Welcome to the next part of our series, "Piece of Work."
Here is today's text:

(Philippians 3:12-21) 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Philippians Overview - Brandon’s Public Commentary

Brandon's Public Commentary

Overall Commentary: 🌎

The book of Philippians is a joyful letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, written while he was in prison. It encourages believers to live with humility, unity, and joy in Christ, regardless of circumstances. Paul highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of selfless service and reminds readers that true contentment comes from knowing Him.

There are so many things to enjoy about this book. Here are a few to give context:

The people of Philippi were very loyal to the Roman Empire. Most of the inhabitants were retired military. This is why Paul mentions the courts of Caesar and the military guard.
Paul teaches about joy, contentment, and God's work in their lives while they sit in jail.
Philippi was the first church Paul planted in Europe.
The city was named after Alexander the Great's father.
The city's ruins are still available today.

Today's Commentary.

Verse 12-14: Moving Forward with Single-Minded Focus.

Verse 12.

"perfection"- This word means mature.
"press on"- this is the mental picture of a runner who has a single-minded purpose to catch the person in front of them. The idea is someone who is reaching out with all they have to move forward.
"...which Christ first possessed me."- Paul is saying Christ found Him. Now Paul lives to continually "find" Christ or to grow deeper in his relationship with God.

Verse 13.

"Achieved it"- This is an athletic term to mean to cross the finish line or win the race.
"One Thing"- Paul talks about having a single-minded pursuit.
"Forgetting the past"- This does not mean to literally forget about it. This means not to let the past determine the future.

Verse 14.

"Calling us"- This is another athletic term. When the winner was announced, they would be called to stand on a podium, just as in the modern-day Olympics. The mental picture is Paul being called to Heaven as a winner because of Christ.

Verse15-19. Moving Forward Together Through Difficulty.

Verse 15.

"I believe God will make it plain to you."- Paul takes for granted that the church will continue to grow and pursue God. As they do, they will eventually begin to realize that it is vital to keep the main thing the main thing.

Verse 16.

"progress"- This is a military term that would have been familiar to the people of Philipi. It depicts a military formation in which people march in a straight line.

Verse 17.

"Pattern your lives after mine"- This is typical of teachers for the time. It was considered part of your responsibility. People would apprentice themselves to someone and learn all they could. This would also involve living as they did. Therefore, the teacher realized that his/her life, not just teaching, had to be an example. Paul is saying he is putting his life on display. He also just said in an earlier verse that it is an imperfect example, but moving forward.

Verse 18.

"Enemies of the Cross"- There is some debate over whether or not this is still in reference to the Judaizers or another group that has come against the church. The bottom line is, while the Judaizers were too legalistic, this group was going too far the other way. They were living for themselves.

Verse 19.

"Headed for destruction"- The ultimate doom of all who are against Christ.
"god is their appetites"- also called "bellies" in other translations.

Verse 20-21. Moving Forward Together as an Outpost of Heaven.

Verse 20.

"Citizens of Heaven"- This is a powerful mental image. The city of Philippi was in Greece, but was a Roman outpost. They were a Roman province and were expected to be an example to the area of what it meant to be Roman. They were to be a shining example of why Rome was a good thing, and the surrounding regions should strive to be citizens, too. Paul uses this imagery to say that Christians are an outpost of Heaven.
"Savior"- Paul continues the "citizens" metaphor by calling Jesus Savior. While He is our Savior, this title was often given to the Emperor. Therefore, this refers to Jesus not only as Savior but also as King.

Verse 21.

Heavenly vision- Paul finishes by reminding the church what is waiting at the second coming of Christ.

God's Promise:

(Isaiah 41:9-10) For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I AM WITH YOU. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.