What does "not that I have already obtained" teach about Christian humility? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Honest Admission - Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” - Paul has just spoken of gaining Christ, being found in Him, and knowing “the power of His resurrection” (vv. 8–11). - Yet the apostle—an inspired missionary, church planter, and writer of Scripture—confesses he has not “arrived.” - His words model a humility that rests on the literal, reliable revelation of God: even the most mature believer is still on the journey. Key Phrase Explored: “Not that I have already obtained” - “Not that” = clear denial of personal perfection. - “Obtained” (Greek labein) = to lay hold of, seize, make one’s own. Paul says the full likeness to Christ is not yet his. - By openly admitting this, Paul: • Rejects complacency. • Lowers any pedestal listeners might place him on. • Invites believers to examine their own hearts honestly. Lessons in Christian Humility 1. Recognition of ongoing need - Romans 7:18 – “Nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.” - John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” 2. Dependence on grace, not résumé - 1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” - Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is “not by works, so that no one can boast.” 3. Teachability and growth mindset - Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - Humility keeps the heart soft, eager to learn, quick to repent. 4. Motivation to press on - Philippians 3:13–14 – “Forgetting what is behind and reaching toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…” - Humility fuels perseverance; pride stalls it. Supporting Scriptures - 1 Peter 5:5–6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility… that He may exalt you in due time.” - Luke 18:13–14 – The tax collector’s humble plea is justified over the Pharisee’s self-congratulation. - Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Putting It into Practice - Start each day acknowledging, “I haven’t arrived.” This frames every step with reliance on Christ. - Celebrate progress but resist self-congratulation; give credit to the Spirit’s work. - Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). - Seek mentors and be a mentor: humility learns and teaches simultaneously. - Measure success by faithfulness, not by comparing with others; Paul compared only with Christ’s call. Takeaway Truths - Humility is not denying gifts; it is admitting unfinished sanctification. - The phrase “not that I have already obtained” frees believers from perfectionism while urging relentless pursuit of Christlikeness. - Genuine humility, grounded in Scripture’s literal truth, keeps believers pressing forward, eyes fixed on Jesus, until the day they truly “obtain” complete conformity to Him. |
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