In the journey of faith, believers are often confronted with the challenge of self-assessment in light of God's calling. The Apostle Paul's epistle to the Philippians provides profound insights into this reflective process, particularly in Philippians 3:13-14. This passage emphasizes the importance of forgetting past accomplishments and failures and pressing forward toward the divine calling in Christ Jesus. Understanding this concept is pivotal in evangelical theology as it relates to personal sanctification and the Church's mission in the world. This discussion aims to critically examine Philippians 3:13-14, exploring its theological implications for believers seeking to assess their spiritual situation truthfully.
Exegetical Analysis
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV) states:
"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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
To fully grasp the depth of this passage, it is essential to delve into the original Greek language, as nuances in keywords offer richer meanings.
"Consider" (Greek: λογίζομαι, logizomai)
The verb "consider" translates the Greek word logizomai, which means to reckon, calculate, or take into account (Thayer, 1889). In bookkeeping, it implies a meticulous evaluation of assets and liabilities. Paul employs this term to indicate a deliberate and thorough self-examination. He is essentially performing a spiritual audit, recognizing that he has not yet "made it his own"—a reference to attaining the fullness of Christ's resurrection power and perfection.
"Forgetting" (Greek: ἐπιλανθανόμενος, epilanthanomenos)
The participle "forgetting" comes from epilanthanomai, meaning to neglect or no longer care for (Liddell & Scott, 1940). This forgetting is not a loss of memory but a conscious decision to let go of the significance of past events. Paul disregards his past achievements and failures, refusing to let them hinder his progress toward his heavenly calling.
"Straining Forward" (Greek: ἐπεκτεινόμενος, epekteinomenos)
"Straining forward" translates epekteinomai, which combines epi (upon) and ekteino (to stretch out) (Strong, 1890). This compound verb conveys intense effort and focus, akin to a runner stretching forward to reach the finish line. It denotes an active pursuit, a continuous effort to move closer to the goal set by God.
"Press On" (Greek: διώκω, diōkō)
The phrase "I press on" uses the verb diōkō, often translated as pursue or chase (Bauer et al., 2000). This word can also mean to persecute, highlighting the intensity and urgency of the action. Paul is not passively waiting but actively pursuing the goal with determination.
"Goal" (Greek: σκοπός, skopos)
The term "goal" comes from skopos, referring to a mark on which to fix one's gaze (Vine, 1996). It is the object of focus for a runner in a race. Paul's use of skopos underscores the importance of having a clear, divine objective in the Christian life.
"Prize" (Greek: βραβεῖον, brabeion)
"Prize" translates brabeion, the reward or prize awarded in public games (Thayer, 1889). It signifies the eternal rewards awaiting believers who faithfully complete their spiritual race.
Theological Discussion
From an evangelical perspective, Paul's message in Philippians 3:13-14 serves as a paradigm for Christian living. It emphasizes the necessity of continual growth and pursuing God's calling rather than complacency in past achievements.
Forgetting the Past
Paul's instruction to forget "what lies behind" challenges believers to relinquish past successes and failures. In evangelical theology, this concept aligns with the doctrine of sanctification—a progressive work of God and man that makes us free from sin and like Christ in our lives (Grudem, 1994). Holding onto past victories can breed pride while dwelling on past failures can lead to despair. Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) echoes this sentiment: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely." Letting go enables believers to run the race set before them with endurance.
Pursuing the Upward Call
The "upward call of God in Christ Jesus" represents believers' ultimate purpose and destiny. It is a heavenly calling that demands earthly effort. Ephesians 4:1 (ESV) urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." This pursuit is not for salvation—secured by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)—but for fulfilling God's specific purposes in our lives.
Measuring Success by Divine Standards
Paul cautions against comparing oneself with others, as noted in 2 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV): "But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." The evangelical viewpoint emphasizes that God's standards are the true measure of success. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30, ESV), servants are rewarded not for outperforming each other but for being faithful with what they were given.
Implications for Believers
Personal Reflection and Assessment
Believers must self-evaluate honestly, aligning their lives with God's purposes. This involves asking critical questions:
- Am I accomplishing the goals the Lord has given me?
- Can I stand before Him with a heart free of condemnation, knowing that I gave my very best effort, work, and faith to achieve His will?
- What changes do I need to make in my life to do what the Lord has told me to do?
Such introspection is supported by Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Avoiding Complacency
The danger of complacency is a recurring theme in Scripture. Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV) warns the Church in Laodicea: "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot... So, because you are lukewarm... I will spit you out of my mouth." Evangelical theology stresses the need for ongoing spiritual fervor and commitment.
Focusing on the Future
By "straining forward to what lies ahead," believers embrace the future with hope and expectation. Romans 8:18 (ESV) affirms: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." This forward-looking perspective fuels perseverance amid trials.
The Role of Grace
While effort and discipline are essential, evangelical theology underscores that God's grace ultimately enables believers to pursue their calling. Philippians 2:13 (ESV) states: "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Recognizing this prevents pride and fosters dependence on God.
Addressing Counterarguments
Some may argue that Paul's emphasis on pressing forward could lead to a works-based mentality, contradicting the doctrine of salvation by grace. However, evangelical theology differentiates between justification and sanctification. Justification is a one-time act of God's grace, while sanctification is a cooperative process involving human effort empowered by the Holy Spirit (Erickson, 2013).
Insights from Renowned Evangelical Theologians
John Stott highlights the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility: "Sanctification is a process in which God and man cooperate" (Stott, 2006). Similarly, J.I. Packer emphasizes the necessity of active participation: "Holiness is not an option; it is a command. It is the essence of discipleship" (Packer, 1990).
Conclusion
Truthfully assessing one's situation in light of Philippians 3:13-14 is a critical exercise for every believer. It requires honest self-examination, a willingness to let go of the past, and a steadfast focus on God's calling. By understanding Paul's words' original language and context, believers can appreciate the intensity and intentionality required in the Christian journey. This passage challenges the Church to avoid complacency, measure success by divine standards, and rely on God's grace to pursue holiness.
The broader impact on the Christian faith is profound. Embracing this teaching fosters a dynamic and forward-moving Church that continually aligns itself with God's purposes. It encourages individual believers to grow in sanctification, contributing to the collective mission of the Gospel. In a world fraught with distractions and temptations to settle, Paul's exhortation serves as a clarion call to press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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