Face Forward and Press

Scripture: Phil 3: 12-16

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

In our lesson today we are met by the apostle Paul. In Philippians 3 (and in fact the entire Letter to the Philippians), Paul is writing to the Christian community (the church) in the city of Philippi. That community consisted of believers who had come to faith under Paul’s teaching and included both Jewish and Gentile converts. So, when Paul refers to his audience in chapter 3, he is addressing those Christians in Philippi who had accepted Jesus as Messiah and were striving to live out the gospel together. It is a message of encouragement that I am sharing with each of you today- Face Forward and PRESS.

In our verses of focus for today, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet “arrived” at full spiritual maturity or perfection, but he is actively pursuing it-“pressing on” toward the goal. He emphasizes leaving past achievements (and failures) behind and constantly striving for the prize of knowing Christ more fully. Paul encourages all believers who are mature in their faith to share this mindset, urging them not to become complacent but to continue growing and living out the gospel with single-minded dedication. The passage closes with an encouragement to hold fast to whatever level of spiritual progress they have already attained, ensuring they remain steadfast on their journey.

What he’s saying Church is it's time to press….

Paul leaves us with some valuable lessons on how to get to the goal: Face it- Focus- and Press Forward.

Lesson 1- Face it - Progress Over Perfection: “I press on…” (vv. 12‑13)

Paul openly admits he hasn’t “already obtained” the goal. Instead of letting that gap discourage him, he turns it into fuel: “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

When Facing challenges:

1. Adopt a growth lens. View obstacles as moments of growth or both your soul and mind rather than as proof you’re failing.

2. Practice humble perseverance. Identify where you still need growth, but keep moving. Small, consistent steps compound.

3. Anchor in purpose, not ego. Paul’s drive is rooted in Christ’s calling, not personal glory. When your “why” is larger than you, setbacks lose their sting.

Mental‑ & spiritual‑wellness tip: Keep a “progress journal.” Each night journal one way you pressed on—no matter how minor. This retrains your brain to notice growth instead of gaps.

Lesson 2 -Forward‑Focused Resilience: “Forgetting what is behind… straining toward what is ahead” (vv. 13‑14)

Paul refuses to be chained either to past failures or past successes. His gaze is fixed on the “prize” ahead.

Forward Focus:

1. Release yesterday’s weight. Regret and nostalgia both siphon the energy you need today. Learn the lesson, then let it go.

2. Strain with intention. “Straining” implies effort-leaning into resistance with expectation that the goal is worth it.

3. Live what you’ve already attained (v. 16). Act on the truth you know now. Waiting for perfect conditions only stalls momentum.

   
   
   
   

Mental‑ & spiritual‑wellness tip: Try a “future‑focus ritual.” Each morning visualize the next faithful step toward your calling, then speak it out loud. This primes both mindset and spirit to meet challenges with forward motion.

Philippians 3:12‑16 invites us to meet every challenge with humble perseverance and a forward‑fixed hope. Keep pressing, keep releasing, and keep moving toward the higher call.

Rev. Dr. Sha'Leda Mirra, Senior Pastor

Saint Paul AME, Ocala, FL