Phili 3:12-14 | MHM | STEP | v. 12 : Paul admits that he has not reached perfection yet. He says, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after” (Philippians 3:12 ). Even the greatest Christians know they still have room to grow. Paul keeps moving forward, wanting to take hold of the purpose for which Christ took hold of him (1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 1:5 ).

‏ Philippians 3:12-14

v. 12: Paul admits that he has not reached perfection yet. He says, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after” (Philippians 3:12 ^a). Even the greatest Christians know they still have room to grow. Paul keeps moving forward, wanting to take hold of the purpose for which Christ took hold of him (1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 1:5 ^b).

v. 13: Paul explains his attitude: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13 ^c). He does not let past achievements or failures distract him. Instead, he keeps striving for more of Christ, always wanting to grow in faith and holiness.

v. 14: Paul says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 ^d). He compares his Christian life to a race, always running toward the finish line—eternal life in heaven. The prize is given by God, and it comes through Jesus. This hope motivates Paul to keep moving forward, no matter what.