Philippians / Pressing Toward the Heavenly Goal; Stand Firm

Pressing Toward the Heavenly Goal; Stand Firm

Philippians 3:12-4:1

Chapter 3

¹² Not that I have already taken hold or have already been perfected, but I pursue if I might also attain it, on which I was also attained by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brothers, I do not reckon myself to have attained it; but one thing: forgetting the things behind and stretching out toward the things ahead, ¹⁴ according to the goal I pursue toward the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Therefore as many as are perfect, let us think this; and if you think anything differently, this too God will reveal to you. ¹⁶ Nevertheless, to what we have attained, by that same let us walk. ¹⁷ Brothers, become fellow imitators of me, and observe those who walk in this way, just as you have us as a pattern. ¹⁸ For many walk, whom I was telling you about many times, but now even weeping I say: the enemies of the cross of Jesus Christ, ¹⁹ whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame—those who set their minds on earthly things. ²⁰ For our commonwealth exists in the heavens, from which we also eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working of his ability to subject all things to himself.

Chapter 4

¹ So, my beloved and longed-for brothers, my joy and crown, stand firm in this way in the Lord, beloved.