Making Every Effort to Know Christ

Making Every Effort to Know Christ

Philippians 3:12-21

Main Idea: Paul urges the church to pursue Christian maturity with humility, passion, and gospel-centeredness.

Five Challenges for Growing in Maturity

On April 19, 2014, more than 36,000 runners hit the pavement for the 118th Boston Marathon. Following the tragic events of the bombings at the previous year’s race, in which three people were killed and many were wounded, this particular race was filled with emotion. And in storybook form, the winner added even more drama. For the first time since 1983, an American won the race. At age 38, he became the oldest person to win the race in 83 years. With the names of the victims killed in the previous year’s violent attack written on the corner of his bib, Meb Keflezighi crossed the finish line in first place. As he crossed the line, people in the crowd were going crazy, many chanting, “USA” He lifted his hands upward with joy and triumph. It’s hard to watch the highlights without being moved to tears by the dramatic scene.

In Philippians 3:12-21 Paul uses an intense running analogy to describe the Christian life. Having described his passionate, all-consuming desire in verse 10—to know Christ—the apostle now tells the Philippians that he’s not stagnating. He’s not slowing down. He’s still running hard after Christ. Kent Hughes says, “There is nothing in Scripture quite like this explosion of spiritual longing” (Liberating Ministry, 145). As Paul explains this explosion of spiritual longing, he tells the Philippians that they should follow his example and take his perspective on spiritual progress. In verse 15 he says, “Therefore, all who are mature should think this way.” Every Christian, then, should take a close look at this passage because Paul provides an inspiring and instructive path for growing in spiritual maturity.

As you study this text, you should be provoked. You shouldn’t feel condemned if you’re a Christian, but you should be convicted. There’s a huge difference between conviction and condemnation! The Christian is free from judgment (Rom 8:1), but we should feel conviction. When God convicts us, it’s evidence of His love for us. It’s evidence that He’s working in us (Phil 2:13). It’s proof that He will bring our salvation to completion (1:6).

Five Challenges for Growing in Maturity

Let’s consider five particular applications from Paul’s example and explanation of spiritual maturity. (I [Tony] was greatly helped by a sermon on this passage from my friend C. J. Mahaney, who gave me some ideas that I’ve built upon in this exposition.)

Humbly Acknowledge That You Haven’t Arrived

Philippians 3:12a,13a

Twice Paul uses a negative to correct any misunderstanding that the Philippians might have regarding spiritual maturity in general or with Paul’s Christian life in particular. Some false teachers in Philippi had adopted a perfectionistic view of spirituality. Paul says that even though he has counted everything as loss for the sake of Christ, that doesn’t mean he has arrived. He isn’t perfect. He hasn’t entered the resurrected state yet. He’s straining ahead for that day. Mature people humbly acknowledge that they haven’t arrived. Be careful of an attitude that makes you think otherwise. If Paul could have this mature attitude, how much more should we?

The gospel humbled Paul. Look at the way Paul talks about his life here, compared to his pre-conversion experience in verse 6, where he said, “in the law, blameless.” He previously thought of himself as having arrived, but the gospel has a humbling effect. In telling the Philippians that he wasn’t perfect, Paul not only corrects any misunderstandings that they might have had regarding legalism or perfectionism, but his words surely brought hope to them as well! How so? Paul is identifying with them as a fellow Christian. He doesn’t want them to think that he is somehow superhuman and superior. He’s made some remarkable statements about his life in the book of Philippians, but he’s admitting that he hasn’t arrived. So you and I shouldn’t despair. Keep running with Paul!

Paul wants them to know that he’s with them on the journey, and this is one of the marks of true Christian leadership. Leadership is not lordship, and it’s not about being superior. It’s about following Jesus, becoming more like Him, and bringing others along on the journey. What happens when you humbly realize that you need to grow in Christ-likeness? Your view of others will change. You will grow less smug and less critical of others because you will believe you need to grow as well. You will use your words differently. You will grow less self-righteous, and you will be quicker to identify evidences of grace in the lives of others. Also, your love for the Savior will grow because you will realize how much you need His grace!

I mentioned C. J.’s message on these verses earlier. He really embodies this first point regarding maturity. I sent him a text message to thank him for his ministry to me. In response he sent me a typically humble, joyful, and encouraging text back. He then asked me to give him some feedback on his preaching! He was very serious about this. I mention it only to highlight that this mature Christian and wonderful preacher realizes that he still has room for growth in life and ministry. I have watched C. J. at various times, and his life exudes this idea of humble teachability. When someone else is preaching, he’s always taking notes, engaged in the sermon, normally on the front row. He’s always reading new books. He’s always quick to confess his need for growth. That’s a mark of maturity.

Passionately Pursue a Greater Knowledge of Christ

Philippians 3:12-14

Many Christians can identify with the first point. We’re not perfect. Check. But many Christians use this point as an excuse to be complacent. That’s not the case for the apostle Paul! Even though he knows he isn’t perfect, that doesn’t mean he isn’t exerting passion to grow in his knowledge of the Savior.

Notice the passion in verse 12: “I make every effort to take hold of it,” and in verse 13: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.” If that were not enough passion, he adds in verse 14, “I pursue.” This isn’t a man coasting; he isn’t loafing. He’s running hard after the prize.

What’s the “prize”? What goal is Paul pursuing? Based on the previous passage, it’s a fuller knowledge of Christ. It involves gaining Christ. That’s what Paul wants—to know Christ more and more; and in knowing Him more, he will become more like Him. This pursuit is a lifetime adventure. To illustrate this pursuit, Paul uses athletic imagery to convey his passion for the Savior.

A Passionate Pursuit

Be careful that you don’t adopt a passive attitude about the Christian life. Growth in Christlikeness isn’t an impassive stroll. The New Testament uses disciplined athletic imagery elsewhere to describe the effort involved in growing in Christ. Consider just two of them:

Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Cor 9:24-27)

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. (Heb 12:1-2)

Now that’s passion! Running, exercising self-control, not running aimlessly, not boxing the air, disciplining one’s body—all of this displays the apostle’s passion. Then the writer of Hebrews, in a book that emphasizes Christian perseverance, speaks of laying aside anything that doesn’t help us run, as we fix our eyes on Jesus. Paul and the author of Hebrews are under no illusion that the Christian life is lived passively and effortlessly. If you want to grow in maturity, you need passion and discipline. Earning is not a good word for Christians because we can’t earn any acceptance before God, but effort is a good word for those who have already been made new creations in Christ. We must pursue holiness (Heb 12:14) in this life by God’s power.

Forgetting and Reaching

Consider Paul’s running image closely. This passionate run involves forgetting and reaching (v. 13). Both are essential for running a good race, and both are essential for spiritual maturity. Every good runner knows that you can’t look over your shoulder, or you will get distracted, stumble, or lose momentum. You have to forget “what is behind.” O’Brien notes that epilanthanomai means “to forget” (Matt 16:5; Mark 8:14; Jas 1:24), or “to neglect, overlook, or care nothing about” (Luke 12:6; Heb 6:10; 13:2,16; Epistle, 428). What exactly is Paul to forget? O’Brien puts it succinctly and powerfully:

He will not allow either the achievements of the past (which God has wrought) or, for that matter, his failures as a Christian to prevent his gaze from being fixed firmly on the finish line. In this sense he forgets as he runs. (Epistle, 429)

I love that expression: “He forgets as he runs.”

This really should encourage us. Modern wisdom focuses on your past, often forcing you to place too high a value on your past. You need a better path. Sure, your past affects your life—either for good or for ill. But don’t make too much of it. Your past doesn’t have to determine your future. If you had an awful childhood or made some bad mistakes, you’ve certainly experienced consequences, but they don’t have to determine the rest of your life. The gospel is more powerful than that! Look at the guy who is writing this letter! He persecuted Christians “to the death” (Acts 22:4)! Yet we don’t find Paul saying, “Oh, I’m limited now. My previous experiences have made me damaged goods.” You don’t even find him saying anything like, “I need to pay God back now.” He simply forgets as he runs, and you can too! The gospel really is good news!

So follow Paul’s lead. Forget failures and run. Every Christian has failed God at some point. We could list the failures of many of our biblical heroes. Only One has never failed. We must also not over-interpret “forget about it” to mean avoiding making a situation right or not asking for forgiveness. We must deal with sin, but if you’ve been forgiven and sought to make wrongs right, then forget and run. Don’t let Satan bring up accusations against you if Christ has forgiven you. Flee to Christ; remind yourself of the gospel and press on.

Follow Paul’s lead in this way also: Forget past achievements. While we do find Paul occasionally relating some of his ministry achievements, we don’t find him using past victories as an excuse not to press on in the present. We should be grateful to God for all of His blessings, recounting them like the psalmists (e.g., Ps 103:1-5), but don’t use past victories as an excuse to live complacently today. Successes can create an unhealthy tendency to cling to the glory days. By constantly reminiscing, some live unprofitably in the present. Have you ever been around those who talk about the way church used to be in the glory days and how they used to share their faith and serve in the church? These “glory days” Christians remind me of Uncle Rico in the movie Napoleon Dynamite. He’s a middle-aged former athlete who lives in a camper van and regularly videos himself throwing a football. Don’t be Uncle Rico. Move on with life in the present season.

We must not let former victories create a relaxation and self-satisfaction in the present. Consider the NCAA tournament. When teams win games and advance, what do they often say? We hear something like this: “We will enjoy this victory for the moment, but we’ve got to get ready for the next game.” Their victory yesterday doesn’t mean they will win tomorrow. So it is in the Christian life. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Did Paul have some amazing victories? Could he have lived in the glory days? Could he have grown smug and self-righteous? Oh, yes! But he’s not letting accomplishments make him lazy. He’s forgetting accomplishments as he runs. Neither is he comparing himself with others. He’s focused on remaining faithful until the race is over.

One Thing I Do

How can we do this? Paul tells us here. I love the simplicity of these words: “One thing I do” (v. 13). Here we find a “one-thing guy.” He’s passionately pursuing a greater knowledge of Christ. He is forgetting failures and achievements, and he is straining ahead to know Christ more. What’s your one thing? If we asked people who know you well, “What’s his or her one thing?,” what would they say?

Mahaney asks a super-helpful question based on this idea: “What one change could you make in order to pursue the one thing that matters the most?” (“Straining for the Prize”). Negatively stated, what sin or habit or activity could you throw off in order to run the race better (Heb 12:1-2)? Positively, what could you begin doing that you aren’t doing right now?

Don’t underestimate the power of making one change. David Powlison notes that change in one area affects every area of our lives. We don’t typically think this way. We tend to think of spiritual growth in boxes; that is, after we work on one area, we can move to the next. But when you change one area of life, by God’s grace, it moves through the totality of your life (Mahaney, “Straining for the Prize”). I would add to this idea, that this one change not only affects your life, but it will affect others as well. Just one change in your life will affect you, your friends, your church, and your neighborhood.

If you want to see a discernible difference in your life, then think about how you are spending time and how you are spending money. These issues often reveal our one thing. With regard to time, are you making the most of your days (Eph 5:15-16)? Are you spending an inordinate amount of time on mindless activities or selfish pursuits? Have you taken a walk in your neighborhood recently in order to meet people and share your faith? Have you spent some unhurried and unhindered time in prayer lately? Are you working an excessive amount of hours? With regard to money, how are you stewarding God’s resources? Are you spending any money on missions? Is the sin of greed and materialism weakening your life?

In addition to time and money, let me also encourage you to begin a spiritual practice of growing in knowledge. This passage is about knowing Christ, and you can’t grow in knowledge without thinking! Perhaps you will use your commute to work as an opportunity to listen to the Scriptures or to good sermons. Perhaps you will begin a group that memorizes Scripture together, or you might even combine your athletic workout with an opportunity to listen to the gospel taught or to lectures on theology. Perhaps you want to get a new book that will help you grow in Christ. It has always struck me that at the end of Paul’s life we find him requesting books (2 Tim 4:13). He had soared to places that we haven’t seen, but he still wants books. Why? Because he was not satisfied with his knowledge of Christ. He wanted more. Do you? Let’s grow in becoming one-thing people!

Never Lose the Wonder of the Gospel

Philippians 3:12b,14b

Paul mentions two phrases that highlight the wonder of the gospel. In verse 12 he says, “I make every effort to take hold of it,” and then he says this wonderfully rich gospel phrase, “because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus” (emphasis added). Down in verse 14 he also speaks of “God’s heavenly call,” which is another beautiful statement about God’s grace in salvation. God is calling us heavenward.

Paul never lost the wonder of the gospel, and we shouldn’t either. Christian maturity involves going deeper into the gospel and never beyond the gospel. All of our growth comes from the outflow of the gospel. What was Paul in awe of? It was the fact that Christ took hold of him. What a concise and accurate statement of Paul’s conversion. Jesus took hold of Paul. But that’s not just Paul’s story; that’s our story too! Christ has taken hold of us! How did this happen? It happened by grace! Paul mentions “God’s heavenly call” in verse 14. Christians are those who have responded in repentance and faith to the call of the gospel. God called us by grace. We heard the gospel as a gift of grace. We are sustained by grace. For all eternity, we will sing the praises of the God of all grace.

The problem with many people when they talk about spiritual maturity is that they talk about it apart from the gospel. They think the gospel is the ABCs of Christianity, not the A to Z of Christianity as Tim Keller says (“The Centrality of the Gospel,” 1–2). In Colossians Paul says, “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him” (Col 2:6). The Colossians were trying to move on to something else, and Paul effectively says, “There is nothing else!” Just as you received Jesus—desperately, and in faith—so walk in Him. Keep looking to Him. Keep treasuring His grace. Keep relying on His power. The Philippians faced the threat of false teachers who promoted a sort of maturity that was divorced from the gospel of grace. In verse 16 Paul says, “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (ESV). Stay focused on this central truth, and keep marveling at God’s great work of salvation through Christ Jesus.

As we grow in maturity, we must remember that it’s only because Christ Jesus has taken hold of us that we want to make every effort! It’s only because God has taken hold of us that we can make any effort! Revel in the good news of Jesus daily. Marvel at His redemption. Boast in His cross. Fill your affections with this: He seized you!

A picture comes to mind here of a child holding on to a parent. One time, my (Tony) daughter got pulled into the ocean by the surf while the other four kids and I were playing. No one was paying close attention except for my bride. She ran into the water to pull out little Victoria, screaming in panic. Kimberly seized her, and in turn, Victoria didn’t want to turn her loose! Oh, we have been delivered out of death and from destruction because Jesus rescued us. Now we, in turn, embrace Him as our glorious, gracious Savior. Never lose the wonder of His rescuing love. Christian maturity involves loving the Savior.

Follow Cross-Centered, Heavenly Minded Examples

Philippians 3:15-19

Whom you follow matters. Whom you hang out with matters. The book of Philippians has struck this theme of imitation several times now. Paul has pointed to himself as an example (2:17-18), to Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples (2:19-30), and to Jesus as example par excellence (2:5-11). Now Paul encourages believers to adopt his outlook and his values for growing in spiritual maturity and to seek God for increasing wisdom. Paul knows he, too, must persevere in these areas. He includes himself in the phrase, “We should live up to whatever truth we have attained” (v. 16). A faithful Christian leader pursues Christ alongside everyone else. That pursuit includes not departing from the progress already made, not abandoning central truths already learned.

Indeed, the pursuit of Christ is a lifelong journey. Take the Old Testament character Caleb as a faithful example worth watching. In Joshua 14 he is seeking his inheritance in Hebron, which Moses swore to give him years before. Despite being 85 years old, he maintains that he is willing and able to drive out the Anakim in the strength of God! As you read the following passage from this account, notice the repetition of how Caleb “wholly followed the Lord” (ESV; cf. Num 14:24; Deut 1:36).

Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.” Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel. (Josh 14:6-14 ESV)

Can’t you hear this old man’s passion as he says, “Give me that hill country”? This isn’t a man coasting it out in his dying days. He’s living with a vibrant faith in God. I picture an old grandpa who wants to wrestle with the young bucks at Thanksgiving! Caleb basically says, “When I was 40, Joshua and I were ready, but the others were scared. Now, I am still ready!” What a wonderful example of faithfulness and zeal.

Paul encourages the Philippians to look to faithful examples in the present in addition to such biblical heroes. He knows that he’s not the only example the church has. He also warns them of cross-denying, earthly minded examples they must avoid. Let’s consider these two applications.

Follow Faithful Examples (3:17)

Faithful examples are those who live out the values Paul promotes. These values include many of the practices here in the book of Philippians: putting the needs of others ahead of our own, not grumbling or complaining, pouring out our lives for the cause of the gospel, and more. It’s essential to receive sound teaching, but we also learn by observing the lives of people who illustrate sound teaching. Christianity is not just taught; it’s also caught.

While it is not an issue mentioned in Philippians, we can apply this to marriage. In a culture filled with broken marriages and distorted views of marriage, we really need godly marriages on exhibit before our young people. Many really haven’t seen a healthy marriage lived out. In addition to marriage, many have never seen evangelism done well. They know they should do it, but they really don’t know how. If that’s you, attach yourself to someone doing it, and go with them. Watch them. Hang with them. Find faithful examples and watch them. Follow those who are showing you what it looks like to live out the Christian life in other ways, including prayer, giving, showing neighbor love, and studying the Bible. Find some “deceased mentors.” Read the biographies of the saints of old and find fresh encouragement from their way of life.

Allow me to share a few excerpts from one deceased mentor, George Mueller. Known for his great love for orphans and his exemplary prayer life, Mueller provides wonderful counsel for us in trusting God and growing in maturity. This spiritual giant once said, “I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord” (in Piper, “George Mueller’s Strategy”). What did it mean to be “happy in the Lord”? He said this:

The more we know of God, the happier we are. . . . When we became a little acquainted with God . . . our true happiness . . . commenced; and the more we become acquainted with him, the more truly happy we become. What will make us so exceedingly happy in heaven? It will be the fuller knowledge of God. (Ibid.)

Take this seriously. The reason there’s little happiness in the world is there’s little knowledge of Christ in the world. This passion to know the Lord continued for Mueller. At age 71 he wrote this to some younger believers:

Now in brotherly love and affection I would give a few hints to my younger fellow-believers as to the way in which to keep up spiritual enjoyment. It is absolutely needful in order that happiness in the Lord may continue, that the Scriptures be regularly read. These are God’s appointed means for the nourishment of the inner man. . . . Consider it, and ponder over it. . . . Especially we should read regularly through the Scriptures, consecutively, and not pick out here and there a chapter. If we do, we remain spiritual dwarfs. I tell you so affectionately. For the first four years after my conversion I made no progress, because I neglected the Bible. But when I regularly read on through the whole with reference to my own heart and soul, I directly made progress. Then my peace and joy continued more and more. Now I have been doing this for 47 years. I have read through the whole Bible about 100 times and I always find it fresh when I begin again. Thus my peace and joy have increased more and more. (Ibid.)

What are the roots of endurance and the cause of joy of such a man of faith? It was his own communion with Christ that flowed from meditation on God’s Word. Follow this example!

You should imitate faithful examples, and you should aspire to be one also. Leaders in the church bear responsibility for setting an example, but you don’t need an official position to influence people by your example. As you seek to set an example for others, do so with affection. Notice the affection of Paul, who is setting us an example to follow. He speaks to the church as family, “brothers.” Then he writes about the enemies with “tears.” This is a passionate man. This is an affectionate man. You don’t set an example simply with deeds and actions (as important as they are!). You also set an example by your passions, affections, and emotions.

Find people who have been captured by the gospel, those who have been captured by the upward call of God in Christ Jesus! This doesn’t mean that we’re trying to produce carbon copies of people. God has made people in His own image, and each has his or her own uniqueness. People have their own giftings. What we need to pass along is the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Pass along values, virtues, and the passion, all centered on the gospel.

Avoid the Patterns of Pretenders and Earthly Minded People (3:18-19)

In verses 18-19 Paul reminds the Philippians that some are setting the wrong example. Who are these “enemies of the cross”? No one seems to be able to identify them with certainty. Carson, O’Brien, and others note that they appear to be people who make some sort of profession of Christian faith, but in reality they oppose the gospel (Carson, Basics, 92; O’Brien, Epistle, 452). They’re deceivers. They’re pretenders. They shouldn’t be confused with those mentioned in 1:15-17, who were Christians despite having bad motives for ministry. Nor should they be thought of as pagans, who outright reject the gospel. Instead, they put on a show as Christian leaders, but a cross-bearing example is missing. Enemies of the cross do not talk about the cross as their greatest boast, and they don’t want to take up their cross and participate in the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s suffering. Their ethic isn’t consistent with their profession. Paul warns us not to be drawn away by such people.

Because their profession is false, Paul says, “their end is destruction” (v. 19). He goes on to say these pretenders are known for a particular set of values, which are antithetical to Christian holiness. First, he says that their “god is their stomach,” meaning they serve their lustful appetites. They seek to please self. They become a law unto themselves. Instead of living in grateful worship to God, they live as lazy gluttons, pleasing self.

Next, he adds, “Their glory is in their shame.” They show off things for which they should be ashamed. They enjoy and celebrate what offends God and should be avoided. Don’t follow the examples of those who glory in things like sexual sin, greed, disrespect, and laziness—as we often see in our culture. Even though sex before marriage is prevalent and considered normal, it’s still shameful. Even though we call a strip club “The Gentlemen’s Club,” it’s still shameful and depraved. Even though marriages break down because money matters more than a sacred covenant, resist this shameful pattern. Even though laziness is viewed as a personality trait and is displayed regularly in sitcoms, it’s wrong. In Proverbs laziness is wickedness, not something to be accepted. Even though pornography is present and accessible, you shouldn’t participate in shameful, secretive works of darkness. By participating in such practices, you not only deaden your own soul, but you also perpetuate more sin because sin always affects others.

Don’t worship the god of your stomach and glory in shame. Lift up your eyes. Find the superior joy Paul has been describing in this letter. Press on to know Christ. Get your vision of life from Scripture, and submit the whole of your life to the whole of the Bible in order to glorify God and flourish as you were intended to flourish.

Finally, Paul says, “They are focused on earthly things.” They just get excited about worldly things. They aren’t captured by Christ, His cross, and His resurrection. They are the type who prefer the Xbox and social media to thorough Bible study and courageous mission. Don’t follow this pattern. Don’t think you will become like Jesus by watching reality TV or listening to talk radio constantly. Don’t live for the things of this life.

Let me (Francis) share one of my earliest illustrations with you. It’s hard to write about it because it’s an object lesson. But here it is. Imagine a white rope extended from the pulpit all the way out the back stage or the back door. Then imagine just the tip of the rope, which is located at the pulpit, being colored red. This red represents this short life. The rest of the rope represents eternity. Now, based on this illustration, what should occupy our hearts the most, this life or heaven? How should we live in light of this reality? How should we spend money in view of heaven? Will we not live differently if we really embrace what Paul is saying here, and what he will say in verses 20-21? Yes. Don’t live like these enemies of the cross. Don’t set your mind on earthly things. Set your gaze on Christ and on our heavenly citizenship!

Before we consider this heavenly mind-set in more detail, notice here that Paul doesn’t despise these enemies of the cross. He sheds “tears” over them. It’s a sad thing for those who act like they are Christians never to boast in the cross, to see them only set their minds on earthly things, and to see them mainly get excited about satisfying their lustful appetites. That should grieve us. It should lead us to tears in prayer for them.

Remember the proverb: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Prov 13:20 ESV). Don’t become a fool by observing and following the ways of foolish people. Find examples of those who are walking the way of the cross and finding a superior joy in knowing Christ more and more. Whom you follow matters. Follow those who are following Jesus passionately.

Live in Light of Your True Citizenship

Philippians 3:20-21

Paul concludes by reminding the church of the heavenly mind-set they should possess. People walking and growing in maturity realize that this world is not their home. We should have certain “groanings” in this life because we aren’t from here (Rom 8:18-27)! Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven.

Philippi was a Roman colony. It was a little Rome. When people visited Philippi they said, “This reminds me of Rome.” We noted this previously as we observed Paul’s exhortation in 1:27, which could be rendered, “Only conduct yourself as a citizen, in a manner worthy of the gospel.” Paul is telling the Philippians that the church is a little colony of the kingdom of heaven. When you are in the presence of God’s people, their values and their lives should point to heaven.

When you see people taking care of the vulnerable, caring for orphans, doing all that is good and right and true, giving to the poor, speaking edifying words to one another, outdoing one another in showing honor, showing no partiality or racism, putting the needs of others ahead of their own, you should say: “This smells like heaven!” We should be giving the world a glimpse of what’s coming in the future. We can show them what the King is like and what the kingdom is like. People should look at the words and deeds of believers and say, “You aren’t from around here, are you?” You can tell them, “My citizenship is in heaven. I’m just passing through.”

Bad examples set their minds on earthly things. Faithful examples live in light of their true citizenship. C. S. Lewis said this about the latter:

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. . . . It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. (Mere Christianity, 134)

We can endure trials in this life when we remember this wonderful reality. A close family member is going through an awful ordeal. I (Tony) recently texted her to express my sympathy and assure her of my prayers. She responded, “Thanks. The tomb is empty. The rest is just small stuff.” What a heavenly mind-set!

Paul tells us that not only should we be living out the kingdom’s values, but we should also be awaiting heaven’s Lord. He says we “eagerly wait for a Savior.” Who is this Savior? He says, “the Lord Jesus Christ.” In saying this, Paul is saying that Caesar isn’t Lord. Oh, Caesar might have thought he was Lord. He might have taken the title “Savior.” He might have tried to build a kingdom that won the praise of people. But all leaders pale in comparison to the coming King of heaven. We eagerly wait for His arrival. We welcome His arrival. We must live in light of His arrival.

Additionally he tells us, the church, that the Lord “will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body.” Christian maturity is about growing in Christlikeness, and the culmination of this will happen when Christ appears. Paul and John write the following:

And just as we have borne the image of the man made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly man. (1 Cor 15:49)

Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)

What hope this is! This hope should motivate us, assure us, purify us, and center us on what’s most important. The believer has the most encouraging news in the world. This is as bad as it will ever be. Soon we will see Him. Soon we will receive a new body, fitted for the new heaven and new earth!

How will this happen? Paul says that Christ will transform us “by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.” If Jesus can subject everything, then He can easily transform our lowly bodies! Therefore, let us make every effort. Let us make every effort to know Christ, and in knowing Him more intimately, become more like Him. Let us make every effort by heeding these five challenges for growing in maturity:

• Humbly acknowledge that you haven’t arrived.
• Passionately pursue greater knowledge of Christ.
• Never lose the wonder of the gospel.
• Follow cross-centered, heavenly minded examples.
• Live in light of your true citizenship.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the movie Chariots of Fire. It’s about two runners in the 1924 Olympics, one being Eric Liddell, a Christian. He makes the often-quoted statement, “I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Paul, too, felt the pleasure of running for the prize, and he’s commending this way of life to us. Eric Liddell would later serve on the mission field, running for something greater than a gold medal. As you run for the prize, may you feel God’s pleasure too. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the One who ran for “the joy that lay before Him” (Heb 12:2). Run for the pleasure of Christ, the One who took hold of you. Let us reach forward until we see Him. When we see Him, we won’t regret having made every effort to know Him more and more in this life. We won’t regret having lived in view of our true citizenship. Every day we are getting closer. Keep running until you see Him.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How does the gospel humble you?
2. What is the prize that Paul pursues in verse 14?
3. Why do we need passion and discipline to grow in spiritual maturity?
4. Do you use past victories and successes as an excuse not to make every effort in the present? Pause and ask the Lord for freedom from this sin.
5. Paul was a “one-thing” guy (v. 13). What would people who know you well say is your “one thing”?
6. What one change could you make in order to pursue the one thing that matters the most?
7. What does it mean to say that the gospel is the ABCs of Christianity, not the A to Z of Christianity?
8. What are some characteristics of the “enemies of the cross” in verse 18?
9. In what ways is your church a little colony of the kingdom of heaven?
10. How should the promise of Jesus’ return affect the way you live your life?