THE PURSUIT

Philippians 3:12-4:1

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.3.12-21.NIV

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.1.NIV

Pastor Ryan Galashan

Main Idea:

The Christian life is not about arriving — it’s about pursuing Jesus with everything you have, letting go of what’s behind, and trusting that the One you are in pursuit of is at all times also pursuing you.

1. THE HONESTY IN THE PURSUIT

vs 12-13

'12Not 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. 13Brothers 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, '

Philippians 3:12-13
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.3.12-13.NIV

Main Point #1 Takeaway:

You don’t have to have it all together or figured out. You just have to keep moving toward Jesus.

2. THE INTENTIONALITY IN THE PURSUIT

vs 13b–14

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.3.13-14.NIV

This one thing I do:

(it's actually 3 steps in 1 laser focused approach)

Forget (what is behind)
- Past failures
- Past successes
Strain (with everything in me - all my heart mind, soul and strength)
Press On (toward the prize)

The Prize is Jesus Himself. Press on TOWARD Him!

Main Point #2 Takeaway:

Let go of what’s behind — the failures and the victories — and fix your eyes on the only prize worth running for: Jesus Himself.

3. THE MATURITY IN THE PURSUIT

vs. 15–16

'15All 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. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained. '

Philippians 3:15-16
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.3.15-16.NIV

Main Point #3 Takeaway:

Maturity isn’t having it all figured out — it’s staying in motion, together, trusting God to clarify the rest.

4. THE FOCUS IN THE PURSUIT

vs. 17–21

'18For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. '

Philippians 3:18
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.3.18.NIV

The antidote to drift isn’t trying harder. It’s refocusing on the right prize.

Main Point #4 Takeaway:

Drift happens slowly and quietly — stay focused by remembering where you belong and who you’re running toward.

5. THEREFORE…STAND FIRM

4:1

'1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! '

Philippians 4:1
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.4.1.NIV

THEREFORE...STAND FIRM!

Main Point #5 Takeaway:

The pursuit of Jesus doesn’t wear you out — it grounds you. The further in you go, the more firmly you stand.