Lesson Notes:  Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV based)

READ:  Philippians 3:12-14, with vv.7-11 for context

v.12
Will we ever be made perfect?  When?  How?

What is "pressing on"?
- - to pursue, "straining toward what is ahead";  (v.13)
- - persevering without faltering or giving up;  (v.13)
- - like running a long-distance marathon.  (v.14)

What is Paul "taking hold of"?
- to become comprehensively what God wants each of us to become - i.e. progressive sanctification; this includes:
- - spiritual maturity, righteous and holy living;  (vv.2:13,15)
- - be Christ-like, have the mind of Christ;  (v.2:5) 
- - serve God in any and every capacity He chooses;  (v.2:13)
- - develop a heart tender towards God;  (v.3:10)
- - establish consecration - to be dedicated for fulfilling God's sacred purposes.  (v.2:13)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v.13
Why is it important to "forget what is behind" us?
- - If we keep looking back to the past, then guilt, disappointments, failures, and etc. may preoccupy, consume, or hinder us from moving forward; i.e. - self-generated defeatism.
- - Engaging in second-guessing, or over-analyzing past situations can instill doubt, insecurity, or double-mindedness.
- - We can get stuck in the past with anger, bitterness, or resentment over being mistreated or abused by God's people, thereafter adversely affecting healthy interaction with God's people in the present. 

What is "straining toward what is ahead", especially in regard "to willing and to acting in accordance with God's good purpose" for one's life.  (v.2:13)
- - exerting struggle, effort, and persistence in the midst of receiving resistance or achieving mediocre results;
- - establishing and maintaining focus and concentration;
- - focusing on the end as motivation, when God evaluates your efforts on Judgment Day;
- - maintaining unwavering personal commitment and determination.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v.14
What is "the goal"?
- - to run and to finish the race God has laid out for each of us, in the way He desires.

What is "the prize" and when do we get it?
- - eternal rewards, status, authority, and position in heaven;
- - those persons whom we have had a God-related effect on;
- - "winning the prize" comes to fruition when we true believers get to heaven and face judgment before God.
- - Note: Unbelievers are not eligible to win any prize on Judgment Day; at that time their fate will be sealed to irrevocably receive eternal punishment.

What does it mean that God has called us to this?
- - God expects that each of us true believers pursue what He has for us to do, which in the end He will reward us for doing.
- - God regards this as an ordinary responsibility for every believer.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIN POINT:  What would you say is the main point in these verses?

IMPORTANT SUB-POINTS:  What are some other important points God is making here in these verses?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATIONS:  What applications can you think of for how we should respond to the concepts in these verses? 

PERSONALIZED APPLICATIONS:  From these verses, what do you think God wants you to learn, or know, or remember, or put into effect in your life?  How are you going to do that?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Works Cited:
Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyrights:
Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright © 2014 Mel W. Coddington, and permission is hereby granted that this document may be used, copied, and distributed non-commercially to non-profit organizations, individuals, churches, ministries, and schools worldwide, provided the copies are distributed at no charge and retain this sources documentation as supplied herein. This document is not for sale, resale, or for use as a gift or premium to be offered in connection with solicitations or contributions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: Philippians3_12-14-LessonNotes.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated: December 13, 2016