3 12 It is not to be thought that I have already achieved all this. I have not yet reached perfection, but I press on, hoping to take hold of that for which Christ once took hold of me. 3 13 My friends, I do not reckon myself to have got hold of it yet. All I can say is this: forgetting what is behind me, and reaching out for that which lies ahead, 3 14 I press towards the goal to win the prize which is God's call to the life above, in Christ Jesus. 3 15 Let us then keep to this way of thinking, those of us who are mature. If there is any point on which you think differently, this also God will make plain to you. 3 16 Only let our conduct be consistent with the level we have already reached.
3 17 Agree together, my friends, to follow my example. You have us for a model; watch those whose way of life conforms to it. 3 18 For, as I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, there are many whose way of life makes them enemies of the cross of Christ. 3 19 They are heading for destruction, appetite is their god, and they glory in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. 3 20 We, by contrast, are citizens of heaven, and from heaven we expect our deliverer to come, the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 21 He will transfigure the body belonging to our humble state, and give it a form like that of his own resplendent body, by the very power which enables him to make all things subject to himself.
4 1 Therefore, my friends, beloved friends whom I long for, my joy, my crown, stand thus firm in the Lord, my beloved!