I Press Toward the Goal
Philippians 3:10–16  Lesson 8

 

Introduction:
On a foggy morning, July 4, 1952, Florence Chadwick began her swim from Catalina Island to the California coast. After fifteen hours, she gave up—just half a mile from shore. She later said, “If I could have seen the land, I might have made it.” Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14 remind us: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

 

Conversion

Paul’s journey began with conversion. He admitted in Philippians 3:12 that he had not yet attained perfection but continued pressing forward to lay hold of Christ, who had first laid hold of him. From that moment on the Damascus road, Paul’s life was completely redirected. He became Christ’s possession, fully surrendered to His will. As he wrote in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” His conversion changed his entire purpose—he now lived to know Christ and to become more like Him. Every Christian must also be wholly converted, surrendering their past, and living for the goal of eternal life.

 

Concentration

Paul then emphasized concentration on the goal. Philippians 3:13–14 teaches, “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.” To reach heaven, we must focus. Like a runner fixed on the finish line, Paul refused to look back. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us” and to “run with endurance the race set before us.” Forgetting failures removes discouragement, and forgetting past successes keeps us from complacency. Paul pressed toward the goal with purpose and self-discipline, knowing only the focused receive the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24–27).

 

Continued Growth

Finally, Paul spoke of continued growth. Philippians 3:15–16 encourages mature Christians to keep pressing onward. Spiritual maturity does not mean perfection—it means continual growth in Christ. To “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10) is to grow in faith, in sacrifice, and in devotion. Those who stop growing are in danger of spiritual decline. Paul’s life demonstrated perseverance; near the end he could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7–8). Such persistence leads to the crown of righteousness.

 

 

I Press Toward the Goal Sermon Outline:

• I. Conversion – Philippians 3:12; Galatians 2:20

  • Paul recognized his imperfection but pursued Christ earnestly.

  • His conversion on the Damascus road made him Christ’s servant.

  • The Christian life begins with surrender and total dedication to Jesus.

   

• II. Concentration – Philippians 3:13–14; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27

  • “One thing I do” emphasizes focus on the goal of heaven.

  • Forget past failures that discourage and successes that lead to complacency.

  • Discipline yourself spiritually; run the race to win the imperishable crown.

   

• III. Continued Growth – Philippians 3:15–16; 2 Timothy 4:7–8

  • Mature Christians never stop growing; they keep learning and improving.

  • Knowing Christ includes sharing in His sufferings and death.

  • Stay steadfast until the end; growth is the path to the prize.

   

• Conclusion:

  • True victory comes to those who remain focused, faithful, and continually growing.

  • Heaven is the reward for those who press on without giving up.

   

Call to Action:

Stay focused on your heavenly goal. Do not let the fog of discouragement, distraction, or complacency cause you to give up. Keep growing in Christ every day, striving to live by faith and to follow His Word faithfully. The Lord who began a good work in you will bring it to completion if you remain steadfast. Eternal life is worth every effort you give.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Conversion begins when Christ takes hold of your life (Philippians 3:12).

• Keep your focus on the goal of heaven (Philippians 3:14).

• Forget the past and run forward with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).

• Growth and perseverance lead to the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

• Never lose sight of the prize that awaits those who remain faithful.

 

Scripture Reference List:

• Philippians 3:10–16 – Paul’s pursuit of spiritual maturity and the heavenly prize.

• Galatians 2:20 – Living by faith as one crucified with Christ.

• Hebrews 12:1 – Running with endurance while removing distractions.

• 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 – Running the race to win an imperishable crown.

• 2 Timothy 4:7–8 – Finishing the race and receiving the crown of righteousness.

 

Sermon Series on Philippians: Lesson 8

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO