Scripture - Philippians 3:12-21
12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. 17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things, 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.
Definition
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ through faith, obedience, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is marked by a deepening knowledge of God, a transformed mindset, and a life that reflects His character.
1. A
Pursuit of Growth vs. A
Spiritual Life (v. 12)
✅ Mature Believers:
- Recognize that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey and remain teachable.
- “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.” (v. 12)
🔹 Commentary: Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached spiritual perfection. This is key—maturity is not about arriving but about continuing to grow. A mature believer recognizes that spiritual growth is ongoing and actively pursues Christ.
❌ Stagnant Believers:
- Feel content with where they are spiritually and stop pursuing growth.
- “You have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4)
🔹 Commentary: Complacency leads to stagnation. When believers lose passion for Christ, they stop growing. Jesus rebuked the Ephesian church for losing their first love, showing that stagnation can lead to spiritual coldness.
2.
Forward vs. Being
in the Past (v. 13)
✅ Mature Believers:
- Let go of past failures and successes to focus on God’s future calling.
- “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.” (v. 13)
🔹 Commentary: Spiritual maturity requires a forward-focused mindset. Paul understands that dwelling on past failures or past achievements can hinder present growth. Mature believers keep their eyes on God’s next step for them.
❌ Stagnant Believers:
- Dwell on past failures, allowing regret or shame to hinder growth.
- Cling to past achievements, thinking they’ve “done enough” spiritually.
- “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” (Isaiah 43:18)
🔹 Commentary: Those who focus too much on the past—whether failure or success—fail to move forward in faith. God calls believers to press on rather than live in regret or complacency.
3. A
and
Faith vs. A
and
Faith (v. 14)
✅ Mature Believers:
- Intentionally pursue Christ, set spiritual goals, and stay committed to what they have learned.
- “I press on toward the goal for the prize of God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” (v. 14)
🔹 Commentary: Paul uses athletic imagery to describe spiritual maturity. Just like a runner keeps their eyes on the finish line, a believer must stay focused on Christ and their heavenly calling.
❌ Stagnant Believers:
- Have no clear direction in their faith, easily distracted by worldly concerns.
- “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)
🔹 Commentary: A lack of clear spiritual direction leads to instability. When believers do not pursue Christ intentionally, they become spiritually aimless, tossed between priorities.
4. A
to Grow in Understanding vs.
to Spiritual Growth (v. 15-16)
✅ Mature Believers:
- Remain open to correction and allow God to shape their spiritual perspective.
- “Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.” (v. 15)
🔹 Commentary: Spiritual maturity requires humility and a willingness to be corrected. Paul emphasizes that as we grow, God continues to reveal truth to us, shaping our understanding.
❌ Stagnant Believers:
- Resist growth and remain closed off to new spiritual insights or correction.
- “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
🔹 Commentary: Pride leads to stagnation. Those who refuse to learn, change, or receive correction are rejecting God’s work in their lives.
5. Learning from and
Others vs.
from Spiritual Influence (v. 17)
✅ Mature Believers:
- Seek guidance from spiritually mature individuals and serve as godly examples to others.
- “Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.” (v. 17)
🔹 Commentary: Maturity involves both learning and leading. Paul encourages believers to follow godly examples and, in turn, become examples for others.
❌ Stagnant Believers:
- Avoid accountability, resist discipleship, and remain disconnected from godly relationships.
- “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (Proverbs 18:1)
🔹 Commentary: Isolation weakens faith. Those who withdraw from godly relationships stop growing, losing accountability and encouragement.
6. A
Separation from
Living vs. A Worldly
(v. 18-19)
✅ Mature Believers:
- Reject self-centered, earthly-focused thinking and live with eternal values.
- “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ… Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame.” (vv. 18-19)
🔹 Commentary: Paul warns that some prioritize worldly desires over Christ. Spiritual maturity is marked by valuing Christ more than temporary pleasures.
❌ Stagnant Believers:
- Prioritize worldly success, pleasures, and comfort over spiritual growth.
- “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
🔹 Commentary: A worldly mindset keeps believers focused on temporary rewards instead of eternal treasures. Spiritual stagnation happens when temporary things take priority over Christ.
Personal Notes
Devotionals
Monday – Pressing On Toward the Goal
📖 Philippians 3:12 – “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”
🔍 Reflection:
Paul reminds us that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination we have already reached. Though we are saved by grace, we continue striving toward Christlikeness. The Christian life requires effort, discipline, and perseverance, not to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace we have received.
💭 Question for Today:
What areas of your spiritual life require more intentional effort?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, thank You for taking hold of me. Give me the strength and determination to pursue You daily. Help me to grow in faith, pressing forward to become more like You. Amen.
Tuesday – Forgetting What is Behind
📖 Philippians 3:13 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead…”
🔍 Reflection:
Dwelling on past failures, regrets, or even achievements can hinder our spiritual progress. Paul encourages us to let go of the past and focus on what is ahead—our growth in Christ. God calls us to live in the present with a forward-focused faith, not trapped by yesterday’s mistakes or successes.
💭 Question for Today:
What past experiences—good or bad—might be holding you back from moving forward in your faith?
🙏 Prayer:
Father, help me release what is behind and focus on what You have in store for me. Strengthen me to move forward with faith and confidence in You. Amen.
Wednesday – Eyes on the Prize
📖 Philippians 3:14 – “I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
🔍 Reflection:
Life is full of distractions, but Paul reminds us to stay focused on the ultimate goal: eternity with Christ. The world tempts us with temporary rewards, but the true prize is found in faithfully following Jesus. Keep your eyes on the eternal, not the temporary.
💭 Question for Today:
What earthly distractions tend to shift your focus away from your heavenly calling?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, keep my heart and mind fixed on You. Help me to live with purpose and passion, striving for the prize of knowing You more each day. Amen.
Thursday – A Mindset on Christ
📖 Philippians 3:18-19 – “For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things…”
🔍 Reflection:
Paul warns us that many live with earthly priorities, focused on temporary pleasures rather than eternal life. As believers, we must cultivate a mindset centered on Christ, not worldly desires. A heart set on God brings lasting joy and peace.
💭 Question for Today:
Are your daily choices driven by earthly desires or by your relationship with Christ?
🙏 Prayer:
Father, help me develop a mindset that seeks Your will above all else. Keep me from being distracted by temporary things and lead me toward what truly matters. Amen.
Friday – Citizens of Heaven
📖 Philippians 3:20-21 – “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body…”
🔍 Reflection:
As believers, our true home is not here—it’s in heaven. We live as temporary residents on earth, awaiting the return of Christ, who will complete our transformation. This truth gives us hope and shifts our priorities toward eternal things.
💭 Question for Today:
How does knowing your citizenship is in heaven change the way you live today?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, remind me daily that my true home is with You. Help me live as a citizen of heaven, representing You well in all I do. Amen.