PHIL. iii. 13, 14.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this
one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press to-
ward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.”

THE image of the text is taken from the Grecian games.
The object of the apostle was perfection in the knowledge
and in the fellowship of Christ. If we follow him, we
must follow him as he followed Christ. Let us mark the
means of his attainment as they are presented in the verses
before us.
I. There is determinate singleness of thought: “This
one thing I do,” not “many things.” There is no fretting
away of the soul upon a multitude of discrepant objects, to
the loss of concentration, and the consequent loss of power.
Here is the attitude of a soul that is determined after a
worthy purpose — the attitude of quiet strength which will
suffer nothing to turn it from the accomplishment. Every
circumstance of your life may be made subservient to this
great design. Make this your business. It will not interfere
with any other. After you are called in Christ Jesus, and
after when God calls, He gives power to obey.
II. There was in the apostle’s mind a determinate on-
looking to the ever-nearing future. He did not absolutely
forget the things behind, but he did not allow himself to be
kept back by them. He forgot his sins, and looked to
Christ and the future. If a man is not in Christ it is hard
for him to think about the future, but if we are in Christ
we can. Have you a hope beyond?
W. Morley Punshon, D.D.