Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

“Toward the goal”: “Bear down upon” (Vincent p. 450). “I strain to reach the end of the race” (Tay). “Goal”: “The goal-marker. It is that post at the end of the race upon which the runner fixes his attention” (Hawthorne p. 154). “Unto the prize”: Which is now mentioned (2 Timothy 4:8). “Of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”: “The prize of God's heavenward call” (Wey). “God's heavenly calling” (Con). Every Christian has been called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). It is. heavenly or upward calling, that is, it originates in Heaven and calls us to Heaven (Hebrews 3:1). The reward or prize offered by this calling is eternal life (Titus 1:2; Romans 6:23). “In Christ Jesus”: One cannot receive eternal life without Jesus Christ (John 14:9). Thus from the context we learn that eternal life involves an intimate and full knowledge of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:10), the complete release from "self" (Philippians 3:10-11), or perfection (Philippians 3:12), unhindered and perfect service rendered to God, complete and total satisfaction, and happiness and fulfillment (Revelation 21:4). Hendriksen notes, “ With all his heart the apostle desired to be completely raised above sin” (p. 174).