“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.”– Philippians 3:12 (KJV)
“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.”– Philippians 3:12 (NLT)
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.”– Philippians 3:12 (MSG)
What Does Philippians 3:12 Mean?
Philippians 3:12 presents a powerful message about the pursuit of spiritual growth and the acknowledgment of our imperfection. The Apostle Paul uses this verse to express a deep truth that resonates with us, reminding us that the journey of faith is ongoing. The phrase “not as though I had already attained” clearly indicates that none of us have reached the ultimate level of spiritual maturity. Instead, we are all on a path toward becoming better versions of ourselves, shaped by our relationship with Christ. This journey is marked by continual striving, learning, and growing.
Paul’s mention of not being “already perfect” serves as an honest admission of his own struggle. He recognizes that, despite his zealous dedication to his faith and his significant contributions to the early Christian church, he still has much to grow. This humility is key to our own understanding of faith. We should never feel discouraged by our shortcomings. Instead, we should view them as opportunities for growth. Knowing that we are not alone in our struggles should encourage us to press on.
The term “press on” reflects determination and perseverance. It implies that we are actively engaged in the pursuit of spiritual excellence. It’s not enough to simply accept our faith; we must engage with it daily, seeking to deepen our relationship with God. As we pursue our spiritual goals, we must remember that this pursuit is fueled by our desire to know Christ intimately. Our relationship with Him is dynamic, and the closer we draw to Him, the more we become aware of our need for His grace, mercy, and love.
Philippians 3:12 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, Paul draws from his own life experiences to encourage us. His journey as a follower of Christ reminds us that our faith is not a destination; it is a journey filled with challenges and victories. Paul’s experience in the faith serves as an invitation for us to look inward and evaluate our own lives. He encourages us to keep moving forward, regardless of past failures or setbacks.
The idea of being “apprehended” by Christ speaks volumes about the depth and purpose of our faith. When Christ calls us, He does so with love and intention. We are not saved for mere church attendance or ritualistic practices but for a relationship that demands our response. God wants us to actively engage with Him. This “apprehending” means that we are His, and our mission is to reflect that ownership through our actions and commitments.
What does it mean to “possess that perfection”? It means striving to align ourselves with the character of Christ. While we might never reach complete perfection, each step toward it helps us grow closer in our relationship with Him. The act of striving for perfection requires discipline and effort. Just as athletes practice to hone their skills, we, too, must practice our faith. Prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others are all ways we can press on and be intentional in our spiritual growth.
In this journey, we should also allow ourselves grace. Mistakes will happen, and we may stumble along the way. However, we can find comfort in knowing that grace is sufficient for us. Many biblical figures faced setbacks but were still embraced by God. Understanding that we are not alone in our imperfection can provide significant encouragement in our walk with Christ.
Context of Philippians 3:12
To understand Philippians 3:12 fully, we must consider its context within the entire chapter. Paul is writing to the church in Philippi while imprisoned, expressing his joy and hope despite his circumstances. This context highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of trials. Paul encourages the Philippians to find strength in their faith, reminding them that their true citizenship is in heaven and encouraging them to live according to that truth.
In Philippians 3:4-11, Paul reflects on his past accomplishments and how they were insufficient compared to knowing Christ. His transformation from a zealous Pharisee to a devoted follower of Christ exemplifies the complete shift in his priorities and values. It provides us with a reminder that our past does not define our future—regardless of our achievements or failures, Christ’s calling stands firm. Paul’s willingness to discard everything for the sake of knowing Christ leads perfectly to his later assertion that he continues to strive for spiritual maturity.
Moreover, the surrounding verses build on the theme of pressing forward. In verses 13 and 14, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting what lies behind and focusing on what lies ahead. This declaration about forgetting highlights the necessity of letting go of past mistakes and fears. It serves as a powerful reminder that we have the opportunity, through Christ, to start anew each day.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 3:12
One of the key phrases in Philippians 3:12 is “I press on.” This phrase suggests an active engagement—it’s not merely about hope but about taking steps in faith. We might reflect on our lives and take stock of our faith. Are we truly pressing on? Are we committing ourselves to growth?
The term “apprehend” signifies reaching out for something that is already ours in Christ. We must pursue it actively rather than passively accepting our salvation. This reflects our journey—being proactive about our relationship with God is essential. Paul’s choice of words encourages us to imagine our spiritual journey as one where we continually seek Christ, gaining a deeper understanding of His purpose for us.
The point that we are not already perfect serves as a critical reminder. Perfectionism can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. Recognizing our flaws allows us to grow without the weight of unrealistic expectations. It reminds us that grace is available for all of us, including our failures. This truth should encourage us to take steps of faith with confidence, knowing we have a loving God who walks alongside us.
In the context of community, we can look upon others as fellow travelers on this journey. Encouraging one another to pursue growth can lead to deeper connections and mutual support, reminding us that we are not alone in this pursuit. When we come together in faith, we can hold each other accountable and inspire each other to keep moving forward.
Lessons to Learn From Philippians 3:12
There are numerous valuable lessons embedded within Philippians 3:12 for us. One crucial lesson is the call to continual growth in our faith. Just as we work toward goals in various aspects of our lives, we should also strive toward spiritual growth. This demands both intentionality and courage. God desires for us to become more like Him, and that requires commitment and effort.
The importance of humility stands out in Paul’s words. He doesn’t shy away from admitting he hasn’t reached perfection. It is a reminder that no matter where we are in our walk with faith, we all have room to grow. This humility can cultivate community, as we come together with the recognition that we are all works in progress.
We can learn that each day provides us with fresh opportunities to move closer to Christ. Paul’s sentiment encourages us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, reminding us that our time on earth is finite. This urgency compels us to take action today instead of waiting for tomorrow.
Another important lesson is the significance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on past failures. We are reminded of the promise that we can start anew because of Christ’s grace. Our past actions or mistakes don’t have to determine our future. Instead, we can choose to look ahead, always moving towards the prize of living a life that glorifies God.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Philippians 3:12, let us embrace the journey of faith with open hearts. Our spiritual walk is an adventure—a continuous pursuit of knowing Christ and growing in faith. Each of us has our path marked with triumphs and trials, but we are never alone in this journey. United in faith, we can encourage one another and enter this adventure together.
In our quest to understand and follow the teachings of Christ, it could be beneficial to explore additional passages such as 1 Samuel 20:3 and 1 Corinthians 14:17. Each of these scriptures adds further depth to our understanding of faith and its application in our lives. Let’s keep pressing on together, striving for that closeness with Christ and embracing the life He has called us to live.