"Pressing Into God"

One Thing: Pressing Forward With a Christ-Centered Focus

Reflections from Philippians 3

When I turned to Philippians chapter 3, verses 13 and 14 stood out to me in a fresh way. Verse 14, especially, sent me on a journey—one that led me into deep searching, studying, and discovering. And honestly, it was fun. It stirred something in me.

As I began researching Philippians, I learned something interesting: many scholars believe this book was compiled from fragments of Paul’s letters, gathered and arranged by later writers. That explains why, at times, the text can feel slightly out of sequence. When I first read chapter 3, the opening didn’t seem to fit—and that disconnect is what sent me searching for context.

And here’s one thing I was reminded of right away: you can’t just read Scripture—you have to read it in context.

Reflecting on Growth

As the year began, I found myself asking some honest questions:

• What have I learned this year?

• What have I learned about myself?

• What have I learned about God?

I know in my heart that I’m not where I was a year ago. So how do we measure growth—spiritually and even practically? That reflection led me straight into Paul’s words.

“I Have Not Arrived”

In Philippians 3:13, Paul says:

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended…”

Paul is clear—I haven’t arrived.

That statement alone brings freedom.

He doesn’t pretend to have it all together. Instead, he narrows his life down to one thing. Not many things. Not multitasking. Just one focus.

I recently heard Dr. Caroline Leaf explain that we were never created to multitask—and I thought, somebody should’ve told me that years ago. Paul understood the power of focus long before modern science caught up.

Paul says:

“But one thing I do…”

That phrase is intentional. One thing. Something no one else can do for him. Not his parents. Not his teachers. Not his past. This is personal responsibility.

Forgetting What’s Behind

Paul continues:

“Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…”

This isn’t just about forgetting past failures. Paul had been in ministry for about 20 years when he wrote this letter—many of them filled with powerful encounters, miracles, revelations, and successes.

Yet he says, I’m letting go of the good too.

Why? Because sometimes we get stuck living off yesterday’s victories. Paul refuses to camp there. He presses forward toward one goal.

The Goal: Knowing Christ

The theme of Philippians 3 is clear:

“That I may know Him.”

Not know about Him. Not know Him through someone else’s experience. But to know Him personally, experientially, relationally.

Paul says he wants to:

• Be found in Christ

• Gain Christ

• Know Christ

This knowing isn’t intellectual, it’s lived. It’s relational. It’s transformational.

Identity and Freedom

Paul lists his religious credentials—his pedigree, his upbringing, his righteousness under the law—and then he says:

“I count it all as loss for Christ.”

Old religion. Old thinking. Old identity markers. Gone.

Every day is a new mercy. Every day is an invitation to see God in new ways—in creation, in people, in quiet moments, and yes, even walking through Walmart.

God doesn’t always shout. Sometimes He whispers through the ordinary.

The Power That Lives in Us

Paul talks about:

“The power of His resurrection.”

That same resurrection power lives in us.

Not just for dramatic moments—but for daily life. Waking up is a miracle. Breathing is a miracle. Living aware of God in the small things is where real transformation happens.

We don’t have to strive to be spiritual, we are spiritual. Christ lives in us. These hands are the hands He uses in the earth. People see God through people.

Friendship With God

One of the most powerful realizations in this journey is this: God is calling us into friendship.

Jesus said:

“I no longer call you servants… I call you friends.”

A servant follows instructions. A friend shares life.

God isn’t asking for a causal relationship. He’s inviting us into trust, honesty, and intimacy. Into sitting with ourselves. Into knowing who we are—because when we know ourselves, we begin to know Him more deeply.

Pressing Forward

Paul says again:

“Not that I have already attained… but I press on.”

That’s where I am too.

I haven’t arrived—but I am free. Freer than I’ve ever been. I’m no longer afraid to question, to grow, to reflect, or to let go of what no longer fits.

This one thing I do: I press.

Not toward approval. Not toward perfection. But toward Christ.

Final Encouragement

If it didn’t work out, let it go. If it belongs to the past, release it. If it can’t be changed, don’t carry it forward.

Press toward the mark.

God called you by name before you knew your name. He wasn’t surprised by your journey. And the goal has always been the same:

That we may know Him.

Not someone else’s God—but our God. Not borrowed faith—but lived faith. Not religion—but relationship.

Friendship.

So go—smile, give, laugh, enjoy. Be who God created you to be. Carry the blessing.

And keep pressing.