Paul begins Philippians 3:12 with the thought and desire for complete wholeness or perfection, and he concludes at Philippians 3:21 with the realization of complete wholeness or perfection. What lies in between are fundamental instructions, expressions, and disciplines for how we too are to obtain what Paul is pursuing.
Paul continues this portion of the text by sharing his desire for a likeness to Christ, righteousness through faith, resurrection from death, and eternal separation from sin and suffering.
Throughout the first 5 verses, we witness motion or "action." Paul uses words like "pressing on" and "straining forward." In doing so, Paul is creating a model for us to follow, reflecting what is written in 1 Corinthians 11:1-2: "Imitate me as I imitate Him." Paul's intent is not for us to merely watch his life and faith, but to join him in imitating Jesus.
Through our spiritual formation, we begin to mature, gaining clarity about the ways we are to live as citizens of heaven in anticipation of Christ's return.