Read & explore together
Pressing on toward the Goal
Paul says he has not already obtained what he seeks or been made perfect, yet he keeps pressing on because Christ Jesus took hold of him. These verses teach a humble, forward-looking way of thinking and living.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In Philippians 3:12–16, Paul speaks personally about not having already obtained or fully taken hold of the goal. He describes pressing on, forgetting what is behind, and stretching forward. He then calls others to share this mindset, walk in line with what they have attained, and keep the same mind together.
Philippians 3:12–16Main takeaway
This passage teaches believers to press on with humility, steady focus, and a shared commitment to live consistently with what they already know in Christ.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul admits he has not arrivedPaul begins by rejecting any idea that he has already obtained the goal or has already been made perfect.
Explanation
Paul begins by rejecting any idea that he has already obtained the goal or has already been made perfect. Even so, he presses on. He wants to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him. The verse joins humility with determined effort.
02He focuses on what is aheadPaul repeats that he does not regard himself as having taken hold yet. Then he describes one main direction: forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead.
Explanation
Paul repeats that he does not regard himself as having taken hold yet. Then he describes one main direction: forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead. The language shows concentration and effort. His attention is fixed on what lies before him.
03He presses toward the goalPaul states his aim clearly. He presses on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Explanation
Paul states his aim clearly. He presses on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The verse does not describe aimless effort. His pursuit has a goal, a prize, and a calling that is centred in God and Christ Jesus.
04Others are called to share this mindsetPaul turns from his own example to the community. Those he calls perfect are to think this way.
Explanation
Paul turns from his own example to the community. Those he calls perfect are to think this way. If some think otherwise, he says God will reveal that to them. The emphasis is on sharing the same humble, forward-looking outlook rather than claiming to have finished.
05Walk in line with what you have reachedThe final instruction is practical and communal. To the extent they have already attained, they are to walk by the same rule and be of the same mind.
Explanation
The final instruction is practical and communal. To the extent they have already attained, they are to walk by the same rule and be of the same mind. Paul calls for consistency. Progress already made should shape present conduct and shared life together.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Paul say twice about his present condition?
Notice the repeated idea that he has not already obtained or taken hold, even while he continues to press on.
02Which phrases describe Paul’s forward focus?
Look for the words about forgetting what is behind, stretching forward, and pressing on toward the goal.
03What should believers do with the progress they have already made?
Read the closing instruction about walking by the same rule and being of the same mind.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philippians 3:12–16
12Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before,
14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
16Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let’s walk by the same rule. Let’s be of the same mind.