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?
As we press on with purpose we’re also called to Forget What’s Behind. Look again at what Paul says in verse 13 – "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.” This doesn’t mean erasing the past; rather, it means refusing to let the past define the present.
Sometimes we get stuck living in regret, believing past failures disqualify us. And yet at other times we become complacent about the future resting on past achievements. Paul refuses both perspectives. He won’t let past failures hold him back, but he also won’t let past success make him sluggish. He knows that yesterday’s faithfulness doesn’t exempt him from today’s pursuit of Christ. The Christian life is forward-focused. Paul says, “... forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.”
Since Paul is using this running metaphor … imagine a runner constantly looking over their shoulder during a race. How effective would they be? They’d lose momentum, veer off course, and risk falling behind. Or imagine a runner relaxing in the home stretch thinking they’ve already done enough, only to end up losing the race at the last moment. You see, fixating on the past — whether success or failure — keeps us from moving forward in Christ.
Are you allowing past mistakes to hold you back? Have you grown spiritually stagnant because of past success? Following Christ means releasing what hinders and striving toward what lies ahead.
Press on with purpose, forget what lies behind, and Fix Your Eyes on the Prize. Paul’s aim is clear – look at verse 14: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." The “upward call” refers to the fullness of life in Christ, culminating in our heavenly reward. Unlike earthly prizes, this one never fades.
This is an ongoing theme in Paul’s writings. Listen to what we read in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NIV) – “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly …” Paul challenges us to run our race … live our life … with intentionality fixing our eyes on what matters most.
It’s the same idea we find in Hebrews chapter 12 – “let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” [Hebrews 12:1-2].
What are you running toward? Success, comfort, recognition? Those things will eventually leave you empty. But when we pursue Christ above all, we find joy that never fades. Joy flourishes when we press on for heaven’s hope, not earthly glory.
First, Paul calls us to run toward what lasts and secondly, we are called to …
II. Walk in Faithful Steps (vs. 15-17)
Follow along beginning at verse 15 – Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
Paul now shifts from personal pursuit to corporate encouragement. The Christian life is not an isolated sprint — it’s a shared journey. We’re called to walk in faithful steps alongside others who are following Christ. No one matures in Christ alone; we need godly influences who challenge and encourage us. So how do we walk faithfully?
In order for us to walk in faithful steps, we must be willing to Walk with Humility. Paul begins in verse 15 by addressing “... as many as are perfect ...” The word translated “perfect” (teleios) doesn’t mean flawless but mature — those who are growing in Christ. But notice something: spiritual maturity isn’t marked by arrival but by pursuit. A truly mature believer doesn’t claim to have everything figured out. Instead, they remain humble, teachable, and hungry to grow.
Have you ever met someone who thinks they already know it all? Maybe in your workplace, in your family, or even in the church. That kind of arrogance shuts down growth. But Paul — the apostle who saw the risen Christ, planted churches, and suffered for the sake of the gospel — still says, I have not yet laid hold of it (vv. 12-13). If Paul wasn’t “there” yet, how much more should we keep pressing forward in humility?
That’s why he reassures the Philippians in verse 15 that if any of them have a different mindset, God will reveal it to them. This is both a challenge and a comfort — God is faithful to correct and lead those who are truly seeking Him. The question is: are we walking with a heart that is open to His leading?
Next, as we walk in faithful steps, we are to Imitate Godly Examples. Paul issues a bold challenge in verse 17: “Join in following my example …” At first glance, that might sound a bit prideful. I mean … who says, “Be like me”, right?
But Paul isn’t claiming to be the standard; he’s pointing to “The Standard”; he’s pointing to Christ. He had just admitted he was still pressing on, still running/striving forward. His message isn’t just: “Follow me!” – It’s “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
In fact, this is a core principle of discipleship. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he tells the church, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” Spiritual growth happens through relationships — it’s meant to be modeled and passed on.
Think about the voices that influence you the most — friends, mentors, pastors, authors, social media, podcasts. Who are the “influencers” in your life? Whether we realize it or not, every one of them is shaping our walk with Christ. The question is: how are we being shaped? Are they pointing us toward Him or drawing us away?
But this isn’t just about who we follow — it’s also about who we are becoming. Whether we realize it or not, others are watching us. Our lives are either drawing people closer to Christ or pushing them further from Him. Could you say, like Paul, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ?” Discipleship isn’t a program; it’s life-on-life influence.
And so, as we walk in faithful steps, we are to walk with humility, imitate Godly examples, and then … Surround Yourself with the Right Influences. Paul closes verse 17 with an urgent challenge: “... Observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” In other words, be intentional about who you surround yourself with. The people closest to you will either push you toward Christ or pull you away.
Have you ever noticed how spending time with certain people can change your attitude, your speech, even your desires? It’s subtle, but it’s real. And it happens sometimes without you even noticing it. That’s why Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” Who we walk with will determine where we end up.
Now, this doesn’t mean isolating ourselves from the world. Jesus didn’t call us to live in a Christian bubble — He called us to be salt and light in the world. But it does mean that our closest influences, the voices that shape us most, must be those who are walking toward Christ.
So here’s the challenge: Who are you walking with? Are your steps leading you closer to Christ or toward something else? If you find yourself drifting, maybe it’s time to adjust your stride. Walk in humility, follow godly examples, and surround yourself with people who move you toward Jesus. Walk in faithful steps.
And so, Paul calls us to run toward what lasts, walk in faithful steps, and finally, we’re called to …
III. Stand in Heaven’s Hope (vs. 18-4:1)
Follow along beginning at verse 18 – For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Not everyone is running this race. As Paul continues, his tone shifts from encouragement to sorrow. He isn’t just warning the Philippians — he’s grieving. With tears, he speaks of those who live as “... enemies of the cross of Christ …” (v. 18).
These are not just outsiders; they are people who have rejected the way of Christ, choosing instead to live for themselves. While Paul has just urged believers to press on toward heaven, these individuals have set their sights on earth. They chase temporary pleasure, oblivious to their eternal loss.
But for the believer, our hope is secure. We aren’t bound to this world, nor should we live as if we are. Paul calls us to “... stand firm in the Lord …”, fixing our eyes not on what is passing away, but on what is to come.
The warning is clear: Beware of Earthly-Minded Living. Paul describes these “enemies of the cross” in stark terms. Look again at verse 19: “... whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who have their minds on earthly things.” Their entire life is shaped by the here and now. They worship their own desires — whether for pleasure, power, or self-indulgence. What should bring them shame, they celebrate. Instead of pursuing what is eternal, they are consumed by what is temporary.
This is the default mindset of the world … and it’s so easy for us to be swept into this way of thinking. Just look around — our culture glorifies self-indulgence, feeds on self-promotion, and dismisses any thought of eternity. But Paul warns: their “... end is destruction.” If our eyes are fixed only on this world, we will miss what truly matters.
So, beware of earthly-minded living and, secondly, Paul admonishes us to Remember Where You Belong. In contrast to those who have “... set their minds on earthly things”, Paul reminds the Philippians … and us … of a profound truth in verse 20: “... our citizenship is in heaven.”
This statement would have struck them deeply and it ought to strike us deeply as well. Philippi was a Roman colony, and they were proud of their status as Roman Citizens. They enjoyed the privileges of Rome despite being far from it. Yet Paul tells them — your true citizenship; your true allegiance, is not to Rome or to any earthly kingdom or any other worldly nation. Our true allegiance is to Christ.
This changes everything. When you know where you belong, you live differently. Your values shift. Your priorities realign. You no longer chase after what the world treasures because your treasure is in heaven. Just as a traveler doesn’t build his home in a foreign land, a citizen of heaven doesn’t anchor his life in this world.
And we remember where we belong, we Eagerly Await Christ’s Return. Paul doesn’t just remind them where they belong; he reminds them who they’re waiting for. Again, in verse 20 we read: “... from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The hope of every believer is not just in a distant heaven — it’s in a coming King. And when He returns, He will do something remarkable: “... [He] will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory …” (v. 21).
This isn’t wishful thinking — it’s a certain hope. Just as Jesus rose in glory, so will we. Every weakness, every frailty, every struggle with sin will be swallowed up in His victory. That’s why Paul ends with a charge in 4:1: “Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.” If this is our hope, then we must not waver. We must stand firm in the hope of heaven. Joy flourishes when we press on for heaven’s hope, not earthly glory.
Tom Brady, reached the pinnacle of success in his career and still admitted, “There’s got to be something more than this.” He had everything the world says should satisfy — money, fame, championships — but even he recognized that earthly glory is fleeting. And that’s the point Paul makes here: if your hope is in what is temporary, you’ll always be left wanting.
As believers, our hope is not in this world — it’s in Christ. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our Savior is coming. And when He does, everything will be made new. That’s why Paul’s charge in 4:1 is so urgent: “... Stand firm in the Lord.”
Defiant joy isn’t found in chasing what will pass away; defiant joy is found in pressing on in the certainty of heaven’s hope.
