Philippians 3:12

Reaching Forward To God's Goal

¹¹ so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead. ¹² Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Christ Jesus

Jesus Christ

Servant of Christ

Christ

Jesus

Messiah

1 Timothy 6:19

In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away.

Philippians 3:13-14

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

1 Timothy 6:11-12

But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.

Hebrews 12:23

and to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to God, who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect [bringing them to their final glory],

Psalm 84:2

My soul (my life, my inner self) longs for and greatly desires the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

Acts 9:3-6

As he traveled he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him [displaying the glory and majesty of Christ];

2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, completing holiness [living a consecrated life—a life set apart for God’s purpose] in the fear of God.

Ephesians 4:12

[and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church];

Philippians 3:16

Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.

1 Timothy 5:10

and has a reputation for good deeds; [she is eligible] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints (God’s people), if she has assisted the distressed, and has devoted herself to doing good in every way.

Hebrews 12:14

Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.

Hebrews 13:21

equip you with every good thing to carry out His will and strengthen you [making you complete and perfect as you ought to be], accomplishing in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 3:11-13

“He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right.
He must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it].

1 Peter 5:10

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].

2 Peter 1:5-8

For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding),

2 Peter 3:18

but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Job 17:9

“Nevertheless the righteous will hold to his ways,
And he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.

Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks,
So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.

Psalm 63:1-3

O God, You are my God; with deepest longing I will seek You;
My soul [my life, my very self] thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 110:2-3

The Lord will send the scepter of Your strength from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”

Psalm 119:5

Oh, that my ways may be established
To observe and keep Your statutes [obediently accepting and honoring them]!

Psalm 119:173-176

Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me;
Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever—
Do not abandon the works of Your own hands.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day.

Isaiah 51:1

“Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness (right standing with God),
Who seek and inquire of the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut
And to the excavation of the quarry from which you were dug.

Hosea 6:3

“So let us know and become personally acquainted with Him; let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] Lord [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him].
His appearing is prepared and is as certain as the dawn,
And He will come to us [in salvation] like the [heavy] rain,
Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;

Romans 7:19-24

For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.

2 Corinthians 13:9

We are glad when we are weak [since God’s power comes freely through us], but you [by comparison] are strong. We also pray for this, that you be made complete [fully restored, growing and maturing in godly character and spirit—pleasing your heavenly Father by the life you live].

Galatians 5:17

For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.

Ephesians 1:4

just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we should and are [morally] obligated [as debtors] always to give thanks to God for you, believers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit [that sets you apart for God’s purpose] and by your faith in the truth [of God’s word that leads you to spiritual maturity].

James 3:2

For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].

Psalm 63:8

My soul [my life, my very self] clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 94:15

For judgment will again be righteous,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.