Philippians 3:12-14

Press On Towards the Goal

Philippians 3:12–14

Summary: In Philippians 3:12–14, the apostle Paul encourages believers to press on towards the goal of knowing Christ and becoming more like Him, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.

Application: This passage reminds us to persevere in our Christian walk, not being hindered by past sins or accomplishments, but constantly seeking to grow in our relationship with Christ. It encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize of eternity with Jesus.

Teaching: This sermon teaches us about the importance of spiritual growth and the need for continuous pursuit of Christ-likeness. It emphasizes the role of perseverance and focus in the life of a believer.

How this passage could point to Christ: In Philippians 3:12–14, we see Jesus as the ultimate goal and prize that believers are striving towards. He is the center of our faith and the source of our strength to keep pressing on in the midst of trials and temptations.

Big Idea: By focusing on Christ as our ultimate goal, we are encouraged to persevere in our Christian journey, letting go of the past and pressing on towards the prize of knowing Him deeply.

Recommended Study: For further study, explore the concept of 'forgetting what is behind' in Philippians 3:13 using Logos Exegetical Guide to understand the historical and cultural background. Additionally, delve into the idea of 'straining toward what is ahead' in Philippians 3:14 with Logos Bible Word Study to uncover the deeper meaning of 'straining' in the original Greek.

1. Pursuing Perfection Passionately

Philippians 3:12

You could start by discussing how Paul acknowledges his own journey's incompleteness and his continuous effort to grow closer to Christ, embodying the sermon's big idea of perseverance in our Christian walk. This point emphasizes the importance of recognizing our ongoing need for spiritual growth and the continuous pursuit of Christ-likeness as the foundation for our perseverance, grounded in the example of Christ.

2. Past Forgotten Purposefully

Philippians 3:13

Maybe reflect on the significance of forgetting what lies behind, encouraging the congregation to let go of past sins and achievements that hinder their spiritual growth. This could demonstrate how focusing on Jesus empowers us to move forward, shedding past identities and mistakes in the pursuit of becoming more like Him, which echoes the big idea and underscores the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

3. Prize Focused Perspectively

Philippians 3:14

Perhaps conclude by focusing on the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, inspiring believers to set their eyes on the ultimate prize of eternal life with Jesus. This section can bring everything together, illustrating how Christ is both the path and the prize in our spiritual journey, encouraging relentless perseverance and focus on Him as articulated in the sermon's big idea.