“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
 — Philippians 3:12 (ESV)

What does it mean to truly know God? Not just know about Him—but know Him as He is? In Part 1 of this devotional, we explored how we can truly make our relationship with Christ personal. In this second part, we will examine and apply two more essential ingredients to know God as He is.

The Apostle Paul, late in his life and ministry, further answers how we can truly know God as He is, with an attitude that is both humble and hungry. His words in Philippians 3:12–21 are a passionate cry from a heart captivated by Christ. It’s a rallying call for us today. We must develop a holy dissatisfaction and make plans with a vision of Christ’s return.

Develop a Holy Dissatisfaction

Paul writes to his beloved brothers and sisters in Philippi with affection and authenticity. Though he had seen Jesus in glory, planted churches, and suffered for the gospel, he essentially confesses, “I’m not there yet.” There is a refreshing humility in Paul’s words—a refusal to coast or settle. He acknowledges that he hasn’t fully laid hold of what Christ laid hold of him for. And so, with a Spirit-empowered grit, he presses on.

John Piper once noted, “Paul’s pursuit of Christ rises out of a profound dissatisfaction with the way he is.” This “holy dissatisfaction” isn’t rooted in shame or legalism. It’s fueled by love. Paul knows there’s more of Jesus to know—and he’s not content with yesterday’s experiences or victories. One of my mentors (I bet you can’t guess who) used to say, “One of the hardest parts of the Christian life is that it’s so daily.” But I’ve come to discover that the daily pursuit of Jesus is where deep, personal transformation happens. A holy dissatisfaction is like the jet fuel of a growing relationship with Christ.

“Holy dissatisfaction” isn’t rooted in shame or legalism. It’s fueled by love. Paul knows there’s more of Jesus to know—and he’s not content with yesterday’s experiences or victories.

So, what’s Paul’s strategy? He says, “This one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”

1) Forgetting What Lies Behind

Paul isn’t advocating for spiritual amnesia here—Scripture often tells us to remember! But he is teaching us to forget in a very specific way. Forget those things—successes or failures—that hold you back from running hard after God. Think of a rearview mirror: it’s useful for awareness but fatal if you fixate on it while driving forward. The key idea here is to only look back for the sake of pressing forward. We can give God humble thanks for successes and make humble confessions for failures. But the key is to then turn to the future and go hard after God.

Paul certainly had a past that could haunt him—persecuting Christians, standing by as Stephen was martyred. But he didn’t let it define him. He pressed on.

2) Straining Forward to What Lies Ahead

This isn’t casual Christianity. The language Paul uses implies passion, exertion, and focus. What is ahead that Paul so desperately strains toward? It’s the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus—more and more and more!

Knowing God is an eternal pursuit. Even in heaven, we will never exhaust the depths of His glory. Let that sink in; we will never reach a point where we say, “That’s enough of God.” So don’t settle now—stay on the daily pursuit.

Knowing God is an eternal pursuit. Even in heaven, we will never exhaust the depths of His glory.

I encourage you to take a moment—even now—to pause and pray. Ask the Lord to show you anything in your past that’s hindering your pursuit of Him. You may feel bad as you reflect—but discern the source. If it’s vague guilt, that’s condemnation, not from God. But if it’s specific conviction, that’s the Spirit inviting you to repentance and restoration.

Make a Plan With a Vision of Christ’s Return

Paul shifts from passion to planning. Like an athlete training for a race (see 1 Corinthians 9:24–27), we must run with purpose. Holiness and hunger require intentionality. We could break down Philippians 3:14 in the following way:

• “I press on…” – Small, daily steps of obedience in the same direction.
• “Toward the goal…” – God’s goal for your life is to know Him better.
• “For the prize…” – The prize is Christ Himself. He is our great reward!
• “Of the upward call…” – The call to be with Christ forever—this is our home.

As Paul unpacks this further in verses 15–21, he gives us several anchors for our pursuit. He states that mature believers make a plan with eternity in mind (v. 15). Obedience is what unlocks revelation. Where is your knowledge of God ahead of your experience of Him? Obey Him there (v. 16).

While knowing and pursuing God is personal, it is never merely private. Walk with others (v. 17). Join a Bible study. Get into a small group. Remember, prayer is what makes Bible study personal. You can study God’s Word and still not know God intimately (John 5:39). Don’t be deceived; many have fallen away. The road is narrow. Earthly-mindedness leads to destruction. But God’s grace is here today—repent and return (v. 18–19)! And lastly, Heaven is your true home. Christ is coming again. Are you living in a way that reflects that hope? (v. 20–21)

The pursuit of Christ by the Church will actually hasten the day that Jesus returns (see 2 Peter 3:12).

The pursuit of Christ by the Church will actually hasten the day that Jesus returns.

Let’s be a people marked by a holy dissatisfaction—not because we are unloved or incomplete, but because we know there’s more of Jesus to experience. Let’s forget what hinders, strain forward in faith, and live today with eternity in view.

Let’s be a people marked by a holy dissatisfaction—not because we are unloved or incomplete, but because we know there’s more of Jesus to experience.

Christ has made us His own—so may we press on to make Him our own!

Copyright © 2025 Justin Jeppesen. All rights reserved.