Straining Toward the Goal
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Not that I have already t attained, or am already u perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
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Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, v forgetting those things which are behind and w reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
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x I press toward the goal for the prize of y the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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Therefore let us, as many as are z mature, a have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, b God will reveal even this to you.
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Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, c let us walk d by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
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Brethren, e join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as f you have us for a pattern.
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For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are g the enemies of the cross of Christ:
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h whose end is destruction, i whose god is their belly, and j whose glory is in their shame - k who set their mind on earthly things.
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For l our citizenship is in heaven, m from which we also n eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
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o who will transform our lowly body that it may be p conformed to His glorious body, q according to the working by which He is able even to r subdue all things to Himself.
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Therefore, my beloved and a longed-for brethren, b my joy and crown, so c stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:19
Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
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Cross References
Hebrews 12:23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect.
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Cross References
Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
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Cross References
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
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Cross References
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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Cross References
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.
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Cross References
Matthew 5:48
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
1 Corinthians 2:6
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
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Cross References
Galatians 5:10
I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
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Cross References
Hosea 6:3
Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
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Cross References
Galatians 6:16
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
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Cross References
Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Romans 15:5
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
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Cross References
Titus 2:7
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.
Titus 2:8
Sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
1 Peter 5:3
Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
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Cross References
Galatians 1:7
Which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:15
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
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Cross References
1 Timothy 6:5
Useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
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Cross References
Hosea 4:7
The more they increased, The more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame.
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Cross References
Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
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Cross References
Ephesians 2:6
And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:19
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Colossians 3:1
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Hebrews 12:22
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels.
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Cross References
Acts 1:11
Who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:7
So that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:43 - 53
It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
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Cross References
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
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Cross References
Ephesians 1:19
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:28
Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:8
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:14
(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.