There are verses I’ve read a zillion times, and take for granted that I know what it says or means. I read this one the other night, saw it totally differently, and sat on it for a few days to make sure I’m seeing it right.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
I’ve always assumed the prize and upward call for Paul was simply heaven upon leaving his physical body behind.
That’s not what this says!
A few verses above Paul writes,
“NOT that I have already obtained *THIS* or am already perfect, but I press on to make it (righteousness) my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:12
Again, he’s pressing on for the prize. AND, Paul has said he’s NOT perfect in what he knows nor that he’s even arrived yet! So, what is THIS prize that he is pressing on towards?
We go another 2 verses above,
“that I may KNOW him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11
Paul was hungry for the more!
Paul is seeking:
- To know Jesus more.
- To walk in greater power of the resurrection.
- To become more like Jesus in His DEATH.
- To be resurrected from his own mortal body.
Literally.
Paul says he hasn’t arrived, and desires less of self and more of Jesus.
Dude. This is miracle working Paul.
- Flogged
- Jailed
- Beaten
- Naked
- Shipwrecked
Saying he can be even less selfish, KNOW JESUS MORE, and be filled with more power from the resurrection.
The prize for Paul was upward call in his ministry, and then on into eternity.
So. What does that say for us?
Remember, Peter says as a COMMAND, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18
Why would this be any different for Paul to grow and know Jesus deeper than it is for us.
Folks. There’s always more.