12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect , but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus . 13 Brethren , I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet ; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching 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 us therefore , as many as are perfect , have this attitude ; and if in anything you have a different attitude , God will reveal that also to you; 16 however , let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained .
17 Brethren , join e in following my example , and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk , of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping , that they are enemies of the cross of Christ , 19 whose end is destruction , whose god is their appetite , and whose glory is in their shame , who set their minds on earthly things . 20 For our citizenship is in heaven , from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior , the Lord Jesus Christ ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory , by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 3:12-21
Commentary on Philippians 3:12-21
(Read Philippians 3:12-21)
This simple dependence and earnestness of soul, were not mentioned as if the apostle had gained the prize, or were already made perfect in the Saviour's likeness. He forgot the things which were behind, so as not to be content with past labours or present measures of grace. He reached forth, stretched himself forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and more like unto Christ. He who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but press forward as fast as he can; so those who have heaven in their view, must still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavours. Eternal life is the gift of God, but it is in Christ Jesus; through his hand it must come to us, as it is procured for us by him. There is no getting to heaven as our home, but by Christ as our Way. True believers, in seeking this assurance, as well as to glorify him, will seek more nearly to resemble his sufferings and death, by dying to sin, and by crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts. In these things there is a great difference among real Christians, but all know something of them. Believers make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world. If they differ from one another, and are not of the same judgment in lesser matters, yet they must not judge one another; while they all meet now in Christ, and hope to meet shortly in heaven. Let them join in all the great things in which they are agreed, and wait for further light as to lesser things wherein they differ. The enemies of the cross of Christ mind nothing but their sensual appetites. Sin is the sinner's shame, especially when gloried in. The way of those who mind earthly things, may seem pleasant, but death and hell are at the end of it. If we choose their way, we shall share their end. The life of a Christian is in heaven, where his Head and his home are, and where he hopes to be shortly; he sets his affections upon things above; and where his heart is, there will his conversation be. There is glory kept for the bodies of the saints, in which they will appear at the resurrection. Then the body will be made glorious; not only raised again to life, but raised to great advantage. Observe the power by which this change will be wrought. May we be always prepared for the coming of our Judge; looking to have our vile bodies changed by his Almighty power, and applying to him daily to new-create our souls unto holiness; to deliver us from our enemies, and to employ our bodies and souls as instruments of righteousness in his service.