Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” – Phillipians 3:14

Paul the apostle presents a Portrait of Focused and PASSIONATE LEADERSHIP: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi.3:13-14). This authoritative, dynamic and passionate leadership model is rooted in a single-minded pursuit of knowing Christ, attaining spiritual maturity, and fulfilling His Mission, as exemplified in today’s passage and reinforced by other scriptures that highlight his sense of divine calling.

Authoritative and Principled: Paul's authority stemmed not from a title, but from a profound encounter with Christ and unwavering adherence to His calling (vv.3-7). His instructions were clear and firm, especially regarding church governance and conduct, as seen in the qualifications for leaders (1Tim.3:2-7). He established a clear structure for leadership, emphasizing blamelessness, self-control, and the ability to manage one's own household well as prerequisites for church leadership.

Action-Oriented and Dynamic: Paul's life was a testament to dynamism. From his conversion experience to his numerous missionary journeys, he was constantly moving and adapting his strategies to spread the gospel. He declared that he was not "disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19). This highlights his immediate and ongoing responsiveness to divine direction.

Focused and Passionate: A deep passion for Christ defined Paul's entire existence – a fervent desire to "gain Christ and be found in him." Paul detailed all his impressive achievements and religious credentials (circumcised, a Pharisee, blameless under the Law) but counted them as "rubbish" in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, gaining His intimate, experiential knowledge (vv.8-9). Using the metaphor of an athlete running a race, Paul described "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (v.13b). The passage reveals a relentless drive to press on toward experiencing the "power of His resurrection" and the prize of eternal life.

Acknowledging Imperfection and Striving for Maturity: Paul openly admitted he had not “already attained” or been made "perfect" (v.12). This humility prevented complacency and modelled a life of continuous spiritual growth.

Paul’s Passion fuelled his resilience in the face of persecution and pains. His single-minded focus and perseverance became a model for others: This language of vigorous, determined effort – "press on" – is central to his dynamic leadership style. His passion and dynamism are further evidenced in other parts of the New Testament: 

Paul's leadership derived from a direct, divine appointment, not self-ambition (Acts 9:15). Sense of mission fuelled his passion!

Paul received his apostleship "through Jesus Christ" – his authority and direction came from God (Rom.1:5; Gal.1:1).

Paul's leadership was characterized by a clear, focused vision of knowing Christ and attaining the heavenly prize, a goal he pursued with relentless, Spirit-enabled passion and humility.