Scripture Focus: Philippians 3:4b–14
The apostle Paul, once defined by prestige and religious authority, makes a profound declaration in his letter to the Philippians: “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” This radical reorientation of values lies at the heart of Christian discipleship. Paul, who once took pride in his status and accomplishments, now views them as worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. And yet, even with his deep faith and transformative encounter with Jesus, Paul declares, “I have not already obtained all this… but I press on.”
This idea of pressing on defines not just Paul’s attitude, but sets the tone for Christian life. Faith, he tells us, is not a checklist of accomplishments nor a resting place for past victories. It is a journey—one of continual striving, daily surrender, and intentional pursuit of deeper relationship with Christ. Just like physical training demands consistency and determination, so does spiritual growth. The metaphor is clear: discipleship is not static; it’s dynamic, ongoing, and often strenuous.
In the sermon illustration, a story was shared about someone pushing through the final reps at the gym, cheered on by a personal trainer. Paul plays a similar role to the early church in Philippi—and to us. He urges perseverance. His encouragement is not grounded in shallow positivity, but in deep theological truth: knowing Christ is worth every cost, and there is more to know, more to experience, more to become.
This passage confronts the temptation to be complacent in our faith. It challenges us to ask: Are we resting on spiritual routines, or are we seeking real transformation? Are we keeping spiritual disciplines only out of obligation, or as means to grow in grace? Paul reminds us that the righteousness we seek is not earned but received—through faith in Christ alone. Yet, receiving it leads us to action. It calls us to move.
In Lent, this message finds particular resonance. Often, the season is marked by what we give up. But what if this season became not only about subtraction but addition? Adding practices of prayer, scripture reading, generosity, or reconciliation? Paul speaks of “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,” encouraging us to leave behind what hinders and to press toward the life God is calling us into.
This is not a race for reward, but a calling to become more Christlike. Faith matures through prayer, community, sacrifice, and worship. Not because these actions save us, but because they shape us into people who reflect Jesus.
So this week, the invitation is to consider where your faith is heading. What are you pressing toward? Is there an area of life where God is calling you to grow deeper, to trust more fully, or to surrender control? The Christian life is a race worth running—not to earn God’s love, but because we have already received it. And in response, we press on.
Let the words of Paul echo in your heart as a charge for the days ahead:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
There is always more. More grace to receive. More love to give. More of Christ to know. Let us not settle, but press on—together.
A Prayer for the Journey Ahead
Gracious God,
You have called us not to stand still in our faith, but to walk, to run, to press on toward the goal You have set before us. Help us to let go of what holds us back—past failures, old pride, or misplaced confidence—and instead fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
When the path is hard, strengthen us.
When we are weary, renew us.
When we are distracted, re-center us in Your grace.
Teach us to pursue not perfection, but Your presence. May our hearts be shaped daily by the power of Your resurrection and the fellowship of Your sufferings. Draw us closer, and help us to live as people transformed—faithful in action, generous in spirit, and grounded in hope.
Lord, help us press on—not by our strength, but by Yours.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
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