Philippians 3:14-16

Pressing On To the Prize

Having forgotten all that was in the past, the apostle pressed, or stretched forward like a runner trying to break the tape, toward the prize of salvation in Christ (1 Peter 3:14; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 3:1). The writer of Hebrews used the image of a race to help his readers see the importance of setting aside those things which might hinder them on their way to heaven. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." To reach the goal, each follower of Christ should focus on the Lord who has already endured hardship and is now seated at God's right hand (Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:12-14).

While Paul still had room for growth (vs. 12), he was mature or full-grown. He asked all those who were also mature to keep their minds set on the goal. It is not time to sit down when the race is still ongoing. If they would continue in a single-minded pursuit of God's reward, Paul assured them that God would reveal to them any imperfection they still had. Meanwhile, he urged them to continue in that which they knew to be right (1 Peter 3:15-16).