Finishing Well!

Pressing On Towards the Prize

Philippians 3:13–14

13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

The Amplified Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1987), Php 3:13–14.

。13 弟兄們，我不以為自己已經得著了，我只有一件事，就是忘記背後，努力前面的事，14 向著目標竭力追求，為要得著　神在基督耶穌裡召我往上去得的獎賞。

聖經新譯本（繁體•神字版）, 第二版. (香港: 環球聖經公會, 2005), Php 3:12–14.

Summary: In Philippians 3:13–14, the apostle Paul encourages believers to forget what is behind and press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme of pressing on towards the goal for a prize reflects the ultimate goal of the Christian faith, which is to be with Christ and to become like Him. This pursuit is only possible through the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Recommended Study: For further study on Philippians 3:13–14, delve into the concept of 'forgetting what is behind' and how it relates to sanctification and spiritual growth. Look into commentaries in your Logos library that explore the Greek meaning of 'pressing on' and 'goal' in this passage, to gain a deeper understanding of the apostle Paul's exhortation.

1. Forgetting What's Behind

Philippians 3:13a AMP

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

。13 弟兄們，我不以為自己已經得著了，我只有一件事，就是忘記背後，努力前面的事

emphasizing the importance of letting go of past failures and successes, as a step towards spiritual growth. This reflects the big idea by showing that pressing on in our faith journey requires us to leave behind what no longer serves our growth in Christ, emphasizing perseverance and the christocentric theme of transformation.

Application: This passage reminds Christians that no matter their past failures or successes, they should not dwell on them but instead focus on moving forward in their walk with Christ. It encourages perseverance and determination in the face of trials and challenges.

Sometime the past does not stay in the past.

We remember failures more than successes.

The book of Psalms was written in the turmoil of failure.

Example King David in the Bible

In the Bible, King David's past decision to commit adultery with Bathsheba haunted him for the rest of his life, leading to tragic consequences for his family and kingdom. Our past decisions, if not dealt with honestly and repented of, can similarly haunt us and impact those around us.

At certain seasons we struggle with failures of the past in our mind. These are hidden from public but are private thoughts that cause us to fear or not move forward in God.

Jacob thinks his brother Esau is going to seek revenge.

Amplified Bible Chapter 33

AND JACOB raised his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming and with him 400 men. So he divided the children to Leah and to Rachel and to the two maids.

33 雅各舉目觀看，見以掃帶著四百人來了；他就把孩子分開三隊，交給利亞、拉結和兩個婢女。

Luke 9 62 Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62 (CNVT)

62 耶穌說：「手扶著犁向後看的，不適合進　神的國。」

Lot’s Wife loved the things of this world more than God’s deliverance

Genesis 19:26 AMP

But [Lot’s] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19:25–26 CNVT

把那些城和全平原，以及城中所有的居民，連地上生長的，都毀滅了。羅得的妻子在他後面向後一望，就變成了鹽柱。

There has to be a willingness to surrender to God areas of your life.

Dreams desires, your will.

2. Focused Forward Movement

Philippians 3:13b AMP

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

。13 弟兄們，我不以為自己已經得著了，我只有一件事，就是忘記背後，努力前面的事

Teaching: The teaching from this passage is to have a forward-looking perspective in the Christian journey. It emphasizes the importance of growth, transformation, and continual pursuit of a closer relationship with God.

When a potter is shaping clay and hits a bump, does he throw away the entire clay? No, he just reshapes it. Similarly, God is the potter, and we are His clay. Our past failures do not define us; they are just part of God's process to mold us into something beautiful.

When David Livingstone was finishing his work in Africa, someone said, “Now what will you do?” He said, “I’ll go anywhere as long as it’s forward.”

Anonymous

The Christian life is meant to be foreward looking.

Things in nature - time and the cycle of life all move forwards.

Moving forward is an action and it takes effort. This is not an automatic thing.

When you ride a scooter, you have to start the motor and turn the throttle so the scooter moves forward. Otherwise we go nowhere.

Note:This could involve personal reflection on one’s current spiritual state and the determination to press on. It supports the big idea by illustrating the necessary shift in focus for spiritual progression, tied to the Christ-centered pursuit of growth and sanctification.

In our spiritual growth we need a forward momentum.

Paul speaks of this in our text.

Resistance to momentum in God

Our will and flesh

How many broke promises and unfinished tasks..

The world

Distractions to what is important to break through

Prayer - Entertainment

Matthew 26:41 AMP

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 (CNVT)

41 應當警醒、禱告，免得陷入試探；你們心靈雖然願意，肉體卻是軟弱的。」

In a halfway completed jigsaw puzzle, each piece plays a crucial role in bringing the full picture to light. Similarly, as we engage in our unfinished tasks, every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the completion of God's greater plan. Let us embrace the significance of every piece and recognize the value of our contributions to the unfinished puzzle of life.

WE want to accomplish what God wants in our life.

This requires moving forwards in God.

3. Prize of the Upward Call

Heaven is not a conditional reward, but a consummated relationship.

John Blanchard

A group of climbers who persevere through difficult terrain and weather conditions are rewarded with breathtaking views from the mountain peak. Similarly, as Christians, our perseverance through life's challenges will be rewarded with the glorious hope of being with God for eternity.

Conclude with the ultimate aim of our faith journey - the prize of the upward call of God in Christ. Emphasize how this pursuit is not merely personal achievement but seeking the presence and likeness of Christ, aligning with the sermon's big idea of aiming for the prize of being with Christ through perseverance and determination.

Big Idea: Pressing on towards the goal in Christ requires leaving behind past mistakes, focusing on spiritual growth, and ultimately aiming for the prize of being with Christ. It is a call to perseverance and determination in the Christian walk.

The Amplified Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1987), Php 3:13–14.

。13 弟兄們，我不以為自己已經得著了，我只有一件事，就是忘記背後，努力前面的事，14 向著目標竭力追求，為要得著　神在基督耶穌裡召我往上去得的獎賞。

聖經新譯本（繁體•神字版）, 第二版. (香港: 環球聖經公會, 2005), Php 3:12–14.

Summary: In Philippians 3:13–14, the apostle Paul encourages believers to forget what is behind and press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.]

WE must be reminded that there is a prize for Christians in the end.

Hebrews 11:6–7 (AMP)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

Example Noah

7 [Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world’s unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness (that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith). [Gen. 6:13-22.]

Hebrews 11:6–7 CNVT

沒有信，就不能得到　神的喜悅；因為來到　神面前的人，必須信　神存在，並且信他會賞賜那些尋求他的人。因著信，挪亞在還沒有看見的事上，得了　神的警告，就動了敬畏的心，做了一艘方舟，使他全家得救。藉著這信心，他就定了那世代的罪，自己也承受了那因信而來的義。

There is a reward for those who finish

James 1:12 AMP

Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 (CNVT)

忍受試煉的人有福了

12 能忍受試煉的人，是有福的；因為他經過考驗之後，必得著生命的冠冕，這冠冕是主應許給愛他的人的。

2 Timothy 4:8 AMP

[As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).

2 Timothy 4:8 CNVT

從此以後，有公義的冠冕為我存留，就是按公義審判的主在那日要賞給我的；不但賞給我，也賞給所有愛慕他顯現的人。