1. “I Press Toward The Mark” Philippians 3:12-16

2. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

3. Dissatisfaction Verses 12-13a “not as though I had already attained (or made perfect)” Verses 12-13a “not as though I had already attained (or made perfect)” We are soldiers - 2 Tim. 2:3; Eph. 6:10- 18 We are soldiers - 2 Tim. 2:3; Eph. 6:10- 18 Farmers - 2 Timothy 2:6 Farmers - 2 Timothy 2:6 Job not done! Job not done! Revelation 3:1, 17; 1 Corinthians 10:10-12 Revelation 3:1, 17; 1 Corinthians 10:10-12 Paul not yet finished - Verses 12-13a Paul not yet finished - Verses 12-13a

4. Devotion Verse 13a “…but this one thing I do…” Verse 13a “…but this one thing I do…” We are athletes - Focus is necessary! We are athletes - Focus is necessary! 1 Corinthians 9:24 1 Corinthians 9:24 Nehemiah doing a “great work”! Nehemiah doing a “great work”! Nehemiah 6:3 Nehemiah 6:3 Paul was focused! Paul was focused! Philippians 2:21; Galatians 2:20 Philippians 2:21; Galatians 2:20 Philippians 1:21-25 Philippians 1:21-25

5. Direction Verse 13b “and reaching forward to those things which are before.” Verse 13b “and reaching forward to those things which are before.” Can’t be controlled by the past. Can’t be controlled by the past. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 1 Timothy 1:12-16 Winners do not look back-Victories or defeats. Winners do not look back-Victories or defeats. Must reach forward…cf. Hebrews 12:1-2 Must reach forward…cf. Hebrews 12:1-2 Paul placed his sinful past in the hands of his forgiving God… Paul placed his sinful past in the hands of his forgiving God… Hebrews 10:17 Hebrews 10:17

6. Determination Verse 14 “I press toward the mark…” Verse 14 “I press toward the mark…” A runner is in a race, not out for a walk! A runner is in a race, not out for a walk! The devil is to be fought! The devil is to be fought! 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-12 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-12 Heaven is a place of rest. Heaven is a place of rest. Revelation 14:13 Revelation 14:13 Called upward by the gospel… Called upward by the gospel… 2 Thessalonians 2:14 2 Thessalonians 2:14

7. Discipline Verses 15-16 “Let us walk by the same rule.” Verses 15-16 “Let us walk by the same rule.” Discipline is necessary ! - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Discipline is necessary ! - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 We must learn to: We must learn to: Gird up the loins of our minds, Gird up the loins of our minds, Study to show ourselves approved, Study to show ourselves approved, Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, Fight the good fight of faith, Fight the good fight of faith, Pray without ceasing… Pray without ceasing… If we plan on wearing an imperishable crown at the end of the race! (2 Timothy 2:5)

8. Conclusion: The “crown of life” awaits those of us who follow the faithful example of Paul. The “crown of life” awaits those of us who follow the faithful example of Paul. “ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” “ 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

9. Are You Pressing Toward the Mark?