Bible Study - Philippians 3

S – Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12–14 ESV

O – Paul's salvation experience had taken place about 30 years before he wrote to the Philippians. He had won many spiritual battles in that time. He had grown much in those years, but he candidly confessed he had not obtained all this, nor was he yet made perfect (v. 12). He still had more spiritual heights to climb. This testimony of the apostle reminded the saints at Philippi—and it serves to remind believers today—that there must never be a stalemate in their spiritual growth or a plateau beyond which they cannot climb.

Robert P. Lightner, "Philippians," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 661.

A – Billy Graham preached to more people than anyone in history. Stadiums. Nations. Presidents. And what did he want at the end? To hear four words: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Not applause. Not a legacy. Faithfulness.

Paul was the same way. Thirty years into following Jesus, with churches planted and letters written, he said, "I haven't arrived." He looked at his résumé and called it loss compared to knowing Christ. So he kept running.

Here's the truth. If you're still breathing, God isn't finished with you. There's still work He has for you to do. And there's still more of Him to know.

Don't settle on a plateau. Where are you coasting? What's behind you that you need to let go of? Lean forward. Press on.

R – Heavenly Father, You are a good Father, and You always have more for us. More life. More love. More of You. Give us the strength to do the work You've set before us today. Shape our hearts and our character to look more like Yours. Keep us faithful. Keep us growing. And keep us pressing on toward You until the day we see You face to face. In Jesus' name, Amen.