Philippians 3:12-21

This passage continues the thought of "attaining the resurrection from the dead," to which Paul refers as "it" in verses 12 and 13.  "It", being the resurrection from the dead, is recognized by Paul as something that he has not yet attained, but something to which he continues to strive. 

Being a runner, I think of the analogy of running a race, an analogy that is used elsewhere in the New Testament.  Paul presses on toward "the goal" (v. 14), which I think has to do with knowing Christ (from v. 10).  But he doesn't merely say this in an autobiographical sense, he says this as a preface to the encouragement given in verse 15 where he urges his readers to have this same attitude.  So, going back to the running analogy, he's not being the coach as much as being a fellow runner urging a teamate along in a grueling race.  Even in verse 17, he specifically says to "follow my example". 

What is the standard to which we have attained?  The footnotes in my NASB bible state that "We are responsible for the truth we currently posess".  To what standard are we held, given the family, community, workplace, church, etc. into which God has placed us? 

In what ways today can we be an example to others?  In 1, 5, 10 years, how will that change?

In verses 18 & 19 Paul gives a sort-of warning against "enemies of the cross of Christ".  It seems like only a sort-of warning because I don't think his intent is necessarily to warn against these folks, but rather to provide contrast to those who can say "our citizenship is in heaven" as he goes onto say in v. 20.  How would your perspective/life change if we lived every day as if this were truly our vision?  How does your self-identity govern how you act, respond, think in various situations?  How would that change if my self identity was truly that of a citizen of heaven?