Philippians 3:13-14

What Does Philippians 3:13-14 Mean?

Paul says he focuses on “one thing” – not looking backward, but pressing forward. The phrase “straining forward” is a picture of a runner leaning their whole body toward the finish line, every muscle straining ahead. Paul had a past that could have haunted him – he had persecuted followers of Jesus and watched people die because of him. But he chose to accept God’s forgiveness and run forward, not drag the past with him. Whatever is behind you doesn’t have to define what’s ahead of you.

Hero Challenge

Write down one thing from your past – a mistake, a failure, or a regret – that you’ve been carrying around. Then write the word FORGIVEN across it. Choose to accept God’s grace for that thing and take one step forward this week toward the person God is calling you to become. You can’t run well while you’re dragging the past behind you!

Did You Know?

Paul’s past included giving his official approval to the death of Stephen, the first martyr of the early church. He had done terrible things in his life before he met Jesus. Yet Paul became one of the greatest missionaries and teachers in history. His story is proof that God doesn’t define you by your worst moments – He calls you forward into something new.

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

If you fall down when you’re running, do you stay on the ground or get back up? God always wants us to get back up and keep running!

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

Why do you think it’s hard to “forget what’s behind”? How can thinking too much about past mistakes slow you down?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

Paul says he presses toward “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What do you think that prize is? How does having a clear picture of what you’re running toward change the way you deal with your past mistakes?