Press on towards Christ

Philippians 3:11-4:1

Key Verses 14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.

V11-12

1. What is Paul trying to obtain? (11) Why doesn’t he consider that he has already obtained it and made it his own?(12,13) Why might it be good to think in this way as we press on in our Christian lives?

2. How does knowing that Jesus made Paul his own motivate him to press on?(12b)

V13-16

3. What is Paul choosing to forget in his effort to press on? (13) How might forgetting what lies behind help us to press forward?

4. Why do you think Paul describes the upward call of Jesus as “the prize”? Why do you think he emphasizes that he needs to “press” towards this goal? (1 Cor 9:24 & 2 Tim 4:6-8)

5. Why do you think it is mature to think this way and what is Paul’s advice for them?(15,16)

V17-19

6. Who are we to imitate and who are we to keep our eyes on?(17) Why?

7. Whom does Paul warn the Philippians about? (18) What do you think it means to be an enemy of “the cross” of Christ? What are they seeking and what is the end of them? (19)

V20-4:1

8. What does it mean that our citizenship is in heaven? (20) What will Jesus do to us? How can knowing these things help us to press on and stand firm? (21, 4:1)

1 Cor 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

2 Tim 4:6-8

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

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