“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

Image courtesy of olivetree.com

The NIV renders, “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it” that is, he has not yet attained the goal he has set in previous verses – being one with Christ in his sufferings, death and resurrection. Not forgetting his sinful life in the past but leaving it behind him, forgetting it and no longer caring for it.

Paul no longer care about his previous life as a passionate Jew and his achievement as a follower of Christ. He used the metaphor of a runner in Grecian races, stretching out towards his goal, pressing forward to reach the finish line where his reward is waiting. In Greek races, the winner received a laurel and sometimes a cash reward. https://kapeatkamalayan.com/new-year-2019-:-forgetting-what-lies-behind-:(phil._3:1-1)

Christian life is like a race. Our ultimate goal is to win the heavenly prize – an everlasting glory. We may view our blessings and abundance here as forms of reward but our ultimate laurel is in heaven where Jesus is waiting for us.

References:

Bible Gateway. http://www.biblegateway.com

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2018.

Olive Tree Bible Software. olivetree.com

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