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"But I press on..."

Text: Philippians 3:12

A CRYPTIC STATEMENT

The Apostle Paul can write powerful and clear statements. He is also capable of writing texts that are cryptic and difficult to comprehend fully. The following is one such text.

“If, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;
but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus
has also laid hold of me.”

Philippians 3:11-12

1. “If by any means, I may attain”

a) The word “attain” (Greek… katantao… to arrive at a destination or goal).

b) Paul saw the resurrection from the dead as the final goal.

c) The completion of God’s salvation would culminate in the resurrection from the dead.

i) He determined that he would not fail at the end of the road.

ii) He determined that he would complete his race of life.

iii) He determined to keep steadfast and faithful to the very end.

2. “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected”

a) Resurrection from the dead in this context represents “perfection”.

b) Paul looked at his own spiritual life and decided.

i) He had not yet reached the ultimate attainment.

ii) He could not say that he was “perfected” (complete fullness in spiritual development).

3. “But I press on”

a) Paul was not discouraged.

b) He determined that he would press on

i) Diligently.

ii) With great perseverance.

4. “That I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me”

a) Christ had laid full hold of Paul (but of course).

b) But Paul felt that he had not laid full hold of the Lord.

c) He pressed on to “lay hold” of his understanding of his faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.