“Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.” Philippians 3:12 (AMPC) The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Philippians, reveals …
“Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.” Philippians 3:12 (AMPC)
The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Philippians, reveals a powerful and practical truth—he hadn’t arrived, and he knew it. Despite all his accomplishments, he says with humility and passion, “I press on.” Three verses (v. 12, 13, and 14) emphasize this drive: pressing, straining, reaching. It’s an intentional posture of pursuit of Christ, of calling, and of maturity.
Verse 15 then points us to the mindset of the mature: “Let those of us who are spiritually mature… have this mind.” What mind? The mindset of relentless pursuit—forgetting the past and leaning into the future with faith, hope, and obedience.
Press on – don’t quit. Lay hold – be aggressive in faith.
God used this verse in a very personal way. Though the passage speaks broadly about life and the believer’s overall journey toward Christlikeness, the Lord showed how it could also apply specifically, like in the area of prayer. When things aren’t going the way we expect—financially, ministerially, even in family matters—we can’t blame God. Instead, humble yourself and ask, “Lord, where am I missing it?”
That’s the heart of someone pressing toward the mark—not settling, not giving up, not pointing fingers. The Holy Spirit brought the verse back to life for him:
Press on – don’t quit.
Lay hold – be aggressive in faith.
Make it your own – personalize the promise; walk it out.
Go to God, not in frustration, but in faith. Ask Him to show you where you might be missing it. Let this passage fuel a renewed intensity in your walk—whether it’s in prayer, purpose, or perseverance.
Song of Worship
Though You Slay Me
Song by Shane & Shane featuring John Piper
Prayer – Father, thank You that Christ has taken hold of my life. Today, I choose to press on, to lay hold of Your plan, and to make it my own. Give me the mindset of the mature, that I may never settle, but continually pursue You with all I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Job 8-10
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