(Philippians 3:7-14)

In the verses above, Paul tells us what his main goal was in life. Above anything else, Paul’s main ambition was to know Jesus! He wanted to accomplish the goal of pleasing Jesus so that He could win the prize of heaven.

In sports, athletes set out to accomplish their goal (win) so that they can gain the prize (a trophy or medal). Paul often used sporting examples to help Christians make a spiritual application of this (Philippians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). How do we do it? How do we accomplish the goal as Christians so that we can win the prize?

Paul tells us exactly what to do.

By refusing to be content.

  • This is not the same as what Paul is teaching in Philippians 4:11-12.
    • Christians ALWAYS need to be content with their physical blessings.
    • Instead of grumbling and complaining, we need to count our blessings!
  • Paul is talking about not being content when it came to his spiritual maturity and knowledge of Jesus.
    • The word “perfect” he uses is not referring to being sinless or without any faults. Instead, it is talking about spiritual maturity.
    • Paul was not satisfied with where he was spiritually.
    • As long as we remain alive on this earth, there will always be room for growth and maturity. Like Paul, we never need to be satisfied with where we are spiritually.

By forgetting about the past.

  • There were certain things that Paul had to put behind him.
    • He had to forget about his past religion (Philippians 3:5-6).
    • He had to forget about his past mistakes (2 Timothy 1:15; Philippians 3:6; Acts 26:9-11).
    • He had to forget about his past accomplishments (2 Corinthians 11:22-29).
  • We must never allow the past to cripple and disable us in the current service of God!

By reaching forward to the future.

  • No matter what comes our way, we must always stay focused and keep moving forward (Philippians 3:13-14).
    • Paul wanted to accomplish the goal more than anything else in life (Philippians 1:21).
    • He was totally consumed in finishing the spiritual race.
  • Like Paul, are we also constantly reaching toward the goal?

Conclusion: We have to accomplish the goal, because the prize is too wonderful to miss out on (Philippians 1:21-24; 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).