Pressing on to Know Christ – Philippians 3:12-21

Philippians 3:12-21

In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul uses an intense running analogy to describe the Christian life. Having described his passionate, all-consuming desire in verse 10, “to know Christ,” the apostle now tells the Philippians that he’s not stagnating. He’s not slowing down. He’s still running hard after Christ. Kent Hughes says, “There is nothing in Scripture quite like this explosion of spiritual longing” (145). As Paul explains this explosion of spiritual longing, he tells the Philippians that they should follow his example and his take his perspective on spiritual progress. He says, “Therefore, all who are mature should think this way” (15a). Every Christian, then, should take a close look at this passage because Paul provides an inspiring and instructive path for growing in spiritual maturity.