false teachings, worldly temptations, and materialistic pursuits, threaten to derail our spiritual progress. Paul urges vigilance, emphasizing adherence to scriptural standards and discernment against competing voices.
Secondly, a singular, unwavering focus on the ultimate goal is essential. Paul, who once prided himself on his earthly accomplishments, recognized their insignificance compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He considered his former gains as "rubbish," focusing solely on the prize of the upward call. This one-goal mindset, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6, necessitates prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, recognizing that divided loyalties hinders our spiritual progress.
Finally, pressing on demands decisive daily action. Paul's active verbs, such as "I press on," "lay hold," and "one thing I do," illustrate this continuous, intentional effort. This involves daily mindfulness of the goal, employing spiritual resources like prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. It also entails cultivating virtues such as moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, and love, which aid in the journey towards our goal.
In essence, Paul's analogy of a race underscores the active, disciplined, and focused pursuit of the Christian’s goal. He encourages believers to remain vigilant against distractions, maintain a singular focus on Christ, and engage in daily, decisive actions. This message serves as a powerful reminder to stay on course, persevere through challenges, and ultimately, attain the prize of the upward call.
