A Winning Christian-Super Bowl Sunday
February, 8, 2026
Philippians 3:12–16 (NLT) 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.
The Winter Olympics have started, and Today is the Super Bowl.
The Bible shows us that being a Christian is like
being an Athlete who trains to compete.
Paul is using the illustration of an Athlete to describe himself.
Running a race, with all the energy and strength he has, to the finish line.
The goal is to pursue a Deeper relationship with Jesus:
To know Christ more. Intimacy with Jesus.
Philippians 3:8 (NLT) Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV) 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
The Christian Life is like an Athlete:
Who competes to win the prize,
Not just to play a game for fun.
When you see a Athletes in the Olympics or Super Bowl, or any sport.
They are competing to Win, not to just have Fun.
Paul is not wirting about how to receive Salvation:
Paul is not talking about how to get saved and go to heaven.
Paul is writing to Christians who are already saved.
Every Christian is saved by faith and the grace of God.
We cannot be saved by our own works or efforts.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
This is about a Christians Responsibility.
Joyful, Victorious Christians fulfill their Responsibility:
Christians are responsible to:
To Run the race.
To Finish the race.
To Fulfill the Goals that God has for you.
Philippians 2:12–13 (NLT) 12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
v. 12 ESV: “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NIV) 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
To be a Winning Christian:
1. Don’t be Satisfied with your Christian Life.
Philippians 3:12–13 (NLT) 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,
An Athlete is not satisfied with being mediocre, average, or ordinary.
Jesus satisfies your soul:
You have an Assurance of your Salvation,
But you realize you need to grow.
You have not reached perfection.
Desire to Grow: In your walk with God and your relationships with others.
Desire to Learn: To do the Work God has called you to.
King David had everything but was not satisfied.
Psalm 63:1–5 (NLT) 1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
To be a Winning Christian:
2. Stay Focused.
Philippians 3:13 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing (ESV: one thing I do): Forgetting the past and looking (ESV: straining) forward to what lies ahead,
An Athlete trains every day to be a winner.
They do One thing.
They focus.
They don’t let Distractions get in the way.
Don’t let sin creep into your life.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1–2 (NLT) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Don’t Multi-Task: One foot in heaven, One foot in the World.
Staying Focused gives you Direction to where you are heading too.
An Athlete can’t be looking behind and dwelling on the past.
To be a Winning Christian:
3. Be Determined.
Philippians 3:14 (NLT) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
An Athlete does everything in their power to Win.
They are determined to win.
Press (Greek: diōkō): To Pursue, To Persecute, To follow Hard after,
To pursue with earnestness and diligence.
When you Press, it means there is an Opposing force.
A Christian must Press against the opposing force:
That Force tries to get you to:
Quit, get out of the game.
Stop obeying God’s Will for your life.
Be disobedient.
Don’t Quit Your: Prayer Life.
Consistent Reading of the Bible
Church Attendance
Tithing
We are in a spiritual war
Ephesians 6:12–13 (NLT) 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
The spiritual war is against:
The Devil,
The World,
Our Flesh,
To be a Winning Christian:
4. Be Mature
Philippians 3:15–16 (NLT) 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.
Mature (Greek: tĕlĕiŏs) means:
Complete,
Fully Grown in mind and understanding, in knowledge of the truth.
Winning Christians are Mature Christians:
1. Don’t be Satisfied with your Christian Life.
2. Stay Focused. Not distracted.
3. Be Determined. Press Forward.
Get in the Game and Press after God and God’s will.