06 Joy In Pressing On Series

We’ve been walking through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, exploring what it means to have defiant joy—a joy that flourishes regardless of circumstances because it is anchored in Christ. Each week, we’ve uncovered different aspects of this joy:

Week 1: Joy flourishes when we share in God’s mission together.

Week 2: Joy flourishes when Christ is exalted, even in the face of hardship.

Week 3: Joy flourishes when we embrace Christlike humility.

Week 4: Joy flourishes when we obey God with faithfulness and serve others in love.

Week 5: Joy flourishes when we treasure knowing Christ above all else.

At every turn, Paul reminds us that real joy isn’t found in what the world chases after. True joy is only found in knowing Christ and living for Him. And this week, as we come to the last half of Philippians chapter 3, Paul challenges us to press on, to keep running the race of faith; not for earthly glory, but for heaven’s hope.

This contrast, between chasing temporary achievements and striving toward something eternal, is one we see all around us, even in some of the most successful people in the world.

This weekend, millions of people will be watching the Super Bowl, cheering on the best of the best in professional football. The players on that field have dedicated their entire lives to this one goal — winning a championship. And for many, that trophy is the pinnacle of success.

But one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time [show image], Tom Brady, once said something shocking in an interview, fairly early in his career. He’d already led his team in winning multiple Super Bowls and in an interview on 60 Minutes he admitted:

"Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me? There’s got to be more than this.”

Think about that. A man who had achieved everything the world defines as success — fame, fortune, championships — still found himself searching for something more. He had climbed the highest mountain in his field, only to realize it wasn’t enough.

That’s exactly what Paul warns us about in this passage. Here’s the core truth for today: Joy flourishes when we press on for heaven’s hope, not earthly glory.

If we chase after the things of this world — whether it’s success, recognition, or comfort — we will always come up empty. But when we press on toward heaven’s hope, we run toward something that will never disappoint.

This is the race that Paul describes in Philippians 3. He’s not coasting. He’s not looking back. He’s pressing forward with everything in him because he knows what’s at stake. That’s where we begin today — with Paul’s call to …

I. Run Toward What Lasts (vs. 12-14)

Follow along with me beginning at verse 12 – Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul makes it clear — he hasn’t arrived. Look at verse 12 again. Paul says, "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect ...” Though Paul has walked with Christ for years, he refuses to coast. He refuses to put his life on “cruise control” – sitting back and coasting his way to the finish-line. His focus is forward running toward what truly lasts.

This passage challenges us to Press On with Purpose. Paul’s urgency comes from knowing that Christ has already laid hold of him. Salvation is secure, but the Christian life isn’t passive. Just as a runner doesn’t slow down or stop halfway, we press on in faith, striving to know Christ more, being conformed more and more to His likeness.

Elite athletes train with relentless focus. Every workout, every meal, every decision is intentional. Why? Because they know the prize is worth it. How much more should we pursue Christ, knowing that eternity is at stake?

At times we have a tendency to treat our faith like we’ve already "made it" or when it comes to serving, like we’ve put in our time. This often happens as we get older. We want to step back, sit things out, let others have the opportunity. But Paul shatters this mindset. If we stop pursuing Christ – if we stop pressing on with purpose – we drift, we lose sight of God’s calling and purpose over our life … to live and serve for His purpose and glory. You see, pressing on requires daily surrender, daily pursuit. Are you actively growing, pursuing, serving … or are you just coasting? Maybe even drifting?