Empowered Committed Christian Ministry
Sunday Service | 11th January 2026

      • Isaiah 7:14NKJV

      • 1 Samuel 16:13NIV2011

      • 1 Samuel 4:10NIV2011

      • Esther 2:1–18NIV2011

      • Exodus 14:15NKJV

      • Deuteronomy 8:2NKJV

      • John 15:1–2NKJV

  • worship
  • i'm free
  • worship
  • i'm free

      • Proverbs 31:10–29NIV2011

      • Matthew 25:20–21NIV2011

      • Luke 16:10NIV2011

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  • You Deserve the Glory

      • 2 Corinthians 12:9NIV2011

      • James 1:2–8NIV2011

      • Judges 6:11–20NIV2011

      • 2 Corinthians 12:9–15NIV2011

      • Genesis 1:27–28NIV2011

      • Job 10NKJV

      • Proverbs 3:5–6NKJV

      • Proverbs 3:4–6NKJV

      • Psalm 23:4NKJV

  • Passage

    Philippians 3:12–16 NKJV
    12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

    Introduction 

    The Christian life is often mischaracterised as a static state rather than a dynamic journey. However, what we see in Philippians 3:12–16, the Apostle Paul passionately refutes any idea of spiritual arrival during this life.
    Writing from prison, Paul beautifully portrays maturity not as complacency, but as an exhilarating, continuous movement toward becoming more like Christ.
    This passage powerfully highlights the connection between the justification we have already received and the glorification we have yet to attain, offering us a compelling vision of disciplined perseverance.

    Historical and Cultural Context 

    The City of Philippi 

    Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, populated largely by retired Roman soldiers.
    As a colony, it enjoyed the ius Italicum, a legal privilege in the Roman Empire. This privilege granted certain cities and their citizens outside of Italy the status of being treated as if they were on Italian soil. It allowed them to operate under Roman law and enjoy various benefits, fostering a strong sense of civic pride.
    Roman values such as honor, discipline, and achievement shaped the Philippian worldview. 

     Athletic Imagery 

    Paul uses Athletic Imagery to describe the crux and significance of this letter.
    Greco-Roman culture highly esteemed athletic competition. Public games were common, and runners trained with singular focus toward the prize.
    Paul’s language in this passage draws heavily from this athletic milieu, making his exhortation immediately intelligible and rhetorically powerful to his audience. 

    Paul’s Situation 

    Paul pens his letters from a prison cell, likely situated in Rome around AD 60 to 62.
    Despite the physical constraints of incarceration, his theological insights flow abundantly, reflecting an unyielding spirit.
    His consistent emphasis on the notion of “pressing on” highlights a profound truth: that external circumstances, no matter how confining, do not inhibit one's capacity for spiritual growth and advancement.
    This resilient attitude serves as a powerful reminder that true progress is often achieved in the face of adversity.

    Thankfulness in the Pursuit of Christ 

    Foundational Observation 

    Upon initial examination, Philippians 3:12–16 may seem primarily focused on themes of effort, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of forward motion, rather than on the concept of thankfulness. However, a more nuanced reading—considering the broader context of the Epistle to the Philippians—reveals that gratitude serves as the fertile ground in which the seeds of perseverance take root and flourish.
    What is gratitude - the English dictionary defines gratitude as the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
    The Apostle Paul’s unwavering dedication to pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ can be understood not as a manifestation of dissatisfaction with the grace he has received, but rather as an expression of profound appreciation for that grace. His journey is characterized by an acknowledgment of the transformative power of Christ’s love and sacrifice, which propels him forward.
    In this passage, thankfulness is not articulated through spoken words or expressions of gratitude (WHICH WE WILL BE DISSECTING IN SUBSEQUENT THEMES); instead, it embodies a heartfelt posture toward life itself. This perspective reflects a holistic view of existence—one that integrates gratitude, thankfulness and humility into every facet, enabling spiritual growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

    Thankfulness Begins with Realistic Humility (v. 12) 

    “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect…” 
    Philippians 3:12 NKJV
    12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
    Paul’s decision to refrain from asserting his spiritual arrival is a poignant testament to his deep sense of gratitude.
    He does not take for granted the grace that has been extended to him, nor does he view the transformative work of Christ as an entitlement owed to him. Instead, his humility shines through as he acknowledges that each step he takes on his spiritual journey is a precious gift, bestowed upon him rather than something he has earned.
    In this mindset, gratitude flourishes, and feelings of entitlement dissipate.
    A believer who comprehends that spiritual maturity is not a badge of honour acquired through personal effort naturally fosters a profound sense of thankfulness for each instance of growth, however small.
    This perspective nurtures a heart open to continual learning and deepening faith, underscoring the beauty of relying on divine grace rather than personal achievement.

    The Heart of Thankfulness - Gift, Not Entitlement 

    Entitlement Undermines Gratitude

    Entitlement, at its core, is the conviction that one inherently deserves certain rewards or outcomes as a direct result of their actions or efforts.
    This mindset can manifest in various contexts, particularly in spiritual realms, where individuals might think, “I have diligently worked hard—whether through paying tithes, participating in fasting, or engaging in midnight prayers—so it follows that God owes me growth, blessings, or success in my endeavours.”
    This belief system can lead to a disconnection from true gratitude and appreciation for what one receives, as it positions blessings as guaranteed returns on investment rather than gifts of grace.
    The apostle Paul encapsulates this concept in his letter to the Romans, specifically Romans 4:4, where he states: "Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt."
    Romans 4:4 NKJV
    4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
    This verse emphasizes that when we approach our relationship with God with a sense of entitlement, we shift our perspective from one of gratitude and humility to one of expectation and demand.
    In doing so, we risk losing sight of the inherent grace and unmerited favour that often accompany blessings in our lives, ultimately undermining our ability to experience genuine gratitude for the gifts we receive.
    This mindset forgets that all spiritual progress is ultimately the result of God’s initiative and sustaining grace, not human merit. When entitlement creeps in, thankfulness is replaced by frustration, disappointment, or pride. 

    The Essence of Thankfulness

    When Christians cultivate a sense of thankfulness, it beautifully reflects the understanding that progress is a gift from God rather than something we earn.
    Recognizing that the essence of thankfulness is a divine blessing can deepen our spiritual journey and enrich our lives.
    In the Christian experience, thankfulness is grounded in the realization that each step of spiritual growth is a cherished gift from God. This perspective encourages us to appreciate our development as something to be celebrated, rather than as a right or entitlement.
    When believers acknowledge that progress—whether in character, ministry, or spiritual maturity—comes from God’s grace, they nurture a heart full of gratitude. This shift in focus to divine generosity not only enhances our faith but also fosters a deeper sense of joy and purpose in our lives.

    Humility as the Soil of Gratitude

    The sermon text points out that humility—acknowledging that we have not “arrived” and that every advance is undeserved—naturally leads to gratitude. 
    In theological terms, Paul acknowledges that Sanctification Is Ongoing, Not Complete (v. 12) by beginning with a frank disclaimer: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect…”.
    Philippians 3:12 NKJV
    12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
    The combination of the adverb “ede” and verb “teleioō” (“already perfected”) does not imply sinless perfection but complete maturity.
    Paul, an apostle with unparalleled credentials (cf. 3:4–6), denies having arrived!
    Spiritual humility is not weakness; it is the prerequisite for growth. Paul’s example in Philippians 3:12 is instructive – even as an apostle, he refuses to claim spiritual arrival.
    GIVE SOME EXAMPLES WHERE MANY CHURCH LEADERS CLAIM TO HAVE ATTAINED SPIRITUAL ARRIVAL!
    This humility is itself an act of gratitude, recognizing that all progress is a gift. 
     

    Practical Implications

    When Christians lose sight of grace and begin to see spiritual growth as a right, they may become: 
    Discontent when progress is slow, feeling God is withholding what is “owed.” 
    Proud when progress is evident, attributing it to their own efforts. 
    Unthankful in both cases, because gratitude is replaced by a sense of entitlement. 
    PRAYER
    “Therefore, I pray we remain vigilant with awakened spirits, standing as devoted sentinels along Christ's path.
    May our vigilance guide our steps, and may humility adorn our hearts as we delve deeper into His light in 2026.
    May your feet be rooted in the soil of success in 2026.
    May all that you touch, do, or create with your hands bear abundant fruit - IN JESUS NAME.”

    Gratitude Is Rooted in Being Claimed by Christ (v. 12b) 

     
    “…for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” 
    Philippians 3:12 NKJV
    12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
    This clause serves as the emotional and theological foundation of the passage. Paul's striving reflects a response to being embraced by grace. His effort embodies a grateful pursuit rather than an anxious struggle.
    Rooted in the truth, knowledge, and understanding that Christ has already seized him,
    Paul's pursuit of Christ is illuminated by the verb “katalambanō” - meaning - to lay hold of, to catch, to understand, to grasp, to overcome, to overtake, to acquire through one’s efforts - each word conveying a powerful sense of decisive action.
    PRAYER - I PRAY FOR A DECISIVE AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR YOU IN 2026!
    I pray and declare that in 2026, you will:
    LAY HOLD OF
    CATCH
    UNDERSTAND
    GRASP
    OVERCOME
    OVERTAKE
    ACQUIRE THROUGH YOUR EFFORT AND HARD WORK
    ALL YOU DESIRE AND HOPE FOR IN JESUS NAME!
     

    Key Insight

    Thankfulness is not opposed to effort; it fuels it. Paul runs not to gain Christ, but because Christ has already gained him (ask yourselves, have you been gained by Christ?). 
    There is a Forward-Looking Perspective in the text. A thankful church does not ask, “How little can we do and still belong to Christ?” but “How fully can we live in response to what Christ has done?” 
    The passage presents a distinctly forward-looking orientation, urging the Christian community to adopt a posture that is not preoccupied with the minimal requirements for belonging to Christ, but rather is animated by a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility in response to Christ’s redemptive work.  
    In essence, the redemptive work of Christ (Grace) is not merely pardon; it is propulsion. The believer presses on because Christ has first acted. 
    Thus, our continuous growth in the Christian faith is sustained not by self-improvement strategies, but by ongoing response to Christ’s redemptive claim. 
    A truly grateful church does not measure its discipleship by the bare minimum needed for spiritual status or membership within the body of Christ. Instead, it passionately strives to learn, understand, grasp and live out the deepest expressions of devotion, service, and obedience, inspired by the boundless grace it has already received.  - PRAISE THE LORD!
    This perspective shifts the central question from one of minimal compliance—“What is the bare minimum required for us to remain in Christ?”—to one of maximal response:
    Let us therefore examine ourselves and ask the deep question: “In light of all that Christ has accomplished on our behalf, how might we most fully and faithfully live as those who have been claimed by Him?”  
    Such an outlook is not only forward-looking but also transformative, as it calls the church to continual growth, sacrificial love, and an ever-deepening pursuit of Christlikeness.
    In this way, gratitude becomes the engine that propels believers beyond complacency, inspiring them to press on toward the goal with hope, joy, and unwavering commitment. 

    Forgetting the Past Is an Act of Gratitude (v. 13)

    “...Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…” 
    Use my work experience as an analogy of my past achievement - setting up informatica training that was said could not be done, challenges experienced on my project and being retained on my project and the removal of my manager, writing and passing 2 exams despite failing one, and completing all performance objective for the year etc
    Paul employs athletic imagery of a runner leaning forward toward the finish line. “Forgetting” does not imply loss of memory, but refusal to be controlled by the past—whether successes or failures. 
    Cultural Insight: In ancient footraces, looking back was a sure way to lose momentum. Victory demanded total forward focus. 
    Paul’s “forgetting” includes both past failures and past achievements. Gratitude enables this release. 
    For past failures: Thankfulness trusts that forgiveness is complete. 
    For past successes: Thankfulness recognizes that previous fruit was produced by grace, not self-sufficiency. 
    Expanded and Scripturally Cross-Referenced Version
    The Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “forget what lies behind” (Philippians 3:13) encompasses a comprehensive relinquishment of both previous mis-steps and former accomplishments.
    This act of spiritual forgetting is not a passive erasure of memory, but a deliberate refusal to allow either past failures or successes to exert controlling influence over the present pursuit of Christlikeness.

    Release from Past Failures: Trusting in Complete Vindication 

    For the believer, gratitude is the catalyst that enables the release of past failures, offense, shortcoming, transgression, guilt.
    Thankfulness is rooted in the assurance that forgiveness, as promised in Scripture, is both total and irrevocable:
    Just as the psalmist declares, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).
    Psalm 103:12 NKJV
    12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
    And similarly, as the prophet Isaiah affirms, “You have cast all my sins behind your back” (Isaiah 38:17):
    Isaiah 38:17 NKJV
    17 Indeed it was for my own peace That I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.
    In the New Testament, John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
    1 John 1:9 NKJV
    9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
    Thus, thankfulness is expressed in the believer’s confidence that God’s mercy is complete, liberating them from the bondage of guilt and regret. 

    Release from Past Achievements: Recognizing Grace as the Source 

    Conversely, Paul’s admonition also extends to the relinquishment of pride in past spiritual achievements. The mature Christian acknowledges that any fruit borne in their life is ultimately the result of divine grace, not personal merit or self-sufficiency.
    Paul himself testifies, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Jesus reminds his disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
    Therefore, gratitude is manifested in the recognition that every spiritual victory, every step of growth, is a gift from God, not a product of human effort alone.
    1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV
    10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
    John 15:5 NKJV
    5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

    3. Gratitude as the Engine of Release 

    In summary, Paul’s forward-looking perspective is animated by gratitude, which enables the believer to move beyond both the shame of past failures and the pride of past successes.
    Quite often spiritual stagnation results from fixation on what God has already done or not done, rather than what He is still doing. 
    This posture, of knowing what He is still doing, frees the Christian to press on toward the goal of Christlikeness, unencumbered by the weight of what has been, and propelled by the grace that sustains every step.
    THEREFORE:
    AS WE MOVE INTO 2026 I PRAY AND DECLARE THAT EVERY STAGNATION WILL BE TURNED AROUND!
    EVERY WEIGHT HOLDING US BOUND WILL BE LOOSED!
    WE SHALL PROPEL WITH GRACIOUS SPEED ACHIEVING ALL WE SET OUT TO DO - IN JESUS NAME
    As Paul writes elsewhere, “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14). 
    In essence: An ungrateful heart is often trapped in the past—either by regret or by pride. Gratitude frees the believer to move forward. -
    SAY I AM FREE (x3)  
    SAY I AM GRACIOUSLY FREE,
    SAY I WILL PROSPER IN 2026 (SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT),
    SAY 2026 WILL BE MY YEAR OF GRACIUOUS THANKS - IN JESUS NAME!
    Philippians 3:13–14 NKJV
    13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
     

    The Pursuit of the Prize Is Thankful Hope (v. 14) 

     “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 
     Paul’s vision of the future is not escapist; it is grateful anticipation. The “prize” is not uncertain but promised. Thankfulness, therefore, is oriented toward what God has guaranteed but not yet completed. 
    In an eschatological sense, true and discerning Christians cultivate a spirit of gratitude by acknowledging not just the wonders of what God has already accomplished, but also celebrating His promises for the fulfilment yet to come. 
    Thankfulness, therefore, grows when believers interpret present discipline in light of future glory. 
     

    Maturity Is Thankfulness Expressed in Faithful Continuity (vv. 15–16)

    Philippians 3:15–16 NKJV
    15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
    Paul exhorts believers to steward what they have already received. This is gratitude in action—honouring grace by living consistently with it. 
    Paul defines maturity paradoxically: “Let those of us who are mature think this way…” the mature recognize they have not arrived.
    Unity in the church is rooted in a common trajectory toward Christ, even when secondary differences exist. - PAUL HAD TO WRESTLE WITH DIVERSE VIEW POINTS, DIFFERENT PERSONALTIES, DIFFERENT PRACTICES DURING THE COURSE OF HIS MINISTRY!
    A thankful church does not constantly chase novelty (the next new or exciting thing). It values faithfulness to revealed truth while remaining open to God’s continued work. 
    Paul allowed space for God to correct misunderstandings over time, emphasizing forward movement over uniformity of opinion thus beseeching us to hold firmly to what has been attained, but not allowing present understanding limit future obedience to Christ. 

    Big Idea Reframed 

    Thankfulness is not a pause in the Christian race; it is the motivation that keeps us running.  
    Philippians 3:12–16 teaches that the Christian life moves forward on two rails: gratitude for grace received and hope for glory promised.
    Paul presses on not because grace is insufficient, but because it is overwhelming.
    True thankfulness does not settle into complacency—it leans forward, eager to honor the One who first laid hold of us. 
    In this way, thankfulness becomes more than a feeling or a season; it becomes the sustaining rhythm of a life that presses on toward Christ. 
    To regain thankfulness, Christians are encouraged to: 
    Remember that all growth is “granted by God,” not earned. 
    Cultivate humility, recognizing dependence on God’s grace at every stage. 
    Celebrate progress as evidence of God’s ongoing work, not personal achievement. 

    Conclusion

    Philippians 3:12–16 calls believers to a life oriented forward—anchored in grace, disciplined in effort, and fixed on Christ.
    Paul invites the church not to admire the race already run, but to lean into the one still before them.
    The mark of faithfulness is not how far we have come, but whether we are still pressing on. 
    Thankfulness thrives when believers see spiritual progress as a gracious gift, not a personal entitlement.
    Losing this perspective leads to ingratitude, because the heart shifts from humble dependence to self-reliance or disappointment.
    The antidote is to continually remember that every step forward is granted by God, fuelling a life of humble gratitude. 

    Final Prayer

    “Therefore, let us stand as watchmen upon the walls, our spirits awake to the whisper of His calling. With vigilance as our lantern and humility as our cloak, may we walk the long road of Christ with hearts bowed low and eyes lifted toward His everlasting light.”
Empowered Committed Christian Ministry
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