Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already (A)attained,[a] or am already (B)perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, (C)forgetting those things which are behind and (D)reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 (E)I press toward the goal for the prize of (F)the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are (G)mature, (H)have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, (I)God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already [c]attained, (J)let us walk (K)by the same [d]rule, let us be of the same mind.

Our Citizenship in Heaven

17 Brethren, (L)join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as (M)you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are (N)the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 (O)whose end is destruction, (P)whose god is their belly, and (Q)whose glory is in their shame—(R)who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For (S)our citizenship is in heaven, (T)from which we also (U)eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 (V)who will transform our lowly body that it may be (W)conformed to His glorious body, (X)according to the working by which He is able even to (Y)subdue all things to Himself.

Be Anxious for Nothing; Think These Thoughts

Therefore, my beloved and (Z)longed-for brethren, (AA)my joy and crown, so (AB)stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 3:12 obtained it
  2. Philippians 3:13 laid hold of it
  3. Philippians 3:16 arrived
  4. Philippians 3:16 NU omits rule and the rest of v. 16.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,(A) but I press on to take hold(B) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.(C) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind(D) and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on(E) toward the goal to win the prize(F) for which God has called(G) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

15 All of us, then, who are mature(H) should take such a view of things.(I) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.(J) 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example,(K) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(L) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(M) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(N) 19 Their destiny(O) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(P) and their glory is in their shame.(Q) Their mind is set on earthly things.(R) 20 But our citizenship(S) is in heaven.(T) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(U) 21 who, by the power(V) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(W) so that they will be like his glorious body.(X)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(Y) my joy and crown, stand firm(Z) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!