The Prize of Christianity

In the third chapter of Philippians, Paul sets forth the idea of the prize of the Christian. Paul teaches where the prize is to be found and where it is not to be found. We also learn from this great chapter how to obtain the prize and the ultimate goal for every Christian.

The prize is not found in the flesh. We are admonished not to take confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Paul sets forth his fleshly credentials in verses 4-6. Circumcised on the eighth day, a Jew from birth. He was of the stock of Israel, a descendant of Jacob. Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe that produced the first king of Israel. He was a "Hebrew of Hebrews". He upheld all the customs and traditions of the Jews to the fullest. Paul was a Pharisee, the most respected and elite sect of the Jews. Paul described Himself as zealous. Concerning the law blameless, he was without fault concerning the externals of the law. Despite all his earthy accolades, Paul put no confidence in them. He counted these as rubbish or trash (Philippians 3:7-8). There is no true prize in the material world.

The prize is found in knowing Christ. Christ is gained by renouncing self (Matthew 16:24), by being found in Him (Galatians 2:20, 3:27), by knowing Him through keeping His commands (1 John 2:3-5), by understanding the power of His resurrection (Ephesians 1:15-23), by suffering for Him (1 Peter 4:1-2) and by conforming to His death (Philippians 2:8).

How then may be obtain this prize? Paul shows us three ways in verses 12-15 of this chapter. First, we must never be satisfied with our spiritual state. We can not rest on past laurels nor dwell on past failure. We must always strive to grow in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Second, we need to be of a singular purpose. We must not approach God with a scatter-shot approach. We need to focus our energies toward obtaining the prize. Third, we must be determined to press forward with the mind of Christ. Understanding that the glorious future that awaits us is far better than anything on earth (Romans 8:18, Philippians 1:19-24).

Paul then spells out what the prize really is: Heavenly Citizenship. As those who are in the Lord finally make it home, they are transformed into a glorious form with Christ. The true marks of citizenship in heaven can be seen by others. A heavenly citizen will live as Christ, in Christ and for Christ (Philippians 1:21). They will have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). They will be single minded (Philippians 3:12-13). And they will be content with their state in life (Philippians 4:11-13).

Do we have what it takes to obtain the prize? Or do we allow the lure of earthly prizes to keep us from our heavenly prize? Let us all endeavor to set our minds and hearts on the things that are above.

~Greg Neill