Pressing Toward the Prize

Introduction

Sometimes we assume that the apostle Paul lived on a completely different spiritual level than the rest of us. We imagine him as a kind of spiritual giant who had already figured everything out. If anyone had “arrived,” surely it was Paul.

But in Philippians 3, Paul shatters that assumption.

In verse 12 he openly admits something remarkable: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect…”

Paul says, in essence, I have not arrived.

Despite decades of faithful ministry, profound theological insight, and personal encounters with Christ, Paul still sees himself as in progress.

That confession teaches us something essential about the Christian life. The Christian life is not about arriving. It is about pursuing Christ continually.

In these verses Paul describes the Christian life using the imagery of a race. The believer is running toward a goal, pressing forward toward a prize.

Paul shows us three realities about the Christian race.

Philippians 3:12–14 NIV

12 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. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The Christian Life Is a Pursuit, Not Perfection (v.12)

Paul begins with two negative statements: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect…”

Those two statements create suspense. Paul tells us what he has not received before explaining what he is pursuing.

The question becomes: what exactly has Paul not obtained?

The answer lies in the verses just before this.

Philippians 3:8–11 CSB

8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

In Philippians 3:8–11 Paul spoke about:

• gaining Christ • possessing righteousness through faith • knowing Christ and His resurrection power • attaining the resurrection of the dead

Ultimately Paul is speaking about the full and final completion of salvation.

Yes, believers are already justified. Yes, we already belong to Christ.

But there is still a not yet element to our salvation.

We have not yet experienced the full transformation that will come when Christ returns.

Paul says he has not yet been made perfect. That word refers to completion or final maturity.

In other words: Paul is still in the process of sanctification.

Sanctification is the ongoing process through which believers grow to become more like Christ. It is not instant perfection. It is gradual transformation.

Even the apostle Paul was still growing.

That should both humble us and encourage us.

If Paul had not arrived, we certainly have not. But that does not discourage Paul. Instead it motivates him.

Look at the second half of verse 12:

“But I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

This is the key motivation.

Paul presses forward because Christ first laid hold of him.

Paul’s pursuit of Christ is rooted in Christ’s pursuit of Paul.

Christ seized Paul on the Damascus road. And from that moment forward Paul’s life became a response to that grace.

The Christian life is not about trying to earn God’s favor.

It is about pursuing the One who has already claimed us.

The Christian Life Requires Letting Go of the Past (v.13)

Paul continues in verse 13: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do…”

Paul draws attention to what he is about to say. It is like saying, “Listen carefully to this.”

Then he describes two actions.

First: “Forgetting what lies behind…”

This does not mean Paul literally erased his memory. Rather, it means he refuses to allow the past to control his present pursuit of Christ.

The past can become a massive obstacle to spiritual growth.

Sometimes the problem is past failures.

Think about Paul’s life before Christ.

Paul persecuted Christians. Paul approved of the death of Stephen. Paul tried to destroy the church.

Imagine if Paul had allowed that guilt to dominate his thinking. He might have concluded, “God could never use someone like me.”

But Paul knew something deeper about grace.

Christ had forgiven him. Christ had called him. Christ had given him a mission.

So Paul refused to live chained to the past.

Satan often tries to paralyze believers with past failures. If he cannot keep someone from coming to Christ, the next best thing is making them spiritually ineffective.

But the gospel tells us that our past does not define our future.

Through Christ there is forgiveness. There is restoration. There is new purpose.

But past failures are not the only danger.

Sometimes the problem is past successes.

Paul had accomplished incredible things.

He had planted churches across the Roman world. He had preached the gospel before rulers and kings. He had written letters that would become Scripture.

But Paul refused to rest on those achievements.

There is an old phrase: “resting on your laurels.”

In ancient athletic competitions, the winner received a laurel wreath. If someone kept admiring that old wreath instead of training for the next race, they would quickly fall behind.

Past victories can become just as dangerous as past failures.

If we live in yesterday’s accomplishments, we stop pursuing today’s calling.

Paul teaches us to learn from the past but not live in it.

The Christian Life Requires Straining Toward the Goal (v.13–14)

After letting go of the past, Paul describes the second action: “and straining forward to what lies ahead.”

This language comes straight from the world of athletics.

It pictures a runner leaning forward toward the finish line with every muscle stretched to its limit.

Paul is not strolling casually through the Christian life.

He is running with intensity and focus.

Then in verse 14 Paul reveals the central idea of the passage:

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

This is the climax of everything Paul has been building toward.

Three elements appear in this verse.

The Goal

The goal is the finish line of the race.

For Paul this ultimately means complete conformity to Christ.

It includes the final resurrection, full transformation, and perfect fellowship with Christ.

The Prize

The prize refers to the reward given to the victor in an athletic contest.

In ancient Greek games, the winner would receive a crown or wreath presented by officials.

Paul uses that imagery to point to the ultimate reward of the Christian life.

The prize is Christ Himself in His fullness.

It is eternal life. It is resurrection glory. It is everlasting fellowship with the Lord.

The Upward Call

Paul describes this as “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

God is the one who calls believers heavenward.

Just as a judge might summon a runner to receive a prize, God calls His people into eternal glory.

The Christian race ends with God welcoming His people into His presence.

And that promise fuels Paul’s perseverance.

No hardship, no suffering, no distraction will keep him from pursuing that goal.

Next Steps: How Do We Press Forward?

Paul’s words give us several practical lessons for our own walk with Christ.

1. Do not assume you have arrived.

Spiritual growth never stops in this life.

No matter how long we have walked with Christ, there is always more growth ahead.

2. Do not allow the past to control your future.

Learn from your failures. Celebrate God’s blessings.

But do not allow either to stop your pursuit of Christ.

3. Fix your eyes on the ultimate goal.

The Christian life is not about temporary achievements.

It is about knowing Christ more deeply and ultimately being with Him forever.

When our focus stays on that goal, we keep running.

Conclusion

Paul’s life can be summarized in one phrase:

He never stopped pursuing Christ.

He had not arrived. He had not finished the race.

But he kept pressing forward.

The Christian life is not about standing still.

It is about moving forward in faith, growing in holiness, and pursuing the Savior who first pursued us.

So the question for us is simple:

Are we pressing forward?

Or have we become distracted by the past?

Paul calls us to run the race with determination.

Forget what lies behind. Strain toward what lies ahead. Press on toward the goal.

Because one day the race will end.

And the prize waiting at the finish line is Christ Himself.

Listener Notes

Pressing Toward the Prize Philippians 3:12–14

Theme: The Christian life is a race toward Christlikeness and heaven’s reward. Application: Keep pressing forward. Don’t settle and don’t look back.

1. The Christian Life Is a Pursuit, Not Perfection (v.12)

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect…”

Even the apostle Paul had not arrived spiritually.

What has Paul not yet obtained?

• The full experience of righteousness • Complete conformity to Christ • The final resurrection

The Christian life includes a “not yet” reality while we wait for Christ’s return.

Why does Paul press on?

“Because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

Our pursuit of Christ is a response to Christ’s pursuit of us.

Key truth:

Sanctification is progressive growth, not instant perfection.

2. The Christian Life Requires Letting Go of the Past (v.13)

“One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind…”

Forgetting does not mean erasing memory.

It means refusing to let the past control your spiritual progress.

Two dangers of living in the past

Past failures

Examples: • guilt • regret • shame • believing God cannot use you

The gospel reminds us:

Christ forgives, restores, and calls us forward.

Past successes

Another danger is resting on past victories.

Ancient athletes received a laurel wreath as a prize. “Resting on your laurels” means living off yesterday’s accomplishments.

The Christian life requires ongoing pursuit, not nostalgia.

3. The Christian Life Requires Straining Toward the Goal (v.13–14)

“…and straining forward to what lies ahead.”

Paul uses athletic imagery.

Picture a runner stretching forward toward the finish line.

Christian growth requires:

• focus • discipline • perseverance

The Goal and the Prize (v.14)

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

The Goal

Complete conformity to Christ.

The Prize

Full fellowship with Christ and eternal life.

The Upward Call

God calling believers into eternal glory.

Key Applications

Spiritual maturity does not mean you have arrived.

Do not allow the past to control your future.

Fix your eyes on Christ and the finish line.

The Christian life is a race.

So keep pressing forward.

Questions for Further Discussion

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that he has not yet arrived spiritually?

How does understanding sanctification as a process change the way we view spiritual growth?

What kinds of past failures most often hold believers back from moving forward?

Why can past successes sometimes become just as dangerous as past failures?

What does it practically look like to “forget what lies behind” without ignoring the lessons of the past?

What distractions today make it difficult for believers to stay focused on Christ?

What does the “prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” ultimately point toward?

What is one step you can take this week to press forward in your walk with Christ?

Bibliography

Brown, Derek R. Philippians. Logos Research Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2026.

George, Elizabeth. Loving God with All Your Mind. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2005.

Harvey, John D. Interpreting the Pauline Letters: An Exegetical Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2012.

Hawthorne, Gerald F. “Philippians, Theology Of.” In Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996.

Kellemen, Robert W., and Deepak Reju. Gospel-Centered Counseling: How Christ Changes Lives. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.

Lightner, Robert P. “Philippians.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Mullins, Todd. Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out. Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2025.

Osborne, Grant R. Philippians: Verse by Verse. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.

Runge, Steven E. High Definition Commentary: Philippians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2011.

3–4 Day Bible Study

Pressing Toward the Prize – Philippians 3:12–14

Day 1 — The Honest Christian Life

Read: Philippians 3:12

Paul openly admits he has not arrived spiritually. This confession is striking because Paul was one of the most mature believers in the early church.

Yet he still saw himself as in progress.

This reminds us that spiritual growth is lifelong. The closer we walk with Christ, the more aware we become of how much we still need Him.

The Christian life is not about achieving perfection in this life. It is about continually pursuing Christ.

Reflection

Why do you think Paul wanted the Philippians to know he had not yet arrived?

How does this verse encourage believers who feel discouraged about their spiritual growth?

Word Study

Perfect (Greek: teleioō) Meaning: to bring to completion or full maturity.

Paul acknowledges that full spiritual completion will only come when Christ returns.

Prayer

Ask God to help you grow in humility and perseverance in your spiritual walk.

Day 2 — Letting Go of the Past

Read: Philippians 3:13

Paul describes “forgetting what lies behind.”

This does not mean erasing memories. Instead, it means refusing to allow the past to control your present pursuit of Christ.

Past failures can trap us in guilt.

Past successes can trap us in complacency.

Both can slow spiritual growth.

Paul chose to learn from the past without living in it.

Reflection

What kinds of past experiences tend to hold people back spiritually?

Is there something from your past that makes it difficult for you to move forward in faith?

Word Study

Forgetting (Greek: epilanthanomai) Meaning: deliberately neglecting or no longer allowing something to occupy one’s focus.

Paul intentionally refuses to let past experiences dominate his thinking.

Prayer

Ask God to help you release past failures or achievements that may be hindering your spiritual growth.

Day 3 — Straining Toward the Goal

Read: Philippians 3:13–14

Paul shifts the imagery to a runner stretching toward the finish line.

This language communicates intense focus and determination.

The Christian life requires perseverance. Growth in holiness does not happen accidentally. It requires intentional pursuit.

Paul describes pressing forward toward the goal and the prize.

The goal is Christlikeness. The prize is eternal life and full fellowship with Christ.

Reflection

What does “straining forward” look like in your daily walk with Christ?

What distractions most often pull your attention away from spiritual growth?

Word Study

Press on (Greek: diōkō) Meaning: to pursue with determination, even to chase after something.

Paul uses strong language to describe his pursuit of Christ.

Prayer

Ask God to give you renewed focus and determination in your walk with Him.

Day 4 — The Upward Call of God

Read: Philippians 3:14–16

Paul describes the prize as “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

This call ultimately points toward the future hope of believers.

God calls His people upward into eternal life and glory.

The Christian life is moving toward a final destination.

One day the race will end, and believers will stand before Christ.

That promise gives meaning and motivation to everything we do now.

Reflection

How does the promise of eternal life shape the way we live today?

What practical steps can help you keep your focus on Christ this week?

Prayer

Thank God for the hope of eternal life and ask Him to help you keep your eyes fixed on Christ.

YouTube Description

Pressing Toward the Prize | Philippians 3:12–14 | Philippians Sermon Series

In Philippians 3:12–14, the apostle Paul reminds believers that the Christian life is not about arriving at perfection but about continually pursuing Christ. Even Paul admitted he had not yet attained the fullness of what God promised.

Using the imagery of a race, Paul calls believers to forget what lies behind, strain toward what lies ahead, and press on toward the goal.

In this sermon we explore: • Why spiritual growth is a lifelong pursuit • How to overcome past failures and successes • What the “prize of the upward call of God” means • How believers can stay focused on Christ

No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God calls you to keep moving forward in faith.

📖 Text: Philippians 3:12–14 📍 Series: Philippians – The Pursuit of Joy

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