Philippians 3:12-14 – Pressing On

Jon Beck

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 21 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

People do not drift into spiritual maturity; they are intentional and determined. They press on in Christ through devotion, discipline, and diligence.

Devotion: Christ Must Be the Goal – v. 12

  • Christ pursued us before we pursued Him.
  • A godly father’s life is centered on Christ.
  • Devotion flows from grace, not guilt.
  • Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-3; John 15:1-11

What has more of your heart than Christ right now? Reorder your priorities and pursue Him first.

Discipline: Growth Requires Intentional Effort – v. 13

  • Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.
  • Leave past failures and successes behind.
  • Godly men train themselves for godliness.
  • 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

A Simple Plan for Spiritual Growth (15 MIN A DAY)

1. Read the Bible for 5 Minutes

  • Get up 15 min and find a spot. Do not look at your phone.
  • Read a portion of Scripture.
  • Ask
    • What does this teach me about God?
    • What does this teach me about myself?
    • Is there something to obey, avoid, believe, or apply today?

2. Read a Good Christian Book for 5 Minutes

  • Learn from faithful believers who have walked before you.
  • Feed your mind with truth and wisdom.

3. Pray and Reflect for 5 Minutes

  • Thank God for what you read.
  • Pray through the truths you learned.
  • Think about your day.
  • Ask: How can I live this out today?

Then…WIN THE DAY

We don’t drift into godliness. We pursue it. And by God’s grace, small daily disciplines produce long-term spiritual growth.

Where do you need greater discipline this week… God’s Word, prayer, purity, your speech, your time, or leading your family?

Diligence: Faithful Fathers Keep Pressing On – v. 14

  • The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Faithfulness matters more than perfection.
  • God calls His people to persevere.
  • Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:18: Galatians 6:6-10

Where are you tempted to quit? Keep praying, keep leading, keep trusting Christ, and keep pressing on.

The What Now

1. Pursue Christ Above Everything Else – Make Christ your greatest priority. Let your family see that He has your heart before anything else.

2. Practice Daily Spiritual Discipline – Spend time in God’s Word, pray consistently, and lead your home intentionally. Growth does not happen by accident.

3. Keep Pressing On – Do not quit when you fail, grow weary, or become discouraged. Trust Christ, get back up, and keep moving forward.

A godly father is not a perfect father. He is a man who keeps pressing on in Christ through devotion, discipline, and diligence.

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