Prerequisites to the Prize Philippians 3:12-16 Mentality to Mature Maximum Effort Focused Concentration MotivationMindsetConsistency

Prerequisites to the Prize Mentality to Mature (3:12a) Mentality to Mature (3:12a)  Paul recognizes he is NOT perfect! Already used twice Already used twice Goal not reached – “not that” ; “obtained” Goal not reached – “not that” ; “obtained”  Pursuing the prize of spiritual perfection begins with dissatisfaction of your present spiritual condition. 2 Cor. 7:1

Prerequisites to the Prize Maximum Effort (3:12b) Maximum Effort (3:12b)  “I press on” – follow after energetically Dependent on God working – 2 Cor. 12:9 Dependent on God working – 2 Cor. 12:9 Dependent on our labor too – Col.1:29 Dependent on our labor too – Col.1:29  Paul’s goal was consistent with Christ’s goal for saving him. Romans 8:29 “lay hold of” – overtake, seize, catch “lay hold of” – overtake, seize, catch

Prerequisites to the Prize Focused Concentration (3:13) Focused Concentration (3:13)  Addresses them with intimate affection  Repeats the disclaimer for the third time  Sets the goal – “one thing” w/o I do  Negative – forget what is behind  Positive – reaching forward - stretching

Prerequisites to the Prize Motivation (3:14) Motivation (3:14)  “I press on” – continuous effort to pursue  “toward” – down ; continually bear down  “goal” – a mark on which to fix one’s eyes  “prize” – our motivation  “upward Call” – source and where it leads  1 John 3:2 ; 2 Timothy 4:7,8

Prerequisites to the Prize Mindset (3:15) Mindset (3:15)  “as many as are perfect” – positionally  “have this attitude” – think this way or set your mind in this direction - 1Cor. 2:16  God’s perspective moves our behavior to become like Christ – Col. 3:16  God will correct us - 2 Peter 1:3

Prerequisites to the Prize Consistency (3:16) Consistency (3:16)  “however” – one more thing  “keep living” – line up or follow in line  Believers must keep plugging away on the spiritual path laid down by Scripture The Word of God – 1 Peter 2:2 The Word of God – 1 Peter 2:2 Prayer - 2 Cor. 13:9 Prayer - 2 Cor. 13:9 Following Godly examples – 1 Cor. 4:16 Following Godly examples – 1 Cor. 4:16 Trials – 1 Peter 5:10 Trials – 1 Peter 5:10

Prerequisites to the Prize Application Are you in pursuit of the Prize? Are you in pursuit of the Prize? Will your epitaph be able to read “they died climbing”? Will your epitaph be able to read “they died climbing”?