Unknown
Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:12-16 Paul's Progress in the Gospel: Through Christ, Not the Law. Paul emphasizes the need for progress in Christian living, presenting himself as one who continually reaches ahead to see God's kingdom expanded.
3:12 Paul stresses that he is not already perfect--he is still involved in the struggles of life in a fallen world and hence he still sins; the full glory of the resurrection remains in the future. I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. There is a balance of faith and works, of God's call and the believer's response.
3:14 Goal (Gk. skopos) could also refer to the finish line in a race or an archery target. Paul's life is purposeful, for he constantly aims toward a heavenly goal. The prize is the fullness of blessings and rewards in the age to come, most especially being in perfect fellowship with Christ forever.
