Joyful Moments in Christ

As we live our day-to-day lives, it is incredibly easy to become consumed by the ordinary. The steady routine of work, family, bills, and daily responsibilities can crowd our minds and slowly pull our attention away from our long-term, eternal purpose. When things go wrong, we often focus so intently on our problems that we forget the bigger picture. And when things go right, it is tempting to chase after more — more money, more recognition, more comfort — sometimes losing sight of integrity, righteousness, and God’s will for our lives in the process.

Paul addresses this tendency head-on in Philippians 3:12-21, urging believers to lift their eyes from temporary, earthly distractions and to press on toward a far greater prize: eternity with Jesus and life lived in his likeness.

Not Perfect, But Pursuing

Paul begins with a humble admission:

Even the apostle Paul, one of the greatest leaders and missionaries in Christian history, acknowledges that he hasn’t arrived at perfection. He hasn’t reached the fullness of spiritual maturity or completely overcome his weaknesses. But he doesn’t let that stop him — and neither should we.

Paul reminds us that Jesus has claimed us as his own, and because of this, we have both the responsibility and the privilege to press on. Our mistakes don’t define us, but they should refine us. When we fall short, we get back up, not because we are strong enough, but because Christ has already secured our place in his kingdom.

A Greater Prize Than This World Can Offer

In a world that constantly measures success by titles, possessions, influence, or appearance, Paul invites us to recalibrate our priorities:

What is this “upward call”? It’s not a promotion, a degree, or a position of power. It’s the call to become like Christ, to live for the glory of God, and to ultimately receive eternal life in his presence.

We can choose to strive for worldly goals — to be CEOs, social media influencers, PTA presidents, or local celebrities — but these positions are fleeting. None of these accomplishments can compare to the eternal, lasting prize offered in Christ. It’s a sobering thought: will we spend our lives chasing earthly success, only to discover that we neglected what truly mattered?

Growing in Spiritual Maturity

Paul acknowledges that spiritual maturity is a process. No one figures it out overnight. The key, he explains, is to hold fast to what we have already learned and to remain teachable:

God is faithful to guide his people. As we pray, read scripture, and live in community with other believers, the Holy Spirit shapes our understanding and convicts us when we stray. Our job is to hold onto what we know to be true, even as God continues to grow and refine us.

The Importance of Godly Examples

The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. We need one another — for encouragement, accountability, and perspective. Paul urges the Philippians to look to faithful examples:

We all need mentors, friends, and spiritual role models. Whether it’s a faithful older believer, a trusted friend, or someone whose walk with God you admire from a distance, pay attention to how they live. Learn from them. Encourage them. And when the opportunity arises, be that example for someone else.

At the same time, Paul warns us to be alert:

Sadly, not everyone in church pews or Christian circles is truly pursuing Christ. Some are driven by selfish ambition, appetite, or earthly success rather than a sincere love for God. Paul speaks of this with sorrow, knowing how easily such examples can lead others astray.

Living as Citizens of Heaven

Ultimately, Paul reminds us that our true citizenship isn’t tied to this world:

We are not meant to settle here. This world, with all its brokenness and temptations, is not our final home. Our lives should reflect the values of the kingdom to which we belong — a kingdom marked by righteousness, peace, humility, and hope.

It is easy to get sidetracked by today’s frustrations or this year’s ambitions. But when we remember where our true citizenship lies, our priorities shift. Temporary disappointments lose their sting, and worldly success loses its appeal. What matters most is growing in Christ, living faithfully, and preparing for the day when we will stand in his presence.

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12-21 serve as both encouragement and challenge. We haven’t arrived yet — and that’s okay. What matters is that we keep pressing on, holding tightly to what we know is true, surrounding ourselves with godly influences, and setting our hearts on the eternal prize that far outweighs anything this world can offer.

As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself:

• Where have you been placing your confidence?
• Are you pressing on toward the right prize?
• Who are you imitating and allowing to shape your walk with Christ?

Our citizenship is in heaven. Let’s live like it.

Reflection Questions

1. In Philippians 3:12, Paul admits he hasn’t “already obtained this or [is] already perfect,” yet he presses on because Christ has made him his own. How does this reminder of ongoing spiritual growth encourage you in your current walk with Jesus?
2. Paul urges believers to “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13-14). Are there past successes, failures, or regrets you sense God might be calling you to release so you can pursue him more fully?
3. In Philippians 3:15-16, Paul speaks of spiritual maturity and encourages believers to hold fast to what God has already revealed to them. What truths has God impressed upon your heart in the past that you may need to hold on to or revisit now?
4. Philippians 3:17 highlights the value of godly examples. Who in your life models a sincere pursuit of Christ, and what qualities stand out in their faith journey?
5. Paul warns of those who “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18-19). How can we wisely discern whether someone is influencing us toward Jesus or away from him, and how might we guard our hearts against becoming too focused on earthly things?
6. Philippians 3:20-21 reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven.” How should this truth shape the way we navigate everyday life, especially in seasons of success, suffering, or uncertainty?
7. As you reflect on this passage, what is one specific way you feel God calling you to “press on toward the goal” in your current season? How can your community support you in that pursuit?

Reflective Prayer

Consider using these verses to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Do these verses bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Do these verses bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from these verses inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from these verses inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.