Philippians 3:12-21 – 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. (New Living Translation)

Pattern for Successful Living

1. Evaluation: _______________________________________

Philippians 3:12 – I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. . . . (Good News Translation)

Proverbs 28:13 – A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. (The Living Bible)

▸ Question: Where do I need to change?

2. Elimination: _______________________________________

Philippians 3:13 – . . . I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past . . . (The Living Bible)

Isaiah 43:18 – [This is what the Lord says:] Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago.” (God’s Word Translation)

Luke 9:62 – Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Amplified Bible)

▸ Question: What do I need to let go of?

3. Concentration: ____________________________________

Philippians 3:13 – . . . I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, . . . (The Living Bible)

1 Corinthians 9:24 – Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. /(New Living Translation)

2 Corinthians 5:9 – Our only goal is to please God whether we live here or there, . . . (New Century Version)

▸ Question: What am I living for?

4. Determination: ____________________________________

Acts 20:24 – But I reckon my own life to be worth nothing to me; I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do, which is to declare the Good News about the grace of God. (Good News Translation)

2 Timothy 4:7-8 – 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (New King James Version)

▸ Question: Am I a winner?

Galatians 6:9 – So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. (The Message)

Philippians 1:6 – I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Christian Standard Bible)