I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:10
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:11-14
How well do you want to know Jesus? Scripture invites us into more than knowledge about Him. It calls us into a living relationship marked by humility, perseverance, and love. In these verses, we hear a deeply personal desire to know Christ more fully and a steady commitment to keep moving forward, even when the journey is not complete.
What does it mean to truly know Christ?
To know Jesus is not limited to understanding His teachings or admiring His works. It is an ongoing relationship where our hearts are shaped by His presence. Like sheep who learn to recognize the voice of their shepherd, we grow familiar with His guidance, His character, and His love. This kind of knowing is personal and transformative.
The desire expressed here points to a deeper longing to experience both the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. It reflects a life that is being continually formed by Christ, not just informed about Him. This knowing reshapes our priorities, our responses, and our purpose.
Why is pressing on essential in the Christian life?
The Christian journey is not about instant perfection. It is about faithful pursuit. The writer acknowledges that he has not yet arrived, yet he refuses to stand still. There is a clear sense of direction, a goal set before him, and a determination to keep moving toward it.
Pressing on requires humility. It means recognizing that there is always more to learn, more to surrender, and more of Christ to discover. It also requires endurance. Some days feel like steady progress, while others feel slow or uncertain. Yet the call remains the same. Keep going. Keep seeking. Keep trusting.
Let go of the past and move forward in faith!
Letting go of what is behind is not about denying our past but about refusing to let it define us. Past failures can bring shame, and past successes can create complacency. Both can hinder our growth if we cling to them too tightly.
Instead, we fix our eyes ahead. We remember that we belong to Christ and that His grace is greater than any mistake. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep forward into new pastures, Jesus calls us onward into deeper faith and greater trust. We follow by releasing what weighs us down and embracing the new work He is doing within us.
How do we keep growing in our relationship with Jesus daily?
Growth comes through intentional pursuit. It is found in prayer, in Scripture, and in a heart that continually turns toward Him. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to draw near, to listen, and to respond in love.
Even meaningful spiritual experiences from the past are not meant to be the finish line. There is always more of Christ to know. His love invites us forward, encouraging us not to settle but to keep pressing on with hope and expectation.
If you want to know Jesus more, continue the journey. Walk with humility. Listen for His voice. Trust His leading. And keep moving forward with a heart set on Him.