Some notes you may find useful

Philippians 3v12-21

Verse 12. Not as though I had already attainedouc oti hdh elabon? For I have not yet received the prize; I am not glorified, for I have not finished my course; and I have a conflict still to maintain, and the issue will prove whether I should be crowned. From the beginning of the 11th to the end of the 17th verse there is one continued allusion to the contests at the Olympic games; exercises with which, and their laws, the Philippians were well acquainted. {Philippians 3:11-17}

It is evident that the apostle was familiar with athletics (Galatians 2:2; Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 2:5; 1 Cor. 9:25-27). Among the events were the pentathlon (long-jump, javelin and discus throws, running, and wrestling) and chariot races. All races were run on a long track or stadion with pylons at each end. Runners or charioteers rounded the pylons, racing back and forth instead of circling an oval track. The track at Olympia (the largest Panhellenic game) has been excavated, and its starting line was found to

The New Testament refers to the Christian life as a calling (Ephes. 1:18; Ephes. 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:9; Hebrews 3:1; 2 Peter 1:10). The basic call is to Christ as Lord and Savior; thus, all Christians are "called ones." It is employed in a comprehensive way to depict what has happened to those who through the Father’s love are now called children of God (1 John 3:1). However, there are further callings to special ministries (Acts 13:2).

The noun "calling" takes on great significance in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. First, there is the goal of calling. We are called to salvation, holiness, and faith (2 Thes. 2:13-15), to the kingdom and glory of God (1 Thes. 2:12), to an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15), to fellowship (1 Cor. 1:9), and to service (Galatians 1).

The means of calling is clearly stated as being through grace (Galatians 1:6) and through the hearing of the gospel (2 Thes. 2:14).

The ground of calling is specifically established in 2 Tim. 1:9. The starting point for the divine calling is not works but the purpose and grace of God in Christ Jesus.

The nature of God’s calling is described as an upward (Phil. 3:14), heavenly (Hebrews 3:1), holy (2 Tim. 1:9) calling. It is filled with hope (Ephes. 1:18; Ephes. 4:4). Christians are urged to lead lives that are worthy of their calling (Ephes. 4:1; 2 Thes. 1:11). Also, they are urged to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Finally, the "called, and chosen, and faithful" are with the Lamb (Rev. 17:14) indicating that those whom God called (saved) He glorified (Romans 8:30). The stress is on the initiative of God. The one who experiences God’s calling can only break forth in praise with Paul: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)

Philip. 3:13-14

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim. 1:12-17

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. [13] Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. [14] The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

[15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. [17] Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Phil. 3:12-21 (Expresses earnest desire to be found in Christ; also his pressing on toward perfection; and recommends his own example to other believers)