Philippians 3:12-21

1. Read Philippians 3:12–16. Notice each time Paul uses the phrase “press on.” What is Paul pressing on toward? What is he pressing on from? What motivates him to keep going?

2. Read Philippians 3:12–16 again. Why do you think the mindset Paul describes is an indicator of spiritual maturity? What does your current mindset indicate about your own spiritual maturity? Does anything about your way of thinking need to change?

3. “Forgetting what lies behind.” Paul carried both impressive achievements and painful regrets. He probably had more to forget than most. What about you? What are you still holding onto from your past? What might be keeping you from fully pressing on toward the goal and prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13–14)?

4. “Straining forward.” Paul uses sports imagery all throughout his letters. Imagine your life as a long-distance race. What big obstacles are you facing right now that are causing you ache and strain? What resources has God supplied you with that will help you to strain forward to whatever lies ahead, especially when you feel like quitting?

5. “Press on toward the goal.” There is a finish line to life, and someday you will reach it. Are you living with a clear, Christ-centered goal in life? What are you giving your life to, and for what purpose? What is the “prize” you are most pressing toward?

6. Read Philippians 3:17–21. Who do you know that fits the description Paul mentions in Philippians 3:17? What areas of your life do you need to grow in imitation of Paul and those people?

7. Spend some time praying through Philippians 3:12–21 together. Ask God to continue His sanctifying work in your lives, maturing you, and conforming you more and more into the likeness of Jesus. Ask God to make you single-minded in your pursuit of Christ in the race you are running, with the end goal always present in your mind.