Go! And Press On Toward The Prize - Philippians 3:14 Series

Go! And Press On Toward the Prize - Philippians 3:14

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your living Word. As we gather in Your presence today, ignite in our hearts a holy desire to press on in faith, to pursue the prize that is found in Christ alone. May our ears be open, our hearts receptive, and our lives transformed by the truth of the Gospel. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

Philippians 3:14 (NLT): "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Introduction: The Race of Eternal Significance

There are all kinds of races in life—career races, academic races, even the race to keep up with trends. But there is one race that surpasses them all—a race with eternal stakes. It’s the race of faith. And in Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul isn’t talking about jogging through life. He’s talking about running with intensity, purpose, and unwavering focus—toward Jesus Christ, our eternal prize.

Point 1: The Context—A Holy Dissatisfaction that Drives Us Forward

Paul is writing from a prison cell in Rome. He has suffered, been beaten, shipwrecked, and mocked. Yet, despite everything, he says in Philippians 3:13–14: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on..."

Paul exhibits what R.T. Kendall calls “holy dissatisfaction.” He is not content to plateau spiritually. He’s striving to become more like Christ because Christ is his everything.

The phrase “press on” in Greek is d???? (dioko) —a vigorous, aggressive pursuit, the same word used for hunting or chasing down prey. Paul once used this energy to persecute the church. Now, redeemed by Christ, he uses that same zeal to pursue holiness and Christlikeness.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NLT): “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”

Paul is not talking about salvation by works, but sanctification through pursuit. The Christian life is not passive. We are called to run—and run with purpose.

John Piper: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

Brothers and sisters, when Christ is your satisfaction, your goal shifts. The race is no longer for things of this world—but for Him.

Point 2: The Prize—Knowing Christ and Being Found in Him

What is this heavenly prize Paul speaks of?

Philippians 3:8–9 (NLT): "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord... I no longer count on my own righteousness... but I become righteous through faith in Christ."

The prize is not heaven itself. It’s Christ! Heaven is the place where we experience the fullness of Him.

Justification, sanctification, and glorification are all centred on Christ. Paul isn't chasing a crown of gold; he's chasing Christ, his Redeemer.

“Prize” here is ß?aße??? (brabeion)—used for the reward given to the victor at ancient athletic games, a symbol of honour and triumph.

Colossians 3:1–4 (NLT): "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven... your real life is hidden with Christ in God."

Our prize is to be fully united with Jesus. Nothing compares!

Tim Keller: "The gospel is not just the ABCs of the Christian life, but the A to Z."

Amen! The Gospel isn’t something we graduate from—it is the very fuel that sustains our race.

Point 3: The Path—Letting Go of the Past and Fixing Our Eyes on Christ

Paul says: “Forgetting the past…”

This doesn’t mean having no memory, but choosing not to be defined by past failures or successes.

Isaiah 43:18–19 (NLT): "But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new."

Let go of past sin—because Jesus bore it. Let go of past glories—because God is doing a new thing in you.

The Backpack of Regret

Imagine running a race with a 20kg backpack. Every regret, every failure, every shameful moment is packed in there. Christ offers to take that weight off. Why keep running with it?

Max Lucado said: "God sees our sin more clearly than we do—but loves us more than we can imagine."

And that love fuels our race. Because of His grace, we press on!

Point 4: The Finish Line—A Glorious Future in Christ

Paul looks ahead. And so must we.

2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NLT): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me..."

Paul knew the end was near—but he faced it with joy. Why? Because the crown of righteousness was his—not because of his merit, but because of Christ’s righteousness.