Philippians 3:12-15

Straining Toward the Goal

¹² Not that I have already _l obtained this or _m am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: _n forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for _o the prize of the upward _p call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let those of us who are _q mature think this way, and if in anything _r you think otherwise, _s God will reveal that also to you.

1. Cross References
   1 Timothy 6:12
   Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
   1 Timothy 6:19
   Thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
   
2. Cross References
   Hebrews 11:40
   Since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
   Hebrews 12:23
   And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.
   Hebrews 5:9
   And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
   
3. Cross References
   Psalms 45:10
   Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house.
   Luke 9:62
   Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
   Hebrews 6:1
   Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
   
4. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 9:24
   Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
   
5. Cross References
   Hebrews 3:1
   Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
   1 Peter 5:10
   And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
   Romans 8:28
   And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 2:6
   Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
   Matthew 5:48
   You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
   
7. Cross References
   Galatians 5:10
   I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.
   
8. Cross References
   John 7:17
   If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.