Pressing On: The Pursuit of Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Pressing On Toward Christ with Humility and Hunger

The Christian life is not a victory lap but a race that demands both humility and hunger, recognizing that none of us have “arrived” spiritually, but are called to keep growing and pressing on because Christ has already made us His own. Even the Apostle Paul, with all his spiritual accomplishments, confesses that he is still in process, modeling for us a posture of honest humility and a relentless desire to know Christ more deeply. We are not running to earn God’s love, but because we are already loved and chosen, and this grace should fuel our pursuit of Jesus with every fiber of our being. [39:01]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been tempted to “coast” spiritually? How can you intentionally press on toward Christ in that area today, knowing you are already loved by Him?

Day 2: Forgetting the Past and Focusing Forward

Spiritual growth demands a singular focus: forgetting both past failures and past successes, and straining forward with every effort toward what lies ahead in Christ. Dwelling on past mistakes can paralyze us with fear and shame, while clinging to past victories can breed complacency; instead, we are called to let go of both, trusting that God’s grace covers our failures and that our greatest goal is still ahead. Like a sprinter leaning toward the finish line, we are to engage every part of ourselves in pursuing Christ, refusing to let the past define or distract us from the upward call of God. [43:18]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Is there a specific regret or past success that you keep replaying in your mind? What would it look like to release it to God today and focus your energy on pursuing Christ?

Day 3: The Power of Godly Examples and Community

We are not meant to run the race of faith alone; God gives us the gift of spiritual examples and community to inspire, guide, and encourage us as we press on. Paul invites believers to imitate him and others who are pressing forward in Christ, not as a boast, but as an invitation to accountability and discipleship in motion. Surrounding ourselves with those who are a few steps ahead in the faith helps us keep pace, avoid spiritual stagnation, and become examples for others, reminding us that growth happens best in community. [56:36]

Philippians 3:17 (ESV)
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life whose faith inspires you to press on? How can you intentionally seek their example or encouragement this week—or become that example for someone else?

Day 4: Living as Citizens of Heaven, Not of Earth

Our truest identity is not found in earthly labels or achievements, but in our citizenship in heaven, which shapes our values, our hope, and our direction in life. Paul warns against setting our minds on earthly things and living for temporary appetites, reminding us that our hope is in Christ, who will one day transform us and make all things right. When we remember that our primary allegiance is to Jesus and His kingdom, we are empowered to live with purpose, resist worldly distractions, and look forward with hope to His return. [01:02:43]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to define yourself by earthly identities or pursuits? How can you remind yourself today that your true citizenship and hope are in Christ?

Day 5: Don’t Quit—Keep Pressing On

No matter how weary, discouraged, or tempted you may feel, the call is clear: don’t stop running the race of faith, but keep pressing on toward Christ, trusting that He will carry you to the finish. The Christian life is not about coasting or settling, but about continually taking ground for Jesus, fueled by the hope that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Whether you are just beginning the race or have been running for years, today is a new opportunity to fix your eyes on Jesus, forget what lies behind, and press forward with all your might, knowing that the prize is not a place, but a Person—Christ Himself. [01:06:45]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: When you feel like giving up or slowing down in your faith, what is one practical step you can take today to keep pressing on toward Jesus, trusting that He will finish what He started in you?

Sermon Summary

In a world that constantly pushes us toward comfort, ease, and settling for less, the call of Christ is radically different. Life in Christ is not a victory lap or a leisurely stroll; it’s a race—a forward-leaning, all-in pursuit of Jesus Himself. The Apostle Paul, writing from a place of deep humility and hunger, reminds us that even after a lifetime of spiritual accomplishments, he has not “arrived.” Instead, he presses on, not to earn Christ’s love, but because Christ has already made him His own. This is the heartbeat of the Christian life: we run not for acceptance, but from acceptance; not to gain God’s favor, but because we already have it.

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12-21 challenge us to a singular focus. Forgetting what lies behind—both our failures and our successes—we strain forward, every spiritual muscle engaged, toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The past, whether shameful or glorious, is not our anchor. Grace covers our failures, and our past victories are not the finish line. The goal is not a place or a reward, but a person: Jesus Christ. Heaven is not the prize; Christ is.

Spiritual maturity, then, is not about arriving, but about pressing on. It’s about recognizing that frustration and difficulty are not signs of failure, but companions of growth. Satisfaction in this life is an illusion; there is always more ground to take, more of Christ to know. We are called to hold true to what we have attained, never backing up, never coasting, but always moving forward.

We do this in community, imitating those who are a few steps ahead, and becoming examples for those who follow. Paul invites us to look to godly examples, not as a means of comparison, but as inspiration and accountability. At the same time, he warns us against the danger of earthly-mindedness—living for comfort, appetite, and the approval of the world. Our true citizenship is in heaven, and our hope is anchored in Christ, who will one day transform us completely.

No matter where you are—whether you’re just beginning the race, weary from the journey, or tempted to coast—fix your eyes on Jesus. Press on. The world is not your finish line; Christ is. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Don’t quit. Don’t give up ground. Keep running, for the prize is Christ Himself.

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Key Takeaways

1. Humility and Hunger Mark the Christian Life Paul, despite his spiritual pedigree and accomplishments, confesses that he has not arrived. True maturity is marked by humility—a recognition that we are always in process—and by hunger, a relentless desire to know Christ more deeply. This posture keeps us from complacency and fuels our pursuit of God, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what Christ has already done. [39:01]
2. Forget the Past—Both Failures and Successes The call to “forget what lies behind” is not just about letting go of shame or regret, but also about refusing to rest on past victories. Grace covers our failures, and our successes are not the finish line. Spiritual growth demands a forward focus, straining toward what lies ahead, refusing to be immobilized by either guilt or pride. [43:18]
3. The Prize Is a Person, Not a Place Christianity is not about earning a reward or escaping punishment; it’s about pursuing a relationship with Jesus. Heaven is not the ultimate prize—Christ is. Our motivation is not fear or duty, but love and longing for the One who has already made us His own. This reorients our entire approach to faith and life. [48:03]
4. Spiritual Maturity Means Pressing On, Not Arriving Maturity is not about having all the answers or reaching a plateau. It’s about pressing on, holding true to what we have attained, and refusing to back up. Frustration and difficulty are not enemies of growth, but evidence that we are still moving forward. The mature believer is always reaching for more of Christ, never satisfied with the status quo. [52:34]
5. Our Identity and Hope Are Anchored in Christ, Not the World We are citizens of heaven, and our truest identity is found in Christ—not in our nationality, achievements, or affiliations. Earthly appetites and comforts are fleeting; our hope is in the coming King who will make all things right. This perspective empowers us to live with purpose, courage, and perseverance, knowing that the finish line is not in this world, but in Christ Himself. [62:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Greeting and Bagel Icebreaker
[03:45] - Guided Prayer: Philippians 1:3-6
[07:10] - Praying for College Students
[20:21] - Commissioning and Sending Out
[22:41] - Prayer for Students and Families
[26:21] - Student Reflections and Worship
[35:02] - Introduction to Philippians 3:12-21
[36:52] - Paul’s Humility and Hunger
[39:01] - The Language of Pressing On
[42:06] - Singular Focus: Forgetting the Past
[43:18] - Straining Forward and Spiritual Growth
[48:03] - The True Prize: Christ Himself
[52:34] - Maturity: Pressing On, Not Arriving
[56:36] - The Power of Godly Examples
[59:34] - Discipleship and Community
[60:37] - Warning Against Earthly-Mindedness
[62:43] - Our Heavenly Citizenship
[65:08] - Resurrection Hope and Christ’s Power
[66:45] - Marching Orders: Press On
[68:16] - Invitation to Respond
[76:41] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Philippians 3:12-21 (ESV) —
> 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in Philippians 3:12-14, what is his attitude toward his own spiritual progress? What words or phrases does he use to describe his approach to following Jesus?
What does Paul say we should do with our past—both failures and successes? How does he describe the way we are to move forward? ([43:18])
In verses 17-19, what contrast does Paul make between godly examples and those who are “enemies of the cross”? What are the characteristics of each group?
How does Paul describe the believer’s true identity and hope in verses 20-21? What is the significance of “citizenship in heaven”? ([01:02:43])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that he has “not arrived” or become “perfect”? What does this reveal about spiritual maturity and the Christian life? ([39:01])
The sermon said, “We run not for acceptance, but from acceptance; not to gain God’s favor, but because we already have it.” How does this change the motivation for pursuing Christ? ([40:34])
What does it mean to “forget what lies behind” in practical terms? How can both past failures and past successes keep someone from pressing on in faith? ([43:18])
Paul warns against “earthly-mindedness” and living for comfort or the approval of the world. What are some modern examples of this, and why is it dangerous for believers? ([01:00:37])

Application Questions

The sermon described the Christian life as a race, not a victory lap or a leisurely stroll. In what areas of your life are you tempted to “coast” or settle for less than God’s best? What would it look like to “press on” this week? ([35:02])
Paul says to “forget what lies behind.” Is there a specific failure or regret from your past that still holds you back spiritually? What would it look like to trust that God’s grace covers it? On the flip side, are you resting on a past spiritual success instead of moving forward? ([43:18])
The sermon said, “The prize is a person, not a place.” How does focusing on Jesus Himself (rather than just heaven or blessings) change your daily walk with God? ([48:03])
Paul encourages us to imitate godly examples and be examples for others. Who is someone you can look to as a spiritual “pacer” in your life? Is there someone following your example? How can you be intentional about both this week? ([56:36])
The message warned about “earthly-mindedness”—living for comfort, appetite, or the approval of others. What is one area where you are tempted to seek comfort or approval from the world? What practical step can you take to shift your focus to your identity as a citizen of heaven? ([01:00:37])
The sermon said, “Frustration and difficulty are not enemies of growth, but companions of growth.” Where are you currently frustrated or struggling? How might God be using that to grow you, and how can you respond differently? ([52:34])
Paul says, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” When you feel like giving up or backing down, what truth from this passage or sermon can you hold onto? How can the group support you in pressing on? ([01:08:16])

Sermon Clips

``Paul isn't pressing on to earn Christ. He presses on because Christ has already taken hold of him. The gospel, the good news, is the story of how you can be made right with Christ, how you can be made right with God, the gospel. It doesn't tell us, hey, run hard so God will love you. It says the other thing, hey, God loves you, so run hard. Like imagine a gold medalist, a runner who's already been, you know, their gold medal has already been guaranteed, right? They're not running to win acceptance. They're running because they've already won. They're already loved, already chosen, already victorious. That's the Christian life. You know, we're running because we've won. [00:40:15] (47 seconds) #RunBecauseLoved

For a Christian, the prize is a person. For, you know, heaven is not the prize. You may hear us talk a lot about it, you know, sing about it, whatever, but heaven is not the prize. Christ is the prize. The believer doesn't run for rewards. We run in and for a relationship with God Himself, right? That's what we were created for. [00:48:05] (23 seconds) #PressOnAlways

Your truest identity isn't Roman or American. It's heavenly. That's where your citizenship is. And the problem lies when you get that off track. When you start to define yourself as other things. I'm a blank Christian. I'm a, you know, you put any adjective. I don't know if you're grammar people. I mean, maybe we can, you know, bring Matt up and he's got a degree in English. But like, you know, I'm not big in it, but I do know that an adjective modifies a noun, right? And so if you put in anything before the noun Christian, I'm this. I'm a white Christian. I'm a black Christian. I'm a, you know, a Republican Christian. I'm a Democrat Christian. I'm, and you're, you're just modifying the noun Christian, right? Like I'm a citizen of heaven. I happen to be all whatever, but this is who I am. My citizenship, my, my primary identity is in being a Christian, is in, is in being a citizen of heaven. [01:02:58] (55 seconds) #HopeInChristAlone

The Christian's hope is not in politicians, policies, or platforms. It is in a person. It is in Jesus Christ. And we don't just look back and hope and we're thankful for what Christ has done. No, our hope is looking forward to His return. Our hope in Christ is that He is making all things right, including us. That's what our hope is. [01:04:26] (28 seconds) #GlorifiedBodyComing

Our tired, weak, decaying bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's glorified body. No more cancer, no more fatigue, no more struggles with sin, no more back pain, no more death, no more grief. There is a day when all will be made right under the banner and the blood of Jesus Christ. [01:05:08] (25 seconds) #KingIsComingBack

The same power that will renew your body is the power that rules the universe. You know, you have to know that Christ is not just coming back, but He's coming back as King. He's coming back in power and authority. [01:06:21] (16 seconds) #MarchingOrdersToRun

So what do we do? Christian, don't stop running. Keep on. Paul's words, they're not just vague encouragement, they're marching orders. Right? I said at the beginning, this is not just motivational cliches. Paul's not just, you know, giving you something, you know, to put on a story and stick a picture of a cat hanging on a rope. And he's like, keep on. Right? Like that's not what Paul's doing here. These are orders. Don't stop running. It's motivational, but they're marching orders. It's an anthem for every weary, discouraged, tempted believer who wants to coast. He's saying, listen, press on. And we need to let that message ring out clearly. [01:06:37] (45 seconds) #EyesOnJesus

Forget what lies behind you. Don't get stuck in the past, good or bad. Stop. Press forward with all your might. Get your eyes fixed on Jesus. Notice. Imitate godly examples. When you go off, you know, I've said a lot to these kids going off to college, you know, find godly roommates, find godly people around you. Imitate them. Don't get swept into the worldly ones. And remember who you are, a citizen of heaven. You go to work tomorrow, remember who you are. You go to school this week, remember who you are. Why? Because this world is not your finish line. Christ is. You may be tired. You may be, you may feel slow, but you are not disqualified. If your eyes are on Jesus, you're still in the race, and friend, he will carry you home. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. [01:07:22] (59 seconds) #RunToChrist

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