Pressing on Towards the Prize

The main message of this sermon is that the Christian life is a forward-moving pursuit of Christ. Pastor Lester Jenkins emphasizes that Paul had not already attained, yet he was pressing forward with one settled aim: to know Christ more closely and walk more fully under His lordship. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Jenkins makes clear that the prize in this passage is not simply going to heaven as a destination. The prize is the sweet, close, unhindered relationship with Christ that believers are called to enjoy. Heaven is home, but the heart of the passage is the relationship itself, growing sweeter and deeper as the believer walks with the Lord.

This sermon explains that believers must not live chained either to past sins or to past successes. Paul’s focus is forward. Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. The message warns that looking backward can break spiritual stride just as surely as a runner stumbling in a race.

No. Pastor Jenkins points to Paul’s former life and says that religious pedigree, outward morality, and personal effort cannot save. Paul had every reason to boast in the flesh, yet he counted those things as loss compared to knowing Christ. The sermon repeatedly stresses that a sinner must have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ rather than confidence in self-righteousness.

Pastor Jenkins encourages believers to share their own testimony as a natural and powerful means of witness. He notes that when a Christian tells how Christ saved him, that testimony cannot be denied by those who were not there. The sermon urges listeners to speak of Christ plainly and then ask others whether anything like that has ever happened to them.

The sermon explains that Paul could call believers to follow his example because he was following Christ. Christians should live in such a way that others are encouraged by their pattern, fellowship, and consistency. Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Pastor Jenkins describes them as people whose lives are fixed on earthly appetites, earthly reward, and earthly thinking. The sermon warns that such people are set against the way of the cross, and that believers should not be surprised when faithful Christian living becomes a rebuke to a lost world. Philippians 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

The sermon closes by lifting the church’s eyes to heaven. Believers already belong to another country, and they await the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. Pastor Jenkins presents this as both comfort and motivation for holy living now.