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Php_3_11-4_1_Press_on_towards_Christ_G7.docx

Php_3_11-4_1_Press_on_towards_Christ_G7

Philippians 3:11-4:1 Bible Note

Press on towards Christ

Key Verses 14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.

Introduction:

In today’s passage, Paul compares our spiritual journey, our salvation, to a race through which one gets or earns a prize. What should be our prize when we pursue our spiritual journey? What kind of mindset do we have in our spiritual journey and race?

V11-12

¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. ¹² Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

1.

What is Paul trying to obtain? (11) Why doesn’t he consider that he has already obtained it and made it his own?(12,13) Why might it be good to think in this way as we press on in our Christian lives?

A. What is Paul trying to obtain? (11)

^“11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

Resurrection from the dead. It refers to the future resurrection from the dead. Paul talks about the end of his spiritual life. It ends with the glorious resurrection from the dead, and he will receive his resurrection body.

B. Why doesn’t he consider that he has already obtained it and made it his own? (12,13)

^“12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,”

Because Paul had not reached the resurrection from the dead yet. It will happen after he finishes his life on earth.

C. Why might it be good to think in this way as we press on in our Christian lives?

It will be good to think in this way because we can see our clear goal of our entire salvation. It will help us not to lose track of God’s salvation plan for us.

It will help us not to become complacent. It will help us to press on towards the end of our salvation.

2.

How does knowing that Jesus made Paul his own motivate him to press on? (12b)

“but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

Knowing that Jesus made Paul his own means that Paul’s salvation was already completely secured in Jesus Christ. The complete assurance of his own salvation in Christ Jesus will motivate Paul to press on with confidence.

Additional notes for questions 1 and 2 (v.11-12)

“Attain resurrection from the dead” was Paul’s ultimate goal he desired at the end of his life. “This” in “obtained this” refers to the resurrection from the dead.

These verses show how we should understand our salvation. Additional question: What can we learn about our salvation from verses 11 and 12?

These verses show what kind of resurrection will happen in the future. The ultimate resurrection is in verse 21 which says “Christ Jesus has made me his own”. But at the same time, the resurrection has already happened in Jesus when believers believe in Jesus. Jesus said in John 11:25 “²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,”

“Being united with Jesus makes the resurrection ours. Spiritually, we have resurrection. We are made alive through Jesus. But the bodily resurrection will come to us in the future.

We are already saved on earth. But this salvation is not complete. It will be completed when Jesus comes again. We gain righteousness from God through our faith. We call it justification. Now we have resurrection. “The power of Jesus' resurrection” means sanctification, too. We live by Jesus’ life. Jesus’ life works through the power of resurrection in our lives. This we call we are sanctified.

Paul had salvation in Jesus, but it was not complete yet. He didn’t get it fully yet. So he had to press on. He says, “I press on to make it my own.” “To complete his own salvation” is expressed as “to make it his own”.

“Because Christ has made me his own.” This verse assures Paul of his salvation. In the same way, we press on our salvation not under uncertainty. We seek it with absolute assurance. The glorification will surely take place because Jesus has made us his own.

Paul did not say, “I am not sure whether glorification will happen or not.” But he pressed on with the 100% assurance of glorification because it was already given in Christ. It was because Christ has made him (Paul) his own.

Paul says we should not lose track of our salvation. In the church of Philippi, two groups of people lost track of their own salvation. The first group is Judizers. They believed that faith in in Jesus is not enough for their salvation. Then they focus on observing the law in addition to believing in Jesus.

Another group who lost track of their salvation is the Gnostics. They believed the spirit is good, but the body is evil. They claim that salvation is only for the spirit, not for the body. They claim that salvation is already finished when they are saved in their spirit. Since they believe the body is evil and does not need salvation, whatever they do with their body does not matter. Then they end up living a very sinful and immoral life with their bodies.

So Paul said, “Their end is destruction.” “Their glory in shame.” They did many shameful things. They seek earthly things.

Gnostics claim that they have deep knowledge of salvation. They claim they believe in Jesus. But in their actual life, they seek earthly things. They seek the opposite of Judaism. Obeying the law is completely useless to the Gnostics. They live very immoral life since only the spirit matters. But Paul was saying that if you follow the Gnostics, you will be destroyed.

Paul said, “Your citizenship in heaven.” So he encouraged the Philippian believers to live like heavenly citizens. Then they can reach the goal, the end of their salvation, the ultimate glorification, the bodily resurrection.

In the same way, we need to obtain glorification by following Jesus. It was promised in Jesus Christ. If we follow Jesus, the glorification will be ours.

That does not mean we should be perfect. We just need to go to the finish line. The way to make our race successful is to fix our eyes on Jesus. This is how we can win our race successfully. Some people achieve more maturity, others have less maturity. But as long as they finish the finishing line, they will be saved.

But there are some people who have the wrong idea about salvation and lost track like Judaizers or the Gnostics. They rely on their own effort or seek wrong things instead of Christ. So they are off the right track in their race. And they could not reach the finish line.

That is why Jesus said that people will be resurrected. But some for glorification; others for judgment.

²⁸ Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice ²⁹ and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28-29)

So following the gospel message is important.

V. 18 says “many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Even church members walk as enemies of the cross of Jesus instead of depending on the cross. The core of the gospel is Jesus' cross. He finished the salvation on the cross. He said, “It is finished.” It means the salvation work of God has been completed.

We died when Jesus died, and we rose again with Jesus Christ. Through his sacrifice, Jesus saved us. We trust him.

Judaizers were the enemies of the cross. They rely on their own law instead of relying on the cross. The Gnostics were also the enemies of the cross of Jesus in a different way. They denied Jesus’ death on the cross. They claimed that Jesus did not die on the cross. They believed that Jesus resurrected right before he died, and Jesus just went up to heaven without dying. But without Jesus’ death on the cross, there is no salvation. Only through Jesus' cross can we be saved.

Gnosticism also denied resurrection. They claim that there is no bodily resurrection. They believe that the body is evil. And they do not believe in bodily resurrection.

At first, the Philippian believers simply believed the gospel Paul preached. But false teachers like Judaizers or the Gnostics came and taught the false gospel. They mislead people. So Paul had to warn them.

V13-16

¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining 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 those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. ¹⁶ Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

What is Paul choosing to forget in his effort to press on? (13) How might forgetting what lies behind help us to press forward?

A. What is Paul choosing to forget in his effort to press on? (13)

¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

Paul chose to forget what lies behind. “What lies behind” is what he has already attained or achieved. Our past achievements can hinder us when we want to grow. It can make us proud, lazy, and complacent.

B. How might forgetting what lies behind help us to press forward?

It helps us to focus on what lies before us. “What lies before us” is glorious hope in Christ. If we forget what lies behind, we have only what lies ahead. We can focus on what is ahead, our future glorious hope easily.

Why do you think Paul describes the upward call of Jesus as “the prize”? Why do you think he emphasizes that he needs to “press” towards this goal? (1 Cor 9:24 & 2 Tim 4:6-8)

A. Why do you think Paul describes the upward call of Jesus as “the prize”?

Because the end of salvation of Paul would be such a glorious thing that he described it as ‘the prize’.

B. Why do you think he emphasizes that he needs to “press” towards this goal? (1 Cor 9:24 & 2 Tim 4:6-8)

As he said in 1Co 9:24 many run but only one receives the prize. Paul wants to become the one who receives the prize. “The crown of righteousness” is Paul’s prize. (2Ti 4:6-8) This crown of righteousness is for all believers who have finished the race, fought the good fight, and kept faith.

There will be different rewards for each believer after the end of our spiritual race. The righteous judge, Jesus Christ, will award each of us according to what we have done in our bodies. So we work hard for the Lord, and we work hard for our own salvation with fear and trembling. But it is not a losing business. It is like piling up our rewards in heaven.

1 Cor 9:24

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”

2 Tim 4:6-8

“6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

Additional notes from questions 3 and 4.

Verse 13,14 “¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Additional question. What does it mean to forget what lies behind? And what does it mean to press on what lies ahead? Why is it good to forget what lies behind instead of focusing on the race before us? Paul reached a high level of image of Jesus more than anyone else. He achieved so much. Spiritually, he advanced more than anyone else. But he said, “I forget what lies behind.” All the achievements he made were great. They include the great experiences of God’s power, miracles, seeing heaven, a deep revelation of Christ himself, and etc.

But he said he forgets all things behind. It includes bad and negative things, such as many failures and mistakes.

If we hold past things, if we are satisfied and become complacent, thinking that we have enough. Then suddenly we will stop growing or struggling. If someone holds past failure or regret, he loses confidence and desire. Again, we need to think about the reason why Paul compared our spiritual journey to our spiritual marathon race.

We are in our spiritual race. Marathon runners only need to think about what is ahead of them. They do not think about what lies behind. They always go forward to reach the goal. We really need to focus on the future race. We cannot stop until we reach the goal.

We have run until we reach our goal, the finishing line.
Paul pressed on. He ran harder and harder. Marathon runner spur themselves to do their best when they see the finishing line. All the marathon runners reach a ‘dead point’ where they want to give up the most. If they pass the point, running becomes easier.

Our spiritual journey is to obtain Christ. “The glory of resurrection” is having the glorious body of Christ, the glory that God gives us.

Paul says, “prize of upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He took the image from the Olympians in the Olympic marathon. Winners reach the highest point and the emperor gives an olive crown on the head of the first runner.

If we reach our goal successfully, God will crown us.

Why do you think it is mature to think this way and what is Paul’s advice for them? (15,16)

¹⁵ Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. ¹⁶ Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Mature Christians press on towards the goal of Christ. They are not lazy or complacent. They know they are sinners who need to fight against their sinful desires and press on to what Jesus has taken hold of them.

In Philippi, many believers may not be mature enough. Paul was mindful of those who could think differently. So he said if anyone thinks differently, God will help them. He simply asks everyone to live up to what he attained.

Additional note from question 5.

Not all believers in Philippi are mature. Paul encourages the Philippians to think as he thinks, considering salvation as a race to obtain the prize. Many Gnostics taught that “salvation is already done.” Judaizers taught, “You need the law for your salvation.”

¹⁶ Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Although Paul suggests what he shared. He hoped that God would reveal the truth to them. He prays that God may gently reveal the truth to them. He suggested gently. Paul understands them at their level. He recognized that people have different understandings. Some did not reach that mature level. Paul was patient with them.

At Paul’s time, Gentile believers were very humble, humbly accepting the gospel truth from Paul. Suddenly, Judaizers and Gnostics came and said, “Oh, you need to obey the law. Oh, we have a higher knowledge”. To protect them from false teachers, Paul was saying, “do not hold what you do not understand, but just hold to what you attained.” It also means to stand firm in what you attained.

V17-19

¹⁷ Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸ For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Who are we to imitate and who are we to keep our eyes on? (17) Why?

A. Who are we to imitate and who are we to keep our eyes on? (17)

¹⁷ Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

We are to imitate and keep our eyes on those who live according to the examples of Paul and his companions. In today’s passage, Paul asks the Philippian brothers to imitate him and his companions who walk in the way of Christ.

B. Why?

Because it will help them not to lose their salvation by the false teaching of Judaizers and Gnostics.

Whom does Paul warn the Philippians about? (18) What do you think it means to be an enemy of “the cross” of Christ? What are they seeking and what is the end of them? (19)

A. Whom does Paul warn the Philippians about? (18)

¹⁸ For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with

tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Paul pioneered the church of Philippi. There was a great work of God in Philippi. God saved Lydia and the jailor, and his family through Paul. (Acts chapter 16). But to our great surprise, there were many believers in Philippi who walked as the enemies of the cross of Jesus, even when Paul was there. So Paul warned and told them when he was with them. Now he was telling them even with tears. It shows how easy it is to walk as an enemy of the cross of Jesus as a Christian.

He warns many Christians in Philippi who walked as enemies of the cross of Christ. He warned them when he was with them. Now he warned them again, even with tears. Why “with tears”? Because it is such a terrible thing to lose their own salvation after being saved.

B. What do you think it means to be an enemy of “the cross” of Christ?

“To be an enemy of the cross of Jesus” means not to believe that the cross of Jesus, what Jesus has done on the cross, is enough for our complete salvation.

C. What are they seeking and what is the end of them? (19)

¹⁹ Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

“Their end is destruction”. It means they will lose their own salvation.

“Their god is their belly”. They seek the pleasure of eating delicious food.

“Glory in their shame”. They seek their own glory. But before God’s eyes, their glory is their shame.

“With minds set on earthly things”. They think about earthly things all the time. The word “set” shows their mind was fixed on “earthly things”. There is no room to think about heavenly things. “Earthly things” can be everything we seek when we do not believe the salvation through the cross of Jesus.

Additional notes from questions 6-7 (v.17-19)

In the Philippian church, many unhealthy things were happening. So he had to write the letter. “¹⁷ Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” He asked them to imitate him, not because he was proud, not because he was a good person, but an excellent man, but he really followed the gospel message. He was saying, “You guys should live according to the gospel message, not following others’ messages.”

Paul confessed he was the worst sinner. Even though Paul was a sinner, he can be sure that he really lived according to the gospel message, seeking heavenly reward.

But if a person lives a noble life but leads people not according to the gospel, he misleads people. Pharisees are moral people. But Jesus called them evil people.

Even though we have a lot of shortcomings and weaknesses, at least if we live according to the gospel message, we can say and encourage others to follow us.

“Examples” are those who live according to the gospel message. But these days, many young people want to follow those who make a lot of money.

For example, Elon Musk works so hard. He sleeps in his factory. He sleeps no more than 4 hours. He is a workaholic. He never stops. They could be a good example to make money. But he is not a good example to be saved.

But a true example to lead us to the kingdom of heaven is Christ.

¹⁸ For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. “For many” means there were many people in the church who walked as the enemies of the cross of Jesus. Paul had to give a warning again and again.
“Now tell you even with tears”. They did not listen. So Paul had to tell them with tears.

One of the reasons for false teaching to be attractive is not to mention sinning or fighting against sin. But the Christian message is always talking about “denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Jesus.”

“Walk as the enemies of the cross of Jesus.” Through his cross Christ let us die to our sin and live to God. Through the cross of Jesus we die to the world and live to the kingdom of God. Through Jesus’ cross, we die to our sin and the world, and we live for a new life with the hope of resurrection and the kingdom of God. But these people deny the cross of Jesus and live according to their sinful desires. Then they live for the things of this world instead of running for the kingdom of God. So they were not able to obtain what God has obtained for them.

⁹ Their end is destruction, their god is not salvation.

their god is their belly,

and they glory in their shame, They thought they had their glory through deep knowledge (Gnosticism), but they live very shameful lives.

with minds set on earthly things. They (Gnostics) say their spirit is in heaven already saved, but their minds are set on earthly things.

Those whose minds are set on heavenly things seek heavenly things. They really believe the gospel message and seek the heavenly things.

Interesting things: the common thing about cult leaders. They are rich. They have so much money. It itself shows their teaching is wrong. The Gospel teaches us to focus on heavenly things. The renowned Korean pastor, Kyung-Jik Han, left only one table and chair when he died.

3:20-4:1

²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ¹Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

What does it mean that our citizenship is in heaven? (20) What will Jesus do to us? How can knowing these things help us to press on and stand firm? (21, 4:1)

A. What does it mean that our citizenship is in heaven? (20)

²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

We have heavenly citizenship. But it is in heaven. It is invisible. Although it is invisible, all Christians have received heavenly citizenship.

B. What will Jesus do to us?

He will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. He will give us our resurrection bodies by his power. That power is such great power that it will enable Christ to subject all things to himself.

C. How can knowing these things help us to press on and stand firm? (21, 4:1)

²¹ who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ¹Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

To know Christ has such power encourages us. In the end, everything will be under Christ. In the end, Christ will change our lowly bodies like his glorious body. To know he has such power and final victory over death is secured, encourages us to press on and stand firm against all persecutions, hardships, and sinful desires.

The Philippian brothers were so dear to Paul. They were called by Paul as “my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown”. In the same way, Christ regards us as his own brothers and sisters, whom he loves and longs for, his joy and crown.

Additional note from question 8 (3:20-21;4:1)

from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. “From it” means “from heaven”. Additional question. Any personal thoughts from this?

The end of our life is to go back to our true hometown.

But our citizenship is in heaven. Christians really belong to heaven. They should live as heavenly citizen,

from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In heaven, we await a Savior.

who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body. complete salvation

by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Because of Jesus’ almighty power, Jesus transforms our bodies.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, to Paul they were his joy.

stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Never be distracted by other things, such as the teachings of Judaism or Gnosticism. Spiritual race is to follow Jesus and run the race towards the goal, the finishing line.

Thank God who called us to run such a spiritual race to obtain the prize God prepared for us in heaven in Christ Jesus.