Run the Race to Win—Day 5 Philippians 3: 12-14  As we conclude this week’s devotional series, we see how Paul’s goal is to win the prize, not by coming in first place, but by finishing the race. As believers, we often experience much opposition that comes to hinder or discourage us in order to get us to forfeit the race. However, Paul ran with a determination that said, ‘I will finish this race and finish it well despite whatever comes my way.’ A unique thing about this race is it does not matter what “place” we come in. All of us can win the ultimate prize. All of us can obtain the purpose for which Christ chose us. How about that? We run the race, and we win by finishing the race. It would seem that is why Paul does not appear to be concerned with competition. His biggest concern is living with an unconquerable conviction to overcome any personal or outside...

Run the Race to Win—Day 4 Philippians 3: 12-14 “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” I once read something that said, ‘We must begin with the end in mind.’ The thought behind this concept is if we give attention to where we are going and align everything else with where we are going then we are more likely to reach our goal. In our devotional passage, Paul has not finished the race. However, he lived with the final result in view—to win the prize. This biblical text is one many of us have heard numerous times. It captures the attitude of one running the race to win. This is about the indomitable grit of a runner who runs to win. He runs concentrating on the goal. Paul is living his life preoccupied with pursuing the goal. Think about that, preoccupied with hitting the target for God’s glory. Earlier in the week, we...

Run the Race to Win—Day 3 Philippians 3: 12-14 “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” I personally enjoy watching track and field events, particularly the 100-yard dash. I have watched many races, and a few things seem certain regarding every winner— each athlete is focused on running the race; each athlete is determined to win the race; and each athlete is giving all they have in the race. The race is the priority. To run while focusing on something else is a sure way to lose the race. Winning the race is the goal of every determined runner and nothing is more important at that time. The final thing that is obvious, each runner is in the race giving all they have. When the starter gun goes off, each athlete uses every nerve and muscle in their body to help them obtain their goal. The focus of today’s devotional text uses...

Run the Race to Win—Day 2 Philippians 3: 12-14 “But I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Paul was convinced of two things: He had not fully attained to the purpose for which Christ laid hold of him and he was not complete. Let us be candid with ourselves and ask ourselves pointed questions. Have we begun to walk out the very purpose for which Christ saved us? Are we today who we were on yesterday? Are we allowing our life to be dictated by the same sins that had us bound last year? As we meditate over this devotional text, one thing is apparent to me—we did not choose Christ, but Christ chose us. Think about that for a moment, Christ chose us. We didn’t make-up in our minds on our own to follow him. Before the very foundation of the world, each and every one of us was a thought in the mind of our Creator....

Run the Race to Win Philippians 3: 12-14 “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect.” How often do we take up a task fully aware of our inadequacies? None of us are fully efficient in all things. Nevertheless, despite our lack, most of us persist in our endeavors striving to excel. Not everyone perseveres in competing well in spite of their inadequacies. For many it is just the opposite. Awareness of our imperfections is often wedded to excuses and poor performance with little determination to win. As we begin this week’s devotional series, Paul has just shared with the Philippian church that he has accomplished a lot of things in his life. Yet, he begins verse 12 with a dual not already: “not already obtained” nor “already perfect.” Paul emphasizes in verse 12 that, although he has been fortunate to have many...