Podcasts about Philippians 3

PRESS ON no matter what! Today we dive into the encouraging call Apostle Paul gives us to press on in our relationship with Jesus from Philippians 3:21-12. Regardless of our circumstances or situation we should continue to follow Jesus, knowing Him and making Him known! The best is yet to come for those who are in Christ because our citizenship is in heaven! Donate to DOUG ELKS MINISTRIES One-Time or Monthly! (TAX DEDUCTIBLE)Visit ➡️ https://www.dougelks.com/donateJoin the Kingdom Partners ➡️ https://www.dougelks.com/kingdompartnersBook Doug to Preach ➡️ https://www.dougelks.com/bookingformDoug's Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/dougelks/Doug's TikTok ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@dougelksDoug Elks Ministries Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/dougelksministries/

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We invite you to study with Pastor Marco from the book of Philippians chapter 3 and 4.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.The U.S. Copyright Office protects this video and its contents under section 107 of the Fair Use Copyright Act 1976 which can be found here: can be found here: https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107.While we do encourage comments, all are held for review before posting. We ask that you please focus your posts on the video and it's topic. Keep it relevant to the message; and of course showering us with love is always welcome. We do appreciate you and thank you for caring enough to speak up and speak out.Please note: Posts that are longer than a short paragraph, contains hate, or disrespectful comments, or links to websites or other videos will be deleted. Comments determined to be inappropriate, obscene, disrespectful or with links to pornographic material, will get you banned. All decisions on comments are at our discretion.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Philippians 3 (2026) Subtitle: Scripture Readings Speaker: Rev. Todd Ruddell Broadcaster: Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Event: Sunday - AM Date: 7/19/2026 Bible: Philippians 3 Length: 31 min.

Feeling worn out and ready to give up? In this encouraging message from Neighborhood Church, Elder Eric unpacks Philippians 3:12-21 with a simple but powerful call: keep pressing forward! Learn how Paul—writing from a jail cell, chained to a Roman soldier—teaches us to leave yesterday's failures and victories behind, follow examples that point us to Christ, and live with eternity in view. Whether you're facing pressure in your marriage, finances, health, or faith, this message reminds you that God isn't asking for perfection, just direction. Discover why your identity isn't found in politics, success, or the past, but in belonging to Jesus. If you're discouraged or tempted to quit, this word will stir up fresh hope and faith-filled determination. Don't give up—your due season is coming!

20 Proverbs 30-31; 15 Ezra 8-10; 16 Nehemiah 1-3; 19 Psalms 72-74; 50 Philippians 3-4; 51 Colossians 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1

Caroline Schandel | July 12, 2026

Join us as Elder Wayne Penn Jr. teaches through Philippians.

We invite you to study with Pastor Marco from the book of Philippians chapter 3. In this teaching Pastor Marco brings up the need of close relationship with God.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.The U.S. Copyright Office protects this video and its contents under section 107 of the Fair Use Copyright Act 1976 which can be found here: can be found here: https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107.While we do encourage comments, all are held for review before posting. We ask that you please focus your posts on the video and it's topic. Keep it relevant to the message; and of course showering us with love is always welcome. We do appreciate you and thank you for caring enough to speak up and speak out.Please note: Posts that are longer than a short paragraph, contains hate, or disrespectful comments, or links to websites or other videos will be deleted. Comments determined to be inappropriate, obscene, disrespectful or with links to pornographic material, will get you banned. All decisions on comments are at our discretion.

Strive Until You Arrive - Philippians 3 12-21 - Alec Stevens

Rick Cook

In Philippians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul encourages the Philippian believers to imitate him in the way he imitates Christ. Pastor Glenn Lawson uses this opportunity to preach on the importance of discipleship and mentorship within the Christian community as we seek to deepen our relationships with Jesus.

James Townsend Series: To Live is Christ Philippians 3:17-4:1 Sunday 5th July 2026

Philippians 3:12-21 - How to Be a Mature Citizen | Series: Philippians, Summer of Joy | Sam Holm | Preached Jul 5, 2026 In Philippians 3:12-21, Pastor Sam challenged us to ask: Where are you looking for hope when life feels uncertain? While the world points us toward politics, success, or circumstances, Paul points us to Jesus. Followers of Christ are called to look ahead by pursuing spiritual maturity, look around by following and becoming Christlike examples, and look up by remembering that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Lasting joy isn't found in the changing things of this world but in the unchanging hope we have in Christ.   Maturing followers of Jesus find lasting joy by fixing their eyes on Christ and living as citizens of heaven. Outline: Look Ahead — Press on toward knowing Christ. (Philippians 3:12-16) Look Around — Follow Christlike examples and help others follow Jesus. (Philippians 3:17-19) Look Up — Live with heaven as your true citizenship and eagerly await Christ's return. (Philippians 3:20-21)

  Philippians 3:12-21 - How to Be a Mature Citizen | Series: Philippians, Summer of Joy | Sam Holm | Preached Jul 5, 2026 In Philippians 3:12-21, Pastor Sam challenged us to ask: Where are you looking for hope when life feels uncertain? While the world points us toward politics, success, or circumstances, Paul points us to Jesus. Followers of Christ are called to look ahead by pursuing spiritual maturity, look around by following and becoming Christlike examples, and look up by remembering that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Lasting joy isn't found in the changing things of this world but in the unchanging hope we have in Christ.   Maturing followers of Jesus find lasting joy by fixing their eyes on Christ and living as citizens of heaven. Outline: Look Ahead — Press on toward knowing Christ. (Philippians 3:12-16) Look Around — Follow Christlike examples and help others follow Jesus. (Philippians 3:17-19) Look Up — Live with heaven as your true citizenship and eagerly await Christ's return. (Philippians 3:20-21)

Paul encourages the church at Philippi to stand firm in the Lord and remember their identity as citizens of heaven. We too are invited to live as citizens of heaven above all other allegiances.

A Well-Defined Faith — Philippians 3:4b-11 — Righteousness Sermon from July 5, 2026 – Deron Spoo, Pastor Part 12 of 20 in the series “A Well-Defined Faith”   Thanks for worshiping with us! Let us know you're here at tulsafbc.org/next we'd love to connect with you!

As we continue our study on Philippians, Pastor Glenn Lawson preaches through Paul's words exhorting the Philippian church to continue pressing on, to keep learning, and to fight to grow closer to Jesus.

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Tom Watts Series: To Live is Christ Philippians 3:12-16 Sunday 28th June 2026

Dennis & Benedicta discuss Philippians 3:17 and the type of life that will end in destruction when Jesus Christ judges every person. Send us Fan MailTo find out more about Dennis & Benedicta Pollock please visit the Spirit of Grace website,  where you can find other wonderful resources such as videos and articles. You will also find out how you can support the work of Spirit of Grace by becoming a Friend of Grace .Please send questions, comments, and feedback with us at grace@spiritofgrace.org.

Philippians 3:1–11 - Knowing Jesus | Series: Philippians, Summer of Joy | Sam Holm | Preached 6-28-26 10:45 AM What really defines your worth: your accomplishments, reputation, morality, or success? In this message from Philippians 3:1–11, Sam Holm challenges us to consider what truly counts. The Apostle Paul shows that every gain the world offers, including success, family, religion, or self-righteousness, without knowing Christ is ultimately loss. Yet every loss, when joined with knowing Christ, becomes gain. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the righteousness we could never earn on our own. Philippians 3:10–11 reveals Paul's deepest desire: to know Jesus, experience the power of His resurrection, and walk with Him even in suffering. This message reminds us that lasting joy is found in Jesus alone, and that He uses even our hardest seasons to draw us closer to Him. The goal of the Christian life is not merely getting to heaven someday, but knowing Jesus more deeply every day. Tag: Philippians, Joy, Summer, Knowing Jesus, Christ, Gospel, Paul, Faith, Righteousness, Grace, Salvation, Suffering, Resurrection, Resurrection Power, Identity in Christ, Loss, Gain, Spiritual Growth, Discipleship, Sanctification, Obedience, Lordship, Fellowship, Joy in Suffering, Hope, Transformation, Worship, Bible, Scripture, Christianity, Church, Christian, Eternal Life, Encouragement

What do you do when the Bible says one thing about you but it doesn't seem to line up with the world you live in? You press on! Paul encourages the church to quit looking at their lives through the lens of their past and begin to start seeing themselves through the lens of what God says is true about them!

Paul was an elite in his culture he was born in the right country. He was born to an affluent family. He had power and influence. And here in this passage Paul makes one of the most offensive statements in the word of God. Paul says that all these things are worthless in comparison to knowing God.

Philippians 3:1–11 - Knowing Jesus | Series: Philippians, Summer of Joy | Sam Holm | Preached 6-28-26 10:45 AM What really defines your worth: your accomplishments, reputation, morality, or success? In this message from Philippians 3:1–11, Sam Holm challenges us to consider what truly counts. The Apostle Paul shows that every gain the world offers, including success, family, religion, or self-righteousness, without knowing Christ is ultimately loss. Yet every loss, when joined with knowing Christ, becomes gain. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the righteousness we could never earn on our own. Philippians 3:10–11 reveals Paul's deepest desire: to know Jesus, experience the power of His resurrection, and walk with Him even in suffering. This message reminds us that lasting joy is found in Jesus alone, and that He uses even our hardest seasons to draw us closer to Him. The goal of the Christian life is not merely getting to heaven someday, but knowing Jesus more deeply every day. Tag: Philippians, Joy, Summer, Knowing Jesus, Christ, Gospel, Paul, Faith, Righteousness, Grace, Salvation, Suffering, Resurrection, Resurrection Power, Identity in Christ, Loss, Gain, Spiritual Growth, Discipleship, Sanctification, Obedience, Lordship, Fellowship, Joy in Suffering, Hope, Transformation, Worship, Bible, Scripture, Christianity, Church, Christian, Eternal Life, Encouragement

An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!

Paul shares how Jesus shifted what really mattered for Paul, and reshaped his values completely. We're also invited to consider what really matters in our lives, and what it could look like to surrender our values and purpose to Jesus.

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"Forour conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, theLord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashionedlike unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able evento subdue all things unto himself." What a contrast to verse 19! TherePaul described those whose minds are fixed on earthly things. But in verse 20he says, "Our conversation is in heaven." Theword "conversation" here does not refer to our speech. Itmeans our citizenship or our commonwealth—where we really belong. ThePhilippian believers immediately understood this illustration. Philippi was aRoman colony. Although it was located hundreds of miles from Rome, its citizensenjoyed all the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship. They lived inMacedonia, but they belonged to Rome. They dressed like Romans, followed Romanlaws, and were proud to be Roman citizens. Paul says that is exactly howChristians should live. We live on earth, but we belong to heaven. This worldis not our home.  Petercalls us "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We are simplypassing through. Our names have been written in heaven. Our King is in heaven. Ourtreasure is in heaven. And one day, we are going to heaven.Thatis why our values should be different. Our priorities should be different. Ourconduct should be different. As citizens of heaven, we should represent theKing of heaven here on earth.  Paulgoes on to say that from heaven "we look for the Saviour, the LordJesus Christ." The word "look" means to wait eagerlywith expectation. The early Christians lived every day believing that JesusChrist could return at any moment. Oh, my friend, this same hope should fillour hearts today. Titus 2:13 calls it, "Looking for that blessed hope,and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."The return of Christ is not merely a doctrine to debate. It is a promise toencourage us, comfort us, and motivate us to holy living. John also wrote in 1John 3:2-3: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yetappear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall belike him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope inhim purified himself, even as he is pure." Jesus Himself said, "If I go away, I will come again."(John 14:3).  ThenPaul goes on to tell us that Christ, "shall change our vile body, thatit may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." The word "vile"here does not mean sinful. It refers to our lowly, humble, earthly body. Thisbody grows tired. It grows old. It becomes weak. It experiences sickness, pain,and sorrow. One day, unless the Lord returns first, it will die. But when JesusChrist returns, He will transform these mortal bodies into glorified bodieslike His own resurrection body. No more sickness. No more pain. No moreweakness. No more death. No more tears. What a glorious hope we have! We willbe like Jesus. Howwill He accomplish this? Paul says, "According to the working wherebyhe is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Now listen—this ispowerful. The same Lord who spoke the universe into existence...Thesame Lord who calmed the storm... The same Lord who conquered death and walkedout of the tomb... The same Lord who reigns over every king and everykingdom... has all power to complete His work in us. My friend, nothing is toohard for Him. Aswe conclude Philippians chapter 3, remember the great contrasts Paul has givenus. Do not put your confidence in the flesh—put your confidence in Christ. Donot look backward—press forward. Do not follow worldly examples—follow thosewho follow Christ. Do not set your mind on earthly things—remember that yourconversation, your citizenship, is in heaven. And do not lose hope. Jesus iscoming again. May we live today as faithful citizens of heaven while we eagerlywait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return. He could come at any moment.

Yesterday we learned from verse 17 that God has given usgodly examples to follow. Paul challenged us to imitate believers whose livesconsistently point us to Jesus Christ. But today, in verses 18 and 19, Paulgives the other side of that truth. He warns us that there are also people wemust not follow. Listen to what he writes: "For many walk, of whom Ihave told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemiesof the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, andwhose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.” Oneword in this passage immediately captures my attention. It is the word"weeping." Paul doesn't write these words with anger. He doesn'tspeak with bitterness or hatred. He writes with tears. This reminds us of theheart of Jesus. As He approached Jerusalem, Luke 19:41 tells us, "And whenhe was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it." Jesus looked uponpeople who had rejected Him, and His heart was broken. The Apostle Paul hadthat same heart.  Hehad warned the Philippians about these people before. In fact, he says, "Ihave told you often." This wasn't a new warning. It was a repeatedwarning because the danger was so great. False teaching has always been one ofSatan's greatest weapons against the church. Who were these people? Paul callsthem "the enemies of the cross of Christ." Most Bible studentsbelieve Paul is still referring to the Judaizers that he warned about earlierin this chapter. They were religious people who insisted that faith in Christwas not enough. They taught that a person also had to keep the Law of Moses andbe circumcised in order to be saved.  Wheneveranyone adds human works to God's grace, they become an enemy of the cross. Why?Because the cross declares that Jesus paid the full price for our salvation.When our Lord cried, "It is finished," the work of redemption wascomplete. Salvation is not Christ plus our works. It is Christ alone.  Paulthen gives four characteristics of these false teachers. First, "whoseend is destruction." No matter how sincere they may appear, everyonewho rejects the true Gospel is headed for eternal separation from God. Religionwithout Christ has never saved anyone. Second,"whose God is their belly." In other words, their appetitescontrolled their lives. They lived to satisfy themselves rather than to pleaseGod. Whether it was pride, greed, popularity, comfort, or personal gain, selfhad become their god. That sounds very much like our culture today. We areconstantly told to satisfy ourselves, indulge ourselves, and put ourselvesfirst. But Jesus taught the very opposite. He said, "If any man will comeafter me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and followme." Third,"whose glory is in their shame." What a tragic statement! Theyboasted about the very things that should have brought them shame andrepentance. Isn't that exactly what we see in our world today? Things that Godcalls sin are often celebrated and applauded. Isaiah warned, "Woe untothem that call evil good, and good evil." Finally,Paul says they "mind earthly things." Their thoughts,ambitions, and priorities are fixed on this world instead of eternity. That isalways the difference between a believer and an unbeliever. The believer asks,"How can I please Christ?" The unbeliever asks, "How can Iplease myself?" The believer lives for eternity. The unbeliever lives onlyfor today. As believers, we must be careful not to let the spirit of this worldshape our thinking. Romans 12:2 reminds us, "And be not conformed tothis world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Today,Paul's tears remind us: That truth matters. The Gospel matters. People'seternal destiny matters. May God give us hearts that love people enough to tellthem the truth with compassion and grace, just as Paul did.

00:00:00 Proverbs 2700:02:39 Philippians 300:05:33 Deuteronomy 2400:09:10 Jeremiah 1600:13:00 Tomorrow?00:16:13 Get the Memo?Day 177 Commentary and Content:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/route-66-day-177

Today we move on to the last section of Philippians chapter3. As we close this chapter, we want to focus specifically on verse 17, wherePaul writes: “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who sowalk, as you have us for a pattern.” NowPaul says, "Brethren, be followers together of me." At first,this might sound surprising. It almost sounds like Paul is being proud. But wehave just been reminded of what Paul said earlier: "Not as though I hadalready attained, either were already perfect." Paul knew he was stillgrowing. He was not asking believers to follow a perfect man. He was invitingthem to follow someone who was faithfully following Jesus Christ. Notice hesaid the same thing in 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Be ye followers of me, evenas I also am of Christ." In other words, Paul is saying, "Walkthe same path I am walking because I am following Jesus." Everyone of us needs godly examples. God never intended for us to grow in isolation.He places mature believers in our lives to encourage us, teach us, and show uswhat it looks like to live for Christ day by day. So Paul goes on to say,"And note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” Theword “note” (sometimes translated "mark") means toobserve carefully or to keep your eye on. We get our English word scope fromthe same Greek root. It means to fix your attention on someone. NoticePaul doesn't say to mark those who merely talk about Christ. He says to markthose who walk with Christ. Anyone can say the right words. Anyone can quoteBible verses. Anyone can appear spiritual for an hour on Sunday morning. Butthe true test of Christianity is a consistent walk with God. Our daily conductshould match our profession, and our character should support our testimony.Our lives should point people to Jesus. Oh,I am so thankful when I look back over the years of my life for the faithfulbelievers God placed in my path. There were pastors who preached God's Wordwith conviction. There were missionaries who sacrificed everything to take theGospel to the nations. There were schoolteachers who were dedicated to thecause of Jesus Christ every day. There were humble church members who quietlyserved the Lord year after year without seeking recognition. Their livespreached sermons long before their voices were silent. I often say at funerals,"This dear person has already preached this service with their life."I truly believe that Christianity is more caught than taught. Peopleare always watching us. Children watch their parents. Grandchildren watch theirgrandparents. Young Christians watch older Christians. Whether we realize it ornot, someone is following our example. That makes this verse very personal. It'sone thing to ask, "Who am I following?" But perhaps the greaterquestion is, "Who is following me?" If someone patterned hisChristian life after yours, would he become more like Jesus? Would he become aperson of prayer? Would he love God's Word? Would he faithfully serve in thechurch? Would he have a heart for souls?  Paulunderstood that the Christian life is never lived in private. Every believer isleaving footprints that someone else may choose to follow. So today, Paulleaves us with a very simple challenge. Choose your examples carefully. Followpeople who are following Christ. Learn from believers whose lives consistentlyhonor the Lord. And then ask yourself another question: Am I becoming the kindof example that others should follow? May God help us to leave footprints that lead people to Christ. Let'spray.  Heavenly Father, thank You for thefaithful men and women You have placed in our lives who have shown us what itmeans to follow Christ. Help us to learn from their example, but even more,help us to become examples that others can safely follow. May our walk matchour words, and may our lives always point people to the Lord Jesus. In Hisprecious name we pray. Amen. 

These two verses teachus an important truth about the Christian life. We are to keep growing, but weare also to keep walking. God wants us to continue maturing spiritually whilefaithfully living up to the truth He has already taught us. Atfirst glance, Paul's words may seem a little surprising. In verse 12 he said hewas "not already perfect," yet here in verse 15 he speaks ofthose who are "mature." Is Paul contradicting himself? Not at all. Inverse 12, the word perfect means to be complete or to have reached the finishline. Paul says, "I haven't arrived yet." But in verse 15, the wordmature refers to someone who is spiritually grown up. Paul is saying,"Those who are spiritually mature should have this attitude." Whatattitude? Theattitude he has just described in verses 12 through 14—the attitude of neverbecoming satisfied with our spiritual condition, always pressing forward toknow Christ more fully. The truly mature Christian never believes he hasarrived. The mature believer never stops growing. The mature believer is alwayspressing on. Someone wisely said, "The surest sign of spiritual maturityis realizing how much more there is to learn." That seems opposite ofhuman thinking. We often assume mature Christians have learned everything. Inreality, the closer we walk with Christ, the more we realize how much we stillneed Him. NoticePaul says, "Let us...have this mind." Christian maturity isnot measured merely by how much Bible knowledge we possess. It is measured byour attitude toward spiritual growth. Are we still teachable? Are we stillhungry for God's Word? Do we desire to know Christ more deeply this year thanwe did last year?Sadly,many believers stop growing—not because they stop attending church—but becausethey become comfortable. They become satisfied with yesterday's walk with Godinstead of pursuing Him today. Paul reminds us that mature believers arelifelong learners. Thenhe adds something very encouraging: "And if in anything you thinkotherwise, God will reveal even this to you." Notice Paul's patience.He doesn't argue harshly with believers who have not yet understood thesetruths. Instead, he trusts the Holy Spirit to teach them. This reminds us thatwe cannot force spiritual growth in another person's life. Only God can openhearts. Only God can bring conviction. Only God can illuminate His Word. Ourresponsibility is to faithfully teach the truth. God's responsibility is toapply that truth to the heart. ThenPaul continues in verse 16: "Nevertheless, to the degree that we havealready attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the samemind." In other words, while we continue growing, we must faithfullyobey what we already know. Don't wait until you understand the entire Biblebefore obeying the part you already understand. Jesus said in John 13:17: "Ifyou know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Knowledge withoutobedience produces spiritual pride. Obedience produces spiritual growth. Godusually gives us enough light for the next step—not the next hundred. Psalm119:105 reminds us: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto mypath." Notice, it is a lamp to our feet. God leads us one step at a time. Paulsays, "Let us walk by the same rule." The word walk speaks ofour daily conduct and manner of life. Christianity is not merely believing theright doctrines; it is living them. The word rule originally referred to ameasuring line or standard. God's Word is the standard by which we live. Wedon't measure ourselves by the culture. We don't compare ourselves with otherChristians. We measure our lives by God's truth. Finally,Paul says, "Let us be of the same mind." As believers growtogether in obedience to God's Word, unity naturally follows. God desires achurch that is united—not around personalities or preferences—but around Christand His truth.

Tom Watts Series: To Live is Christ Philippians 3:8 - 11 Sunday 21st June 2026

Ina world full of distractions, divided loyalties, and competing priorities, Paullived with a single focus. Thefirst thing that Paul mentions is, “forgetting those things which are behind”.This doesn't mean that Paul had a poor memory or that he was to forgeteverything that ever happened. In fact, he often spoke about his past. Heremembered his conversion on the Damascus Road. He remembered God's grace. Heremembered his former life as a persecutor of the church. The word"forgetting" means refusing to be controlled or hindered by the past.For Paul, that included past failures. Imagine the memories that Paul carried.He had stood by approving the death of Stephen. He had entered homes anddragged believers away to prison. If anyone could have been crippled by guiltand regret, it was Paul. He had to face many of the relatives of the peoplethat he had persecuted over the years. Yet, he knew that God's grace wasgreater than his past.  Myfriend, perhaps today you have been haunted by mistakes that you've made. Maybethere are sins that you committed years ago that still trouble you. If youhave, confess those sins and trust Christ. Remember the promise in 1 John 1:9: “Ifwe confess our sins, He's faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and tocleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a promise!!! God does not wantus living in the prison of guilt. He wants us moving forward in His grace.  ButPaul also had to forget past successes. That's something we often overlook.Paul could have spent the rest of his life talking about the churches heplanted, the miracles he witnessed, the sermons he preached, and the souls whohad been saved. Yet, he refused to live on yesterday's victories. Someone said,"Yesterday's victories can become today's limitations if we stop pursuingGod's work in the present." So many believers spend too much time talkingabout what God did years ago rather than seeking what God wants us to do today.We should thank God for the past, learn from the past, but never live in thepast. ThenPaul says, "And reaching forth to those things which are before."The picture here is beautiful. Paul uses the imagery of a runner in a race.Imagine an Olympic runner approaching the finish line. Every muscle isstretched forward. His eyes are fixed on the gold. He's not looking behind him.He's not watching the crowd. He's not distracted by the other runners. Hisentire body is leaning forward toward the finish line. That's the image thatPaul gives us here. The Christian life is not a sprint. It's a marathon. Itrequires endurance, discipline, and perseverance. Notice that our focus mustalways be on Jesus. When we focus on our failures, we become discouraged. Whenwe focus on our successes, we become proud. When we focus on other Christians,we become distracted. But when we focus on Jesus, we keep moving forward. ThenPaul said, "I press toward the mark." The word"press" here means to pursue with intensity. It was the same wordthat Paul used earlier to talk about how he pursued the persecution of thechurch before he was saved. The same passion that drove him to oppose Christnow drove him to pursue Christ. Paul was not drifting through the Christianlife. He was pursuing Christ with all his heart. It is sad today that manybelievers are content with spiritual mediocrity. They're satisfied with justenough Christianity to ease their conscience. But Paul was not satisfied. Hewanted everything God had for him. He wanted to know Christ more deeply. Hewanted to serve Christ more faithfully. He wanted to become more like Jesusevery day.  Thenhe tells us why: "For the prize of the high calling of God in ChristJesus." Paul was not running for earthly applause, recognition, orrewards. His eyes were fixed on eternity. The phrase "the highcalling" or "the upward call of God" refers to God's heavenlypurpose for every believer. One day we'll stand before Christ.  

Paul does not stop with holydissatisfaction. He moves immediately to holy determination. Listen tothe rest of verse 12: “But I press on, that I may lay hold of that for whichChrist Jesus has also laid hold of me”.  Inother words, Paul says, "I haven't arrived, but I am pursuing. Ihaven't reached the finish line, but I am still running." There is atremendous difference between being dissatisfied and being discouraged. Somepeople look at their spiritual weaknesses and simply give up. Paul looked athis weaknesses and became more determined than ever to keep growing. Thephrase, “I press on,” is a strong word. It is the same word often translated"pursue" or even "follow after." Ironically, it was thesame word Paul used earlier when he described how he once persecuted thechurch. Before his conversion, Paul pursued Christians with relentless zeal.Now he pursues Christ with that same passion and intensity. What atransformation! The energy that once opposed Christ now serves Christ.                                                                                                                                                                        Thisreminds us that Christianity is not passive. We are not called merely to sitand drift through life. We are called to pursue Christ. The writer of Hebrewssaid: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, lookingunto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Noticethat Paul did not say, “I am waiting around.” He said, “that I may lay hold”.The Christian life is often compared to a race. A runner does not reach thefinish line accidentally. He runs intentionally. He trains. He disciplineshimself. He keeps moving forward even when he is tired. Paul understood thatspiritual growth requires effort. Not effort to earn salvation, but effortbecause we are saved. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul wrote: “Work out your ownsalvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to willand to do for His good pleasure.” God works in us, and we cooperate withHis work by pursuing Him wholeheartedly. ThenPaul gives the reason for his pursuit: “that I may lay hold of that forwhich Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me...” The word “lay hold of”means to seize, grasp, to apprehend, or make one's own. Paul is saying, “Iwant to lay hold of the very purpose for which Christ laid hold of me.” Thinkback to the Damascus Road. Paul was traveling to persecute believers whensuddenly the risen Christ stopped him in his tracks. Jesus literally seizedPaul's life and changed his direction forever. Paul never forgot that day. Heknew Christ had saved him for a purpose. He knew Christ had not rescued himmerely to take him to heaven someday. Christ had a plan for his life here andnow. Thesame is true for every believer. God did not save us simply to forgive oursins. He saved us so that we might know Him, serve Him, glorify Him, and becomelike His Son. Romans 8:29 tells us: “For whom He foreknew, He alsopredestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God's goal for everyChristian is Christlikeness. Paul knew he had not yet fully become what Godintended him to be. Therefore, he kept pressing on.  Perhapstoday you feel frustrated by your spiritual progress. Maybe you see habits thatstill need to change. Maybe you struggle with the same temptations you'vebattled for years.  The question is not whether you havearrived. The question is whether you are still pressing on. Are you growing inyour knowledge of God's Word? Are you becoming more like Christ? Are youpursuing Him more today than you were a year ago? The Christian who stopsgrowing soon begins drifting. The Christian who keeps pursuing Christ continuesexperiencing His transforming power. Remember, the goal is not simply to knowabout Christ. The goal is to know Christ Himself.

An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!

Weekly Sunday sermons from Pastor Mike Powers and other members of our Pastoral Body. Richland Creek Community Church gathers to glorify God in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go on mission with the gospel. For more, visit richlandcreek.com.Main Idea: Maturing Believers Pursue Christ1. Maturing Believers Long for their Lord2. Maturing Believers Live for their Lord3. Maturing Believers Do Not Live Contrary to their Lord

1. The Promise Cannot Be Canceled2. The Law Cannot Give Life3. The Guardian Cannot Stay Forever4. The Son Makes Us Sons and Heirs

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Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, Philippians 3 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the June 13th episode of the Daily Radio Bible! Today marks day 165 in our year-long journey through the Scriptures. Join Hunter, your Bible Reading Coach, as we dive into 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 12, and Philippians 3. Together, we'll witness vivid stories of prophetic warning and royal consequences in Israel's history, and receive powerful encouragement from Paul's letter to focus our hearts on knowing Christ above all else. As always, we'll conclude with prayers to center and prepare us for the day ahead. Settle in and let your heart be awakened to the God who is love! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Where's your focus? Is it on yourself, your virtues and the good things you've done that you think ought to impress God? It was for Paul—he talks about it in our reading today. Or is your focus on the past, trying to outrun or compensate for things done or left undone? It's easy to let our eyes rest on the wrong things and miss what God is doing for us right now: the peace, the strength, the joy we have in Him, right now. Paul calls us to something different. He says, "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it. But I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the TODAY'S DEVOTION: TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

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