Pressing On Toward the Goal Philippians 3:1-14

There’s something powerful about having a goal that drives you forward. Whether it’s in sports, work, or life in general, having something to aim for gives us direction and purpose. In Philippians 3:1-14, Paul talks about the ultimate goal that should drive us as followers of Jesus.

Paul starts by reminding the Philippians not to put their confidence in their own achievements or in their religious credentials. If anyone could boast about their spiritual resume, it was Paul. But he counted all of that as loss compared to knowing Christ.

Philippians 3:7-8 (CSB): “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Paul’s focus is clear: knowing Jesus is worth more than anything else. This doesn’t mean that the things we accomplish don’t matter, but rather that they pale in comparison to the joy and fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Christ.

And then Paul talks about pressing on toward the goal:

Philippians 3:13-14 (CSB): “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

This is a call to perseverance, to keep moving forward in our faith, even when it’s tough. Paul’s words challenge us to let go of what’s behind us—whether it’s past successes, failures, or regrets—and to press on toward what lies ahead.

So, what’s your goal? What are you pressing toward in your walk with Jesus? It’s easy to get distracted by all the noise around us, but Paul’s words remind us to keep our eyes on the prize. The journey might be challenging, but the reward is worth it.

Let’s pray: “Jesus, help us to press on toward the goal you’ve set before us. Give us the strength to let go of what’s behind and to keep moving forward in faith. May our lives be focused on knowing you more and making you known. Amen.”