Just Don’t Quit (Phil. 3:12-14)

Introduction: “The Bracelet That Keeps Me Going”

“Just don't quit.”

I go on long runs, and I wear this bracelet right here. At the bottom, it says, “Just Don’t Quit.” It’s actually got my name and contact info in case something happens, but that little phrase on the bottom is what I look at when things start to get tough.

That first mile always feels terrible. I think about turning around. But once I get past it, I start to settle in. Then, around mile four, it hits again—fatigue, soreness, doubt. That’s when I glance down: “Just Don’t Quit.”

Sometimes I schedule three miles, sometimes five, sometimes eight—and whether I’m running or jogging, I go until I’m finished.

That’s a picture of the Christian life. We’re all running different distances—some short, some long—but we’re all running toward the same finish line: eternity with Christ.

Last week, we talked from Ecclesiastes 3 about the seasons of life. Each of us is in a different one, but no matter what season you’re in, here’s the truth Paul gives us today: Just Don’t Quit.

Philippians 3:12–14

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Big Idea

In the Christian life, we will face seasons when the weight of the past and the weariness of the present make it hard to keep going. But when times are dragging us down and we feel we can’t continue, we stop looking back and start looking forward—striving toward the prize that Christ has waiting for us.

Homiletical Question

How do I stay faithful and continue moving forward when life, struggle, or regret tempts me to quit?

Answer

By keeping my eyes fixed on the goal—the upward call of God in Christ Jesus—and running with perseverance toward the prize of glory with Him.

Point 1: Remember, You Haven’t Arrived Yet (v. 12)

Paul admits, “I haven’t attained it yet.” He’s not saying he doubts salvation—he’s saying he’s still in the race. The resurrection hasn’t come yet. The finish line isn’t here yet.

That’s humility and perseverance together. The Christian life is not about arrival—it’s about pursuit. It’s about pressing on.

Illustration: Like running that first mile, we often realize quickly this isn’t easy. It takes endurance. It takes focus. And when you stumble, or the hill feels too steep, you remind yourself: Just don’t quit.

A runner doesn’t quit halfway down the road just because it’s hard. The point isn’t how fast you get there; it’s that you finish faithful.

Application: You may not be where you want to be spiritually, emotionally, or in your circumstances—but you are still in the race. Keep running. Keep moving. Just don’t quit.

Point 2: Forget What’s Behind, Strain for What’s Ahead (v. 13)

Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what is ahead.” He’s not saying we erase the past—he’s saying we don’t live in it.

You can learn from your past, but you can’t live there. Past victories and past failures both have the power to distract us. Paul had both. He’d persecuted the church and planted churches. He’d seen glory and shame. But he refused to let either one keep him from moving forward.

Jocko Willink said something that stuck with me. He mentioned a mistake he made years ago buying a home. He said he thinks about it maybe once a year—but he doesn’t dwell on it. He learned from it and moved forward.

That’s Paul’s mindset. Learn from it—but don’t live in it.

The old saying goes, “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason.” Because where you’re going is more important than where you’ve been.

Application:

Don’t let yesterday’s failure keep you from today’s faithfulness.

Don’t let yesterday’s success keep you from tomorrow’s obedience.

Don’t let what’s behind you steal your focus from what’s ahead.

Faithfulness lives forward, not backward. So, Keep moving forward. Just don’t quit.

Point 3: Keep Straining Toward the Prize (v. 14)

Paul says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The word “press” is active—it’s the picture of a runner leaning forward at the finish line.

That’s what faith looks like—leaning forward. Straining, stretching, enduring, pressing toward the finish because you know what’s waiting: the upward call—the final reward in Christ.

Illustration: Think of a horse under harness—it leans into the pull. It doesn’t back up; it pushes forward with strength, trusting the one holding the reins. That’s how we walk with Christ. We lean into the harness of faith and obedience.

When you feel the pull of life’s weight, lean forward into Christ, lean into the strength the Holy Spirit gives you. The struggle is proof you’re still in the race.

Application: Faithfulness in the middle seasons—when nothing feels exciting, when you’re tired, when you’re uncertain—is what proves your faith is real. The prize isn’t comfort—it’s Christ. The reward isn’t earthly success—it’s heavenly completion.

Conclusion: Stay the Course — Just Don’t Quit

We don’t know when we’ll cross the finish line. We don’t know what the next stretch of road will look like. But we do know Who’s waiting at the end.

Until then, we run. We keep pressing. We stay faithful in the middle.

So don’t quit. When it hurts—don’t quit. When you’re tired—don’t quit. When it feels like nobody sees your effort—don’t quit. When the road is uphill—don’t quit.

Because on the other side of this race is the Savior who ran His own race for you.

Keep your eyes on the prize, your heart on the Savior, and your feet moving forward. Just Don’t Quit.