Philippians 3:12-16


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Philippians 3:12-16 12

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. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Opening Question 1. What are one or two significant goals you have set and achieved? How were you disciplined or what did you sacrifice to achieve them?

Opening the text. Read Philippians 3:12-16 2. What words in the text reveal that Paul is in the middle of his journey and has not reached the end? 3. When Paul says “press on” it comes from the translated “to pursue or aggressively chase”. a. In your life (outside of your spiritual walk), what is something you have actively pursued or chased? What was your motivation? What action steps did you take? What was your attitude?

b. What is Paul pressing toward?

4. How do the following verses relate to Philippians 3:13? a. b. c. d.

Psalm 103:12 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ecclesiastes 3:11 1 Corinthians 2:9

5. What does Paul mean by “forgetting what is behind”? What does that require of us? 6. What area of your life/situation may God be calling you to “forget what is behind”? Which one of the preceding verses do you need to meditate on or memorize?

7. What is the right balance of not obsessing over the past and getting “stuck” and having the ability to process (i.e., forgive, grieve, experience God’s grace) and move on, learning from our past? 8. What do you think Paul means by “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”? (verse 14) 9. A commentary on these verses states, “One mark of spiritual maturity is a desire to go on with Christ. Paul’s appeal here was to maturing believers who shared his ambitions. He trusted God to make things clear to those who disagreed with him. … No doubt the greatest need among God’s people is to live up to what they already have in Christ. Most live far below their exalted position in Christ. Paul’s plea to the Philippians was that they live up to what they had already attained, namely a righteous position in Christ.1” a. What are marks of maturity in the life of believers?

b. If you were to ask those closest to you, where would they notice recent growth and maturity (even through the Philippians study)?

1

Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Php 3:15–16). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Applying the text individually and in small group [SMALL GROUP LEADERS: Please allow extended time to apply this text. Use the quote and questions below. Take the additional time to extend this to a two-week study. To assist with further developing a growth plan, use the resource on the website, http://www.parkcommunitychurch.org/mediafiles/personal-growth-assessment.pdf]. 10. “People who make an impact in the world invariably have single-minded commitment to reaching their goals. Whether those goals are to conquer the world, succeed in business, or win a championship, they are willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to achieve them. … The same is true of the Christian life. There are no hidden secrets, gimmicks, or shortcuts to a life that makes an impact on the world for the truth of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians: Christ, the Source of Joy and Strength, by John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson, 2007). a. Where do you need to “press on” toward spiritual maturity? What does your goal look like?

b. What is your path (current plan or need to develop one) to maturity?

c. Who is a more mature believer that regularly speaks into your life? How can they assist you with your growth plan?

d. Where do you need help to make sure this is “gospel growth” and not growth that comes from your personal discipline?

e. In your own words, using Philippians 3:12-16 as a guide, write out a personal prayer to God:

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