Press On!
Philippians 3:13-14
Text:
Philippians 3:13-14 (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,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Introduction
The Apostle Paul had quite a resume—educated, respected, and religious.
But when he met Jesus, everything changed.
He went from persecutor to preacher, from proud to pressing forward.
This passage reminds us that the Christian life isn’t about coasting—it’s about pressing.
I. Forgetting What Is Behind
“Forgetting what lies behind…”
This doesn’t mean Paul had amnesia.
It means he refused to be bound by the past.
What kinds of things do we need to leave behind?
- Past failures - God has forgiven you, don’t chain yourself to what Christ died to set you free from.
- Past success - Yesterday’s victories don’t substitute for today’s obedience.
- Old identities - You are not who you used to be. You’re a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
Illustration:
You can’t drive forward if you’re always staring in the rearview mirror.
Key Point:
Don’t let what’s behind you keep you from what’s ahead of you.
II. Straining Toward What Lies Ahead
“…and straining forward to what lies ahead…”
The Christian journey is not a casual stroll—it’s a race that requires effort, focus, and persistence.
Paul uses the language of an athlete—straining, reaching, stretching every muscle toward the finish line.
What lies ahead for the believer?
- A deeper relationship with Christ
- A life of purpose and impact
- Eternal reward in heaven
Key Point:
The Christian life is not about drifting—it’s about discipline and direction.
III. Pressing On Toward the Goal
“I press on toward the goal for the prize…”
Paul’s goal wasn’t earthly success—it was the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
That’s heaven. That’s holiness. That’s being like Jesus.
He’s not living for the applause of men but for the “Well done” of the Master.
Reflection:
Are you pressing toward something eternal or temporary?
You can climb the ladder of success and find it’s leaning on the wrong wall.
Application Questions:
- What’s slowing your stride?
- What old weight do you need to lay down?
- What goal are you pressing toward?
Closing Illustration
A runner doesn’t look back at the crowd,
doesn’t stop to admire the scenery,
and doesn’t compare his stride with others.
He presses on.
Eyes on the finish. Mind on the prize.
That’s Paul.
That’s the Christian life.
Closing Prayer
Lord, help us today to forget what is behind and press on toward what You have ahead.
We let go of guilt, shame, and past glories.
Fill us with focus, faith, and perseverance.
We want to run our race with endurance and finish well,
living for Your glory and not our own.
Strengthen us to press on for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.
In His name we pray, Amen.