Big Picture: “Knowing Christ” is what sustains us during “the race of faith.”

1. Christian, pursue the prize through knowing Christ (10-11)

What is the prize?
 The culmination of the whole work of salvation – everything God accomplished in
the death and resurrection of Jesus - with all its implications.

How do we “know” Christ?
 Through the power of Jesus’ resurrection
 Through participation in Jesus’ sufferings
 Becoming like Jesus in his death . . . and thus attaining to the resurrection from
the dead.

2. Christian, refuse to stand on past spiritual triumphs. Never be satisfied with
yesterday’s grace. Instead, like Paul, eagerly strain forward to the glories to come (12-
14).
 Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you – i.e. union
with him, and a righteousness that comes from God.

3. Christian, emulate mature Christians who, like Paul, are continuing to grow spiritually, not those who are stagnating (15-16)
 Don’t go back! Live up to what you have already attained! It should be a shocking
thing to admit we have grown little in our knowledge of Jesus Christ!