Finish Strong

Pray: Give Honor:

Text: Philippians 3:12-14

Philippians 3:12–14 (NIV)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Chapter 1 gave us some historical context into the book of Philippians. We learned that Paul and the church in Philippi were all suffering persecution. Paul wrote this letter from prison. We also see how the Lord used these sufferings and trials for the advancement of the gospel.

Then, in Philippians 2, we saw a glimpse into the depth of Christ’s humility. He emptied Himself of the form of God to come in the form of man. He then humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross. God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name and authority in heaven and earth. Christ is worthy of our lives lived for His praise, glory, and honor.

Now, in Philippians 3, we see Paul continue giving these instructions for how they were to conduct themselves as followers of Christ.

From my own study, I was able to pick out four different sections in this chapter.

1. Philippians 3:1-6 – No Confidence in the Flesh

2. Philippians 3:7-9 – Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus

3. Philippians 3:10-16 – The Prize of the High Calling in God3

Forward Progress

Just as Paul was focused on pressing on toward his spiritual goal, we too must press on in our journey through college. This involves continuous growth, learning, and seeking God's purpose for our lives.

Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12 (HCSB)

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Paul said:

I am not perfect/but I’m progressing

No semester is perfect, but you should be progression

No Christian life is perfect, you just need to progress

Forgetting the Past

Paul encourages us to let go of past mistakes, failures, and distractions that might hinder our progress. Instead of dwelling on what's behind us, we should focus on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, 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, +

Philippians 3:13 (HCSB)

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,

Focusing on the Purpose

College is a time of preparation for the future. We should strive to excel academically, grow spiritually, and develop skills that will equip us for our calling and purpose in life.

Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 (HCSB)

I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Practical Lessons:

Set Clear Goals: Identify your goals for college—academic achievements, personal growth, career aspirations, etc. Set clear and achievable goals to work towards during your college journey.

Stay Persistent: Persistence is key to finishing strong. Stay committed to your studies, pursue personal development, and remain steadfast in your faith, trusting that God will guide you through challenges.

Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, professors, or spiritual leaders. Their wisdom and advice can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate college life.

Embrace Growth: Embrace growth opportunities, both academically and spiritually. Be open to learning, trying new things, and stepping out of your comfort zone to become the person God has called you to be.