Pressing Toward the Prize

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Philippians 3:12-14
Psalters: 228, 336, 160, 31
Confession of Faith
  1. The race.
    1. Salvation (being apprehended by Jesus Christ) puts one on a race (Heb. 12:1).
      1. There are opponents in our path who try to keep us from running the race (2).
      2. The race is constant relying on the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
      3. The goal is spiritual perfection (complete) in heaven.
        1. It is a “mark” (something observed, the object of our focus): the post marking the end of the race course.
        2. It is a “prize:” the crown of blessed eternal life.
    2. The mark and prize are “of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
  2. How are we to run this race? Putting forth every and all effort.
    1. Paul calls the running of this race “one thing,” i.e., persistent concentration.
      1. A physical marathon requires that the runner concentrate all his efforts in preparation and during the race.
      2. “One thing” means that the running of this race for the prize dominates and controls his life.
    2. The proper frame of mind: “I count not myself to have apprehended” (13a).
    3. Also an important part of it too is the mental activity of “forgetting those things which are behind” (13).
      1. The idea is that the runner does not look back.
      2. This is especially a special kind of forgetting, an active putting away of thoughts of merits.
    4. Finally, Paul exerts great effort.
      1. He is to “press toward” (14a), i.e., run after, seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire.
      2. The “reaching” (13b) is to lay hold of in order to make one’s own, to take possession of.