This passage is the climax of Paul’s discussion of our goal as Christians, which is to become united with Christ in such a way as to count everything as rubbish compared to joy that is gaining Christ. He wants to press on as he learns and grows into the knowledge of Christ. We too should press on to seeing Christ as our only goal and thing worth striving for.

Philippians 3.12-13

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,

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Read the verses 1-12. What is Paul saying that he has not obtained?

+ Why does Paul press on [end of v. 12]?

+ What does it mean to press on?

+ Again what has Paul not “made my own”?

+ What lies behind for Paul?

+ What lies ahead?

+ Why is it so important for Paul to strain forward to sharing in Christ’s resurrection?

+ For further reading on this look up the idea of union with Christ

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What is keeping you from uniting with Christ like Paul?

+ How can you press on to attain union with Christ?

+ Who is walking with you to assure that you keep your focus on Christ?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Is there someone that you can share examples of Christ’s work in your life with?

+ Who are you praying for in your life?