How to Find Joy in the Journey

“New Horizons: Embracing God’s Next Chapter”

Bible Passage: Philippians 3:12–14

Summary: In Philippians 3:12-14, the Apostle Paul expresses his determination to press on toward the goal of knowing Christ and the ultimate heavenly prize. He acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but is focused on the journey ahead.

Application: This passage teaches us the importance of perseverance in our faith, encouraging believers to let go of past failures and to embrace the potential of what God has in store for their future. It reassures us that God has a plan and purpose, regardless of our current struggles.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that the Christian life is a continual process of growth and transformation. It emphasizes the need to focus on the calling and promises of God rather than being hindered by past mistakes or present circumstances.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate goal of our faith. As we press on, we are conformed to His image and reflect His glory, which is the ultimate purpose of our lives.

Big Idea: We are called to keep moving forward in faith, letting go of our past and trusting God for the chapters yet to be written in our lives.

Recommended Study: I suggest utilizing Logos to examine the original Greek text for nuances in terms such as 'press on' and 'goal', as these words carry significant weight in understanding Paul's urgency. You might also explore commentaries that delve into the historical context of Philippians, particularly focusing on the challenges Paul faced, which can provide your audience with a deeper appreciation of perseverance in their journey.

Series Overview

As we approach the end of the one year and step boldly into the next, it’s a time for reflection, release, preparation, and expectation. This series, New Horizons: Embracing God’s Next Chapter, is designed to help believers transition into a new season with faith, hope, and clarity. Each week builds upon the last, guiding the congregation to leave behind the past, align with God’s will, and embrace the future with confidence.

1. Progress, Not Perfection

Philippians 3:12 ESV

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Paul in Phil. 1:6 :

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Paul, Jew of Jews, learned, knew 14 languages and mastered 7, destined for greatness within the Jewish nation. Phil. 3:4-6

Philippians 3:4–6 ESV

though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

“We have too many “arrived” Christians and too less “able” Christians.”

Paul rehearses his “resume” in his letter to the church at Philippi. some look good on paper, yet God looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

1 Samuel 16:7 ESV

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Paul enters his resume into the record because his record can stand against anyone. Paul’s flesh would curry favor with the religious leaders who sought to snuff out “The Way.” He was overconfident, adhered to the law of Torah, he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe of King Saul, the first Israel king. He was at the top of the food chain, but he understood that following Christ would cost him everything. What is Christ worth to you? Paul desires to know Christ, yet he understands that to know him, he must share in his suffering.

Paul here admits to progress but not perfection. In the modern church, we have more “arrived” Christians and less “serving” Christians. The hardest thing to admit is that you are not perfect. The phrase “I press to make it my own” translates “I press on to lay hold of [it], because Christ Jesus has laid hold of me.”

In Philippians 3:12, the “it” Paul refers to is the goal of fully realizing and living out the purpose for which Christ Jesus has called him. It represents Paul’s ultimate desire to:

1. Fully know Christ - To deepen his relationship with Jesus and experience the fullness of His resurrection power.

2. Conform to Christ’s likeness - To live in such a way that reflects the transformative work of Christ in his life.

3. Attain the prize of eternal life - To achieve the final reward of being united with Christ in eternity.

2. Past is Passed

Philippians 3:13 ESV

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

“One only has to look back to see how far they’ve come; one only has to look forward to see how far they have to go.” Pastor J

Essentially, the “it” is Paul’s calling to fully apprehend and live out the transformative salvation and mission that Christ has given him, ultimately culminating in eternal life with Christ.

Paul has a future orientation, understanding that what was done was done. If he continued to live in the “good old days” of his Christian life, he would become paralyzed to what God wanted with him in the future. The thing about the past is that it is “past” for some their past is still their present, and it keeps them imprisoned, chained to what God has already forgiven them for. We have to forget our failures and successes because they will prevent us from moving forward.

You could explore Paul’s instruction to forget what lies behind. This is pivotal in teaching the significance of releasing our past—be it failures or achievements—and how it allows us to focus on the future with anticipation. Highlighting Christ’s work of renewal in us could help your audience move forward with hope and purpose. Encourage them to shake off the past and step confidently into God’s new chapter.

3. Pursue the Prize

Philippians 3:14 (ESV)

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The Literal translation:

“I press on according to the goal toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Consider discussing Paul’s metaphor of pressing toward the goal for the prize. This point can demonstrate the importance of direction and persistence in our walk with Christ. By setting our eyes on the heavenly prize, we align our earthly journey with eternal goals. As Christ is both the way and the reward, you might guide your audience to strive with resilience, knowing they are running toward Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s promises.