Understanding the Scripture
The Apostle Paul provides one of the most compelling images of spiritual pursuit in Philippians 3:13-14. He writes,
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Other translations phrase it this way:
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
These words remind us that the Christian life is not passive or accidental. It requires intention, demands spiritual discipline, and invites us into a journey where our hearts, minds, and desires must be directed toward Christ with purpose.
When Paul says “press toward,” he paints a picture of determination, much like a student striving not just to graduate but to finish with honors, or like Olympic athletes who train relentlessly for years to seize gold. Their success doesn’t happen by chance, as it takes focus and intentional effort.
In the same way, spiritual growth does not happen by accident. It requires pursuit, commitment, and a heart set on moving closer to God..
What the High Calling Really Means
One of the greatest truths Paul teaches us is that pressing toward the mark has nothing to do with chasing positions, titles, or public ministry roles. The “high calling” is not about becoming a pastor, an evangelist, or a prophet. God does not measure greatness the way people do, and He is never impressed by the things we often elevate. His calling reaches much deeper than roles or recognition.
Remember this, if every calling comes from God, then no calling is greater than another. What matters to Him is our faithful obedience. So if the prize Paul speaks about is not a ministry title or a spiritual achievement, then what exactly is he pressing toward?
He gives us a clue in Philippians 3:12:
“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.”
The call is not the prize. Christ is.
Understanding the Prize
Paul provides even more clarity earlier in Philippians chapter 3, especially in verses 8–11. He declares that everything he once valued is now considered loss in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.
For Christ’s sake, he willingly suffered loss and counted all things as rubbish so that he might gain Christ, be found in Him, and possess a righteousness that comes through faith.
His ultimate desire is expressed in verse 10: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.”
He concludes by expressing his ongoing pursuit of attaining the resurrection from the dead, not as someone who has already arrived, but as one who continues to press forward because Christ has claimed him.
Knowing Christ: The True Prize
From Paul’s own words, the prize becomes unmistakably clear. What does he want to gain? Christ. What holds surpassing worth? Knowing Christ. What is he pressing toward? A deep, experiential, transforming knowledge of Jesus Christ.
This kind of knowledge is not simply intellectual; it is relational, spiritual, and life-shaping. To know Christ in this way means to share in His sufferings, to die daily to oneself, and to be conformed to His likeness.
Before we can fully live in Christ, we must die to the old nature. Before we can walk in resurrection life, we must surrender our own desires and ambitions. The prize Paul pursues is the ongoing, daily, intimate knowledge of Christ. And this my friends is a knowledge that matures us, cleanses us, and aligns us with God’s heart.
The Danger of Pursuing the Wrong Prize
Paul also acknowledges that there was a time when he pursued the wrong goals. He placed confidence in his achievements, his reputation, and his religious accomplishments. Many of us can relate to running hard in the wrong direction, chasing things that seem important but ultimately lead nowhere.
We pursue success, affirmation, identity, or comfort, and sometimes even spiritual accomplishments rooted in self-confidence rather than God-confidence. But when we chase the wrong prize, the result is always frustration, emptiness, or disappointment.
Like Paul, we must reach the point where we see that true victory is not found in earthly achievements but in knowing Jesus every single day.
The Question We Must All Answer
This leads us to the central question of Paul’s teaching:
- What prize are you pursuing?
- Where is your energy going?
- What shapes your decisions, your desires, and your direction?
- Are you pursuing wealth, recognition, relationships, security, ministry success, or the approval of others? Or
- Are you genuinely pursuing Christ?
The true prize, the only prize that truly satisfies, is Jesus Himself. Everything we long for: peace, purpose, fulfillment, strength, identity, flows from knowing Him.
Pressing Forward With Purpose
Paul encourages us to forget the things behind us, not just our failures, but also our successes, because both can become distractions. He admonishes us to reach forward to what lies ahead, and that is spiritual maturity, holiness, and deeper intimacy with Christ.
To press toward the mark is to fix our hearts and lives on Jesus, allowing Him to be our focus, our motivation, and our reward. Christ is the mark, and Christ is the prize.
So we press on through trials, through waiting, through spiritual growth, through surrender, and through the daily decisions that shape our character and our walk with God. No matter the season we find ourselves in, the call remains the same. Keep pressing toward Jesus, our Lord, our treasure, and the ultimate reward of our faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us today that Jesus is the true prize of our lives. Help us to pursue Him with sincerity, passion, and unwavering focus. Teach us to let go of the distractions behind us and to reach forward to the deeper intimacy that You desire for us. Align our hearts with Your will and give us the strength to press on through every season. May we know Christ more, love Him more, and reflect Him more in all that we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams