Finish the Race

Philippians 3:12-16 | Gavin Hesse | Running for the health of it is one thing; running for first place is still another. However, we can look at this passage as one running for their very lives. People facing the fury of a huge storm in a disaster movie don’t go back into their house for the heirloom dining set as the tidal wave approaches their city. They leave all possessions that would weigh them down for the chance at safety. Likewise, soldiers in war do not casually stroll across open spaces hoping that the other side has poor aim. They sprint towards their objective from cover to cover with nerves and senses alert to avoid a fatal shot. Surely, a man chased by wolves in the snowy mountains does not stop to number the jaws barking at his heels. No, he hoofs it with all possible haste towards shelter. The prize is life itself. Giving up the race is to accept death.MAIN IDEAThrough Jesus, we will reach Jesus.OUTLINEI. Press for the prize. (v. 12-14)II. Your race is not run alone. (v. 15-16)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Discuss what it means that Christ Jesus has made us his own (Philippians 1:12). How then do we "make Christ our own"?2. What is Paul talking about when he mentions the “prize of the upward call of God”? How has popular Christian culture misunderstood what the “prize” of eternity is?3. According to this passage, how do we grow in spiritual maturity? What is the mindset of a mature believer?4. In what kinds of moments do you find it hard to endure or to hold on to the truth?5. How can lifting our eyes to Jesus change how we "press on"?