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.
Hebrews 12:1–2 (NLT): “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
He is not only our goal—He is our strength along the way!
The Gospel: The Fuel for the Race
Let’s not miss the heart of the matter:
Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn’t live.
He died the death we deserved.
He was buried, and on the third day, He rose again.
Now, He invites us to run with Him, to live for Him, and one day, to reign with Him.
We don’t run to earn salvation. We run because we have received it.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you’re here today and you’ve not started this race—if you’ve been running from God rather than toward Him—hear me clearly:
Today is the day to turn from sin and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Pray with me:
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose again. I place my faith in You. Forgive me, cleanse me, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Amen.
Call to Action for Believers
Church, the race isn’t over. Press on!
Press on in prayer.
Press on in the Word.
Press on in worship.
Press on in sharing the Gospel.
Don’t settle. Don’t coast. The finish line is ahead, and Christ is cheering you on!
The Marathoner’s Finish
In 1968, at the Olympics in Mexico City, a Tanzanian runner named John Stephen Akhwari finished the marathon long after the winner had crossed the line. Bloodied and limping, he was asked why he didn’t quit. He said:
“My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”
Beloved, Christ didn’t save you so you could just start the Christian life. He saved you to finish it—strong, faithful, and fruitful.
Benediction:
May the Lord strengthen you to run with endurance.
May you press on daily, fixing your eyes on Jesus.
May you find joy in the race and peace in His presence.
And may you one day hear those glorious words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
