Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I press toward the mark - Κατα σκοπον διωκω· I pursue along the line; this is a reference to the white line that marked the ground in the stadium, from the starting place to the goal, on which the runners were obliged to keep their eye fixed; for they who transgressed or went beyond this line did not run lawfully, and were not crowned, even though they got first to the goal. See the concluding observations on Co1 9:27. What is called σκοπος, mark or scope, here, is called κανων, the line, i.e. the marked line, Phi 3:16. When it was said to Diogenes, the cynic, "Thou art now an old man, rest from thy labors;" to this he answered: Ει δολιχον εδραμον, προς τῳ τελει εδει με ανειναι, και μη μαλλον επιτειναι; "If I have run long in the race, will it become me to slacken my pace when come near the end; should I not rather stretch forward?" Diog. Laert., lib. vi. cap. 2. sec. 6. For the prize of the high calling of God - The reward which God from above calls me, by Christ Jesus, to receive. The apostle still keeps in view his crown of martyrdom and his glorious resurrection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
high calling--literally, "the calling that is above" (Gal 4:26; Col 3:1): "the heavenly calling" (Heb 3:1). "The prize" is "the crown of righteousness" (Co1 9:24; Ti2 4:8). Rev 2:10, "crown of life." Pe1 5:4, "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." "The high," or "heavenly calling," is not restricted, as ALFORD thinks, to Paul's own calling as an apostle by the summons of God from heaven; but the common calling of all Christians to salvation in Christ, which coming from heaven invites us to heaven, whither accordingly our minds ought to be uplifted.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect,.... Not absolutely, but comparatively, with respect to other believers, in a lower class of knowledge and experience; and not with respect to degrees, but parts; and regards such who were not children, but of riper age in divine things, unless the words are spoken ironically: be thus minded; as the apostle was, to count what were gain to him, loss for Christ; to reckon all things but loss and dung, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ; to be willing to suffer the loss of all things, to win him, Phi 3:8; to desire to be found in him, and in his righteousness, and not a man's own, Phi 3:9; to know more of him in his person, righteousness, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead, Phi 3:10; and to attain to such a state, and yet to disclaim all perfection, and acknowledge their imperfection, Phi 3:11; and to forget things behind, and reach to those before, Phi 3:13; and press towards the mark, Christ, for the prize of eternal glory, Phi 3:14, and if in anything ye be otherwise minded; as to seek for justification by the works of the law, or partly by Christ and partly by the law, and to imagine and expect perfection in this life: God shall reveal even this unto you; such errors will be made manifest sooner or later; the day will declare them, and such wood, hay, and stubble, will be burnt up by the fire, which will reveal every man's work, Co1 3:12.
Pressing on toward the Goal
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
All to Jesus (Compilation)
By Compilations7.9K25:44CompilationMAT 16:24JHN 14:6ROM 8:61CO 6:18GAL 2:20EPH 6:12PHP 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on one thing in order to reach the mark set by God. He highlights the example of the Apostle Paul, who never looked back and never got involved in worldly pursuits. The preacher also mentions the idea that one must go through hardships and lose everything in order to become part of the bride of Jesus Christ. He criticizes the notion that Christianity is too difficult for the world and the church, stating that the real problem is dead fundamentalism. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need to give Jesus Christ the right to be God in every aspect of our lives, 24/7, in order to truly experience salvation.
Judgement Seat - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill7.1K35:17Accountability in FaithEternal RewardsJudgment Seat Of ChristMAL 3:16MAT 6:19ROM 14:101CO 3:122CO 5:10PHP 3:142TI 4:7JAS 1:121PE 1:7REV 22:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of our lives and actions in the context of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer will be held accountable for their service and devotion to God. He paints a vivid picture of the saints from all ages gathering to witness this moment, contrasting the eternal rewards of faithful service with the loss of those whose lives were built on superficiality. Ravenhill warns against complacency, urging believers to live with eternity in mind and to cultivate a deep, genuine relationship with God that transcends mere outward appearances. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their devotional lives and the impact of their actions, reminding them that only what is done for God will last. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a life of obedience and devotion, preparing for the day when they will stand before Christ.
Heroes in Hebrews
By Leonard Ravenhill7.0K1:27:06FaithMAT 11:28EPH 2:8PHP 3:14HEB 10:36HEB 12:2REV 22:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Abraham and his son Isaac. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises. Abraham and Isaac embark on a three-day journey to a mountain where Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son. Despite the difficulty and confusion, Abraham remains faithful and builds an altar. The speaker also mentions a woman in the meeting who experienced a miraculous healing, highlighting the power of faith.
The Judgement Seat of Christ - Part 2 (Alternate)
By Leonard Ravenhill5.3K34:57Eternal RewardsDevotion to GodJudgment Seat Of ChristMAL 3:16MAT 6:19ROM 14:101CO 3:122CO 5:10PHP 3:142TI 4:7JAS 1:121PE 1:7REV 22:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer's life and service will be evaluated. He contrasts the eternal rewards for faithful service with the loss of those whose lives are built on superficiality, represented by wood, hay, and stubble. Ravenhill passionately calls for a life of devotion and intercession, urging believers to live with eternity in mind and to prepare for the moment when their works will be tested by fire. He highlights the importance of genuine worship and the need for a deep, personal relationship with God, warning against complacency in the Christian life. Ultimately, he challenges the church to rise above worldly distractions and to focus on the eternal impact of their lives.
Running the Right Race (Birmingham Conference)
By David Wilkerson4.3K46:23Running The RaceDependence on the Holy SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:51CO 9:242CO 4:2GAL 1:6PHP 3:142TI 4:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:41JN 2:15David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of running the right race in the Christian life, distinguishing between the spirit race, which leads to Christ, and the flesh race, which leads to worldly success. He warns that many Christians, including pastors, are caught up in the flesh race, leading to spiritual exhaustion and shipwrecked lives. Wilkerson calls for a return to dependence on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to preaching the uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, reminding them that true success is found in Christ alone, not in worldly achievements. The sermon concludes with a call to stand firm in faith and not compromise the truth of the gospel.
I Press Toward the Mark
By A.W. Tozer3.5K38:55Pressing OnMAT 6:33MAT 22:37ROM 5:201CO 2:2EPH 4:14PHP 3:142TI 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His power. He uses the analogy of a pilot assuring passengers that they will soon be in sunlight despite the current rainy weather. The preacher encourages listeners to trust in God's ability to bring them into His presence and to not be discouraged by obstacles or confusion. He also references the apostle Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14, where Paul expresses his determination to press on towards the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to let go of past failures and focus on moving forward in their relationship with God.
They That Love the Lord Shall Be as the Sun
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.0K29:51RelationshipEXO 32:10JHN 14:231CO 15:312CO 5:9GAL 2:20EPH 1:17PHP 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the simplicity and power of the Apostle Paul's teachings. He highlights Paul's focus on dying to oneself and being united with Jesus Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in the Christian life, contrasting it with the pride and self-centeredness of humanity. The sermon concludes with a call to humbly pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus and to forget the past in order to pursue the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Worship - Preoccupation With God
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:30:22WorshipGEN 1:1EXO 20:24EXO 24:1JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ROM 8:37PHP 3:14In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that he has previously preached on the topic of being born again, but feels the need to cover it again due to its importance in our lives. He emphasizes the significance of worship and how it is a demonstration of our allegiance and recognition of God's superiority. The preacher shares the story of the woman with the alabaster ointment, highlighting the depth of her worship and sacrifice. He also mentions the importance of prayer, missionary work, and raising up ministers in a church as indicators of its spiritual temperature.
Philosophy of Revival Part 1
By Ralph Sutera1.6K44:591KI 18:382CH 7:14MAT 24:12JHN 13:35ROM 10:14PHP 3:14HEB 12:6In this sermon, the preacher talks about the ongoing revival happening in their church. They mention how the Holy Spirit is stirring and how believers are surrendering to God while sinners are being saved. The preacher also shares a personal testimony of their own journey towards conforming to Christ and the deep surgery God is performing in their heart. They emphasize that revival is not about striving for faith, but about finding victory and joy in resting in God. The preacher also highlights the need for revival due to the disunity in the body of Christ and the changing value systems in society.
Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-17 Endurance-Hebrews 12
By William MacDonald1.4K33:12EnduranceLUK 9:61PHP 3:14HEB 11:27HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of endurance in the Christian faith. He starts by mentioning how the Lord never promised an easy journey, but a better one. He uses the example of Timex watches, which can take a beating and keep on ticking, to illustrate the idea of persevering through challenges. The speaker then reads from Hebrews 12:1-4, highlighting the theme of endurance and looking to Jesus as the ultimate example. He concludes by urging listeners to press on in their Christian service and never give up, referencing the statistics of missionaries who don't complete their terms.
Jesus Manifesting His Presence
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K09:14Manifest Presence Of GodPHP 3:14REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He references the book of Revelation, where Jesus is seen walking among the seven golden candlesticks, and encourages the congregation to not fear, as Jesus is alive forevermore. The preacher highlights the joy and gladness that comes from experiencing the presence of Jesus and emphasizes the need for faith in order to truly know and experience Him. He also emphasizes the power of the Word of God and the role of preaching in building faith. The sermon concludes with a call to seek a deeper knowledge of Jesus and the power of His resurrection.
Bristol Conference 1969
By Carl Armerding1.3K42:00Bible ConferenceGEN 14:1MAT 10:42PHP 3:14The sermon transcript discusses the story of Abraham and his victory over the kings who had captured his nephew Lot. It emphasizes the danger of complacency and pride after experiencing a great victory. The speaker encourages the audience to remain vigilant and prepared even in times of success. The sermon also touches on the therapeutic value of observing the Lord's Supper and the importance of helping the poor.
Missions Fest Sunday
By Jackie Pullinger1.3K40:54MissionsMAT 6:33MAT 16:241CO 9:24GAL 5:9PHP 3:14HEB 12:1JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Caleb from the Bible and encourages the audience to run the race of faith in order to reach the prize. He emphasizes the importance of expressing faith through love and taking action to help those in need. The speaker challenges the audience to not become desensitized to the suffering of others and to actively engage in acts of compassion and service. He reminds them that everyone has different needs and reasons for their circumstances, and it is their responsibility to see and respond to those needs.
I Press On
By Bob Jennings1.2K00:00Pressing On1KI 14:112CH 14:11MAT 6:33PHP 1:6PHP 3:12PHP 3:14PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past dedication and fervor of believers in their pursuit of God's kingdom. They emphasize the importance of constantly seeking God through prayer and studying His Word. The speaker also highlights the need to maintain childlike faith and make sacrificial decisions for the sake of the kingdom. They urge believers to continue pressing forward, acknowledging that there is still much to learn and experience in their relationship with God.
What Is Your Target
By Stephen Kaung1.2K1:05:02Pursuit of ChristPurposeEternal GoalsECC 1:2ECC 12:13PHP 3:14Stephen Kaung emphasizes the importance of pursuing a higher goal in life, drawing from Philippians 3:14, where Paul speaks of striving for the heavenly prize in Christ Jesus. He contrasts earthly pursuits such as wealth, fame, and pleasure with the ultimate fulfillment found in knowing Christ, echoing King Solomon's conclusion in Ecclesiastes that all is vanity without God. Kaung encourages believers to actively pursue a relationship with Christ, highlighting that true passion comes from the love of Christ that compels us to live for Him. He warns against complacency and urges the congregation to prepare for the Lord's return by living a life that reflects their commitment to God. The sermon concludes with a call to pursue Christ with passion, reminding the audience of the eternal significance of their choices.
Seven Reasons Why You Should Go - Part 5
By George Verwer1.1K07:44MAT 4:191CO 6:18EPH 6:10PHP 3:141TI 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of taking steps of faith and being willing to move towards God's calling, even if others may follow in your footsteps. It highlights the need for prayer, study, discipline, and daring to be different in a world filled with materialism and promiscuity. The speaker urges the audience to develop strong discipline in all areas of life to run the race set before them and to be committed to living a life of purity and power for the kingdom of God.
Wholly Sanctified
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:08:50SanctificationMAT 5:482CO 7:1EPH 1:4PHP 3:141TH 5:23HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of striving for holiness and not settling for mediocrity in our relationship with God. He highlights that God has called us to be separated from the common and to be uniquely His. The speaker also explains the concept of the tripartite nature of man, with the spirit being the master, the soul being the steward, and the body being the servant. He emphasizes that true transformation requires a thorough change in our soul and that our body is also affected by our belief in Jesus.
Surviving Pitfalls
By George Verwer96057:32PitfallsPRO 17:22MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 6:10EPH 6:14EPH 6:24PHP 3:14COL 3:13HEB 12:1JAS 1:191PE 5:81JN 1:9In this video, the speaker shares about his transformative trip to India, which changed the course of his life and the ministry of OM. He emphasizes the importance of being strong in the Lord and putting on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. The speaker encourages the audience to mark their Bibles and highlights the power of forgiveness, urging Christians to practice it even in the face of adversity. The video concludes with a reminder that Jesus Christ is Lord and invites the audience to personally declare Him as their Lord.
Discipleship or Survivalship: Survival for Strugglers
By George Verwer90255:14DiscipleshipMAT 6:33ROM 7:152CO 12:8GAL 5:17PHP 3:14HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of breaking his foot while kicking boxes. He emphasizes the importance of not becoming discouraged when growth in our Christian life is not immediate. The speaker mentions six concepts that are important for believers to understand, including the reality of praise and thanksgiving, living in the rest of faith, and learning how to be hurt. The sermon also includes a discussion about the need for discipline in order to live for God and the challenges of adjusting to a different lifestyle during a storm. The speaker encourages the audience to develop a disciplined life and make necessary changes in order to survive and thrive in their faith.
Holiness in Romans
By Zac Poonen69059:46JOS 13:1ROM 5:1PHP 3:14HEB 3:13HEB 12:2JAS 4:171JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine holiness, starting with acknowledging the sin in our lives and striving to live in alignment with Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8. It highlights the need for leaders in churches to be godly examples, focusing on living out the principles of grace and truth seen in Jesus Christ. The message challenges individuals to continually seek God's light on their lives, repent daily, and press on towards the standard of Christ-like holiness without comparing themselves to others.
Last Will and Testament
By Basilea Schlink61404:30Radio ShowEXO 20:3MAT 6:33LUK 9:23JHN 14:15ROM 6:23PHP 3:14REV 21:2In this sermon transcript titled "Last Will and Testament" by Basilia Schlink, the speaker addresses the grief and sorrow experienced after the sudden death of a loved one. The sermon emphasizes the importance of taking God's word seriously and living according to His commandments. The speaker highlights the eternal consequences of our actions on earth and encourages listeners to strive for the heavenly goal. Through the death of our loved ones, God wants to free us from earthly ties and draw us closer to Him, preparing us for our heavenly wedding day.
A Mother Who Helps Her Child
By John McGregor53238:36Christian LifeMAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 9:20MAT 13:31MAT 15:21PHP 3:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who couldn't afford to pay for his groceries but was surprised when someone else paid for him. The message emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in God, using examples from the Bible and personal anecdotes. The speaker encourages listeners to remember that victory will come if they persevere. The sermon also highlights the story of a mother who had great faith and believed for the impossible, even when her son was far from God.
Seven Words for Ex Omers
By George Verwer50456:34GoalsMissionsGrace AwakeningMAT 5:14ROM 12:21CO 13:42CO 5:17GAL 6:2EPH 4:3PHP 3:14HEB 11:1JAS 1:221PE 4:10George Verwer shares a heartfelt message titled 'Seven Words for Ex Omers,' emphasizing the importance of setting goals, experiencing grace awakening, and maintaining faith in the face of challenges. He encourages the audience to be proactive in their spiritual lives and to embrace change, reality, and transformation as essential components of their Christian journey. Verwer highlights the need for unity within the church and the significance of being aware of suffering in the world, urging listeners to take action and remain connected to God and each other.
World Prayer Report 7 June 1986
By George Verwer4851:15:14MissionsPSA 119:11MAT 6:331CO 9:24PHP 3:14COL 3:231TI 4:7HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep admiration for Eric Little, the Olympic athlete featured in the movie "Chariots of Fire." He is moved to purchase and distribute 100 copies of the film to spread its message worldwide. The speaker also discusses the importance of utilizing videocassettes in spreading the word of God, as they are more accessible and popular than books. He emphasizes the need for prayer in this endeavor. The speaker also reflects on the self-pity syndrome and encourages listeners to overcome their personal challenges by looking at the struggles of others, such as handicapped individuals and Vietnam veterans.
Lancaster Ctn Bookshop
By George Verwer47633:20MissionsMAT 6:33ROM 8:372CO 10:3EPH 6:16PHP 3:14JAS 1:221JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively participating in the race of faith rather than being a passive spectator. He encourages the use of literature in ministry, such as distributing books door to door or setting up church book tables. The speaker also dedicates a Christian bookshop to God, praying for its impact in bringing people to know Jesus. He reminds the audience of the need to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus daily in order to experience ongoing ministry and victory over the enemy.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I press toward the mark - Κατα σκοπον διωκω· I pursue along the line; this is a reference to the white line that marked the ground in the stadium, from the starting place to the goal, on which the runners were obliged to keep their eye fixed; for they who transgressed or went beyond this line did not run lawfully, and were not crowned, even though they got first to the goal. See the concluding observations on Co1 9:27. What is called σκοπος, mark or scope, here, is called κανων, the line, i.e. the marked line, Phi 3:16. When it was said to Diogenes, the cynic, "Thou art now an old man, rest from thy labors;" to this he answered: Ει δολιχον εδραμον, προς τῳ τελει εδει με ανειναι, και μη μαλλον επιτειναι; "If I have run long in the race, will it become me to slacken my pace when come near the end; should I not rather stretch forward?" Diog. Laert., lib. vi. cap. 2. sec. 6. For the prize of the high calling of God - The reward which God from above calls me, by Christ Jesus, to receive. The apostle still keeps in view his crown of martyrdom and his glorious resurrection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
high calling--literally, "the calling that is above" (Gal 4:26; Col 3:1): "the heavenly calling" (Heb 3:1). "The prize" is "the crown of righteousness" (Co1 9:24; Ti2 4:8). Rev 2:10, "crown of life." Pe1 5:4, "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." "The high," or "heavenly calling," is not restricted, as ALFORD thinks, to Paul's own calling as an apostle by the summons of God from heaven; but the common calling of all Christians to salvation in Christ, which coming from heaven invites us to heaven, whither accordingly our minds ought to be uplifted.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect,.... Not absolutely, but comparatively, with respect to other believers, in a lower class of knowledge and experience; and not with respect to degrees, but parts; and regards such who were not children, but of riper age in divine things, unless the words are spoken ironically: be thus minded; as the apostle was, to count what were gain to him, loss for Christ; to reckon all things but loss and dung, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ; to be willing to suffer the loss of all things, to win him, Phi 3:8; to desire to be found in him, and in his righteousness, and not a man's own, Phi 3:9; to know more of him in his person, righteousness, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead, Phi 3:10; and to attain to such a state, and yet to disclaim all perfection, and acknowledge their imperfection, Phi 3:11; and to forget things behind, and reach to those before, Phi 3:13; and press towards the mark, Christ, for the prize of eternal glory, Phi 3:14, and if in anything ye be otherwise minded; as to seek for justification by the works of the law, or partly by Christ and partly by the law, and to imagine and expect perfection in this life: God shall reveal even this unto you; such errors will be made manifest sooner or later; the day will declare them, and such wood, hay, and stubble, will be burnt up by the fire, which will reveal every man's work, Co1 3:12.