For the Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus

Text: Philippians 3:14 “[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

INTRODUCTION

1. The phrase “press on” draws on the biblical imagery of running a race—likely the Grecian athletic contests familiar in Paul’s day. Paul uses the physical race as a spiritual metaphor (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Hebrews 12:1).

From these passages several truths about the believer’s race emerge:

• a. There is a spiritual race in which the true believer participates; it involves the challenge to obtain a prize. It is a serious, worthwhile spiritual endeavor.
• b. Striving for mastery and disciplined preparation are required to obtain an incorruptible crown.
• c. Self-discipline is necessary: believers must deny anything that jeopardizes preparation or participation in the race.
• d. Lay aside every weight—especially the weight of sin—which impedes the race.
• e. Patience is required because the race is demanding.

Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:14 expressed his longing that the Philippian believers embrace this challenge. He wanted them to grasp seven key realities:

• a. Example: Paul modeled pressing toward the mark (Philippians 3:14). He understood the power of godly example (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10).
• b. Aim: The challenge is to press toward the mark of God’s calling—finish the race, keep the faith, and not quit.
• c. Nature of the calling: God’s calling is high, holy, and heavenly (2 Timothy 1:8–9; Hebrews 3:1).
• d. Source of calling: We are called through Christ Jesus (John 6:39–40).
• e. Union with Christ: To be “in Christ” means Christ dwells in the believer by faith and repentance (Galatians 2:20; Revelation 3:20; Colossians 1:27; John 14:17, 23–24).
• f. The mark: The mark is the finishing line of our service—steadfastness and endurance are required.
• g. The prize: Believers will receive rewards at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11–15).

The Scriptures identify five crowns (rewards) for believers: (1) crown of rejoicing (soul-winner’s crown; Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18–20), (2) crown of righteousness (for those who love Christ’s appearing; 2 Timothy 4:1–8), (3) crown of life (for those who endure trials; James 1:1–11; Revelation 2:10), (4) crown of glory (for faithful shepherds; 1 Peter 5:1–4), and (5) incorruptible crown (for self-denial; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27). These crowns are offered for the glory of Christ (Revelation 4:10–11).

2. Philippi was precious to Paul; he desired their perseverance and prize (Philippians 3:11).
3. We are to press on toward the high calling’s mark—God offers the prize to His children.

DISCUSSION How to Press On Toward the Mark of the High Calling of God

1. Rejoicing in the Lord

• Paul repeatedly calls believers to rejoice (Philippians 3:1; 4:4). Though imprisoned, Paul wrote with supernatural joy—joy produced by the Spirit amid suffering.
• The letter to the Philippians emphasizes joy (repeated uses of joy, rejoice, rejoiced, rejoicing, gladness). Paul’s joy stems from:
  • Their partnership in the gospel (Philippians 4:14–15).
  • The “joy of faith” among the Philippians (Philippians 1:25).
  • Paul’s personal consolation in Christ, love, fellowship of the Spirit, and like-mindedness (Philippians 2:1–5).
  • His delight in serving and offering his life (Philippians 2:17).
  • They were Paul’s crown and joy (Philippians 4:1).
  • Joy because Christ’s name is proclaimed (Philippians 1:18, 26; 3:3; 4:4, 10).
  • Joy tied to the day of Christ (Philippians 2:16).
• This joy is essential as we press on amid apostasy and trials.

2. Watchfulness Against False Teachers and Evil Workers

• Beware of false teachers—Paul warns, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of concision” (Philippians 3:2).
• Paul opposed teachings that distort the gospel (e.g., Judaizers). He strongly denounced false gospels (Galatians 1:6–9) and called false teachers “dogs” and “evil workers.”
• False teachers often preach selfishly or insincerely—Paul warned they are adversaries and “enemies of the cross” whose end is destruction (Philippians 1:15–16; 3:18–19).
• In the last days many will reject sound doctrine for fables (2 Timothy 4:3–4); false prophets will arise (Matthew 24:11–12).
• Biblical separation and fidelity to Scripture are the required stance; Scripture is God-breathed and authoritative (2 Timothy 3:15–16).

3. No Confidence in the Flesh

• Believers must place no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). The flesh seeks righteousness by self-effort apart from Christ.
• Paul listed his former credentials and achievements as reasons he might have trusted the flesh, yet he counted them loss for Christ (Philippians 3:4–6; 3:7).
• The flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:3–8) and is the seat of indwelling sin (Romans 7:18–20).
• Serve the Lord in dependence on Christ, not in the power of the flesh.

4. Count as Gain the Excellency of Knowing Christ

• Paul considered all else loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7–8). Knowing Christ is the supreme gain—“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
• The knowledge of God’s glory is found in Christ; the eternal weight of glory is revealed through Him (2 Corinthians 4:6–18).
• Though the outward self may perish, the inward man is renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16).

5. Deeper Understanding of Knowing Christ

• Pressing on includes a growing desire to know Christ more deeply: His resurrection power, fellowship in suffering, and conformity to His death (Philippians 3:10–11).
• True Christianity is Christ alive in the believer—God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:27).
• Knowing Christ may cost worldly relationships, pride, ambitions, and lusts; Christ becomes supreme passion and devotion.
• Paul desired not only what Christ had done, but what Christ could do now and in the future—especially conformity to Christ’s sufferings for the sake of the resurrection (Philippians 3:10–11).

6. Focused Determination and Single-Mindedness

• Believers must be single-minded and determined to live for Christ and His glory (Philippians 3:12–14).
• Paul acknowledged he had not yet attained perfection, but he pursued what Christ had called him to—“This one thing I do.”
• Focus requires surrendering past successes or failures; marshal all energies and resources to exalt Christ.
• Do not quit; Christ strengthens us to endure (Philippians 4:12–13).

7. Constancy in Looking for the Lord’s Coming

• Maintain a continual upward look for Christ’s return (Philippians 3:20–21).
• Our citizenship is in heaven; we await the Savior who will transform our bodies to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:50–58).
• Expectation of Christ’s return motivates steadfastness and faithful labor—our service will be rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ.

CONCLUSION

Are we pressing on toward the mark of the high calling of God? If not, repent and reorient: Christ alone must be our life and highest goal. Paul’s life challenges every professing believer to pursue Christ with single-minded devotion. Practice what you have learned, received, heard, and seen in Paul—and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9).