12Not that I have already taken it or have already been perfected, but I pursue it if I may also grasp that for which I was also grasped by Christ.13Brothers, I myself do not count that I have grasped it; on the one hand forgetting the things behind, and on the other hand reaching out to the things ahead.14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.15Therefore let those of us who are mature think this way; and if anyone thinks differently, God will also reveal this to you.16Only let us follow by the same rule what we have already attained.17Join in imitating me, brothers, and watch those who walk in this way, just as you have us as an example.18For many walk, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ.19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; they set their minds on earthly things.20For our citizenship is already in heaven, and from it we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.21He will transform the body of our lowliness to be conformed to the body of his glory, by the active energy that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Chapter 4
1Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, beloved.