Bible Reading for August 5 – Philippians 3:12-4:1

Living the Christian life isn’t easy, and it requires a lot of determination and endurance. Paul compares it to running a race, straining forward to win the prize at the finish (v. 14). But what is this prize?

Yesterday, we saw very clearly it was not our heritage or our good works, or any of the material things in this world. Paul repeats this idea in verse 19 – those who are living for the fleshly things, for the things that appeal to their senses, might as well be chasing after the wind, as the writer of Ecclesiastes puts it (see 1:14). For no matter how attractive those things may be, none of them last forever, and neither do we in this life.

No, instead of looking to the things of this earth to give his life meaning and purpose, Paul is focused on his Heavenly citizenship (v. 20). He is waiting for the return of Christ, who at that time will transform everything in this world, including our bodies, giving them an eternal glory, making them fit to live with Him forever (v. 21).

So, for Paul, that’s the ultimate prize – the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (v. 14). For to be called by God is to be assured that we will share in this eternal glory. To be called by God is to be assured of His love. But to be called by God also entails our response to that call – a response of faith in the beautiful promises that we see here, but also a response of obedience and faithfulness to Him, even if that requires standing firm in the face of opposition from those who think the things of this world are all that matter.

So, to which call are you listening, the siren sound of impermanent, worldly things, or the upward call of God to eternal life?

Philippians 3:12-4:1 (ESV)

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.