The following mini-study is presented to familiarize you with Pastor Chuck’s method of Bible study and provide an opportunity to study the passage yourself.

Few believers in the history of Christianity endured more hardships than the Apostle Paul. As he persevered through adversity, his beliefs grew stronger and deeper. By persevering through adversity, we do more than give assent to our beliefs. We live them.

Prepare Your Heart

Have you entered a season of adversity, which is putting your faith to the test? As you open His Word, ask the Lord to firm up your faith and help you press on.

Turn to the Scriptures

Two passages from Paul’s letter to the Philippians sum up his attitude toward adversity. Read Philippians 1:12–14 and 3:12–14. As you read them, look for evidence of Paul’s indomitable attitude and his determination to persevere.

Observation: Paul’s Strategy for Handling Adversity

In Philippians 1:12-14 take note of the words, phrases, and literary devices Paul used. Where was Paul when he penned these words? What did the authorities hope to do by locking Paul away? And yet, what was Paul doing all the more?

Philippians 3:12–14, features Paul’s strategy when hardship strikes. What do you notice about Paul’s attitude?

Interpretation: What “Pressing On” Means

Paul stated, “I press on to reach the end of the race” (Philippians 3:14). What characteristics of a marathon runner do you see in Philippians 3:12–14?

Paul modelled an enduring determination to pursue the right objectives. What did Paul state were his objectives?

The context helps us define the “things” Paul hoped to achieve and what Paul meant by “perfection.” Read Philippians 3:4–10 and write down Paul’s primary life goal.

From the spiritual starting line of becoming “righteous through faith in Christ” (3:9), Paul set out on his pursuit of knowing Christ and following Him with the goal of becoming more and more Christlike. What does Paul’s phrase, “press on,” imply about the nature of this lifelong race?

Correlation: Paul’s Life of Pressing On through Suffering

We can trace Paul’s pursuit of Christ back to the beginning of his spiritual journey when he was known as Saul. After Christ appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, Saul met a believer named Ananias. According to Acts 9:15–16, what did the Lord tell Saul through Ananias?

Immediately, Saul started proclaiming the message of Christ in Damascus (Acts 9:19–22). Some Bible scholars believe Saul then retreated into the desert for three years. What did Paul say about his time in Arabia in Galatians 1:15–17?

How might Saul’s experience, mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, have contributed to Saul’s lifelong passion to know Christ and press on through adversity?

In Acts 13:9, Saul was called by his Greek name, Paul (Acts 13:9), which means “small.” “Small” also described how Paul viewed himself in comparison to Christ. What lesson in weakness did God teach Paul through suffering that we all must learn, according to 2 Corinthians 12:5–10?

Certainly, the power to press on through suffering does not come from ourselves, but from Christ in us, for when we are weak then we are strong.

Application: How to Press On through Times of Adversity

As we wrap up what it means to persevere through adversity, we draw three conclusions based on Paul’s example. After each point, reflect on how you can apply this principle to your life.

First, the plan is progress, not perfection. It can be painful and disappointing at times because we are imperfect people. However, we must remember that persevering is about making progress, not being perfect.

Does your lack of perfection discourage you? How can focusing on progress in the Christian life help you move forward?

Second, the past is over; forget it! Runners don’t look back. With an enduring determination, they fix their eyes on the goal and push forward with each stride. If we are to press on toward the goal of knowing Christ through hardships, we can’t get stuck on the past. Focus on the goal: Jesus!

Does dwelling on the past hold you back? How can looking to Christ help you press on?

Third, the future holds hope; reach for it! Pressing on means leaning forward even through headwinds of hardship. Don’t quit your passionate pursuit of becoming like Christ.

What hope do you see in your future with Christ? How can dwelling on this vision help you persevere through present adversity?

Paul’s extensive catalog of suffering included imprisonment, beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, non-stop attacks from his enemies, and more pain than we can imagine (2 Corinthians 11:23–27). Yet, he pressed on through these hardships to know Christ, and as he did, his beliefs were proven reliable. In the crucible of suffering, convictions are forged. That’s true for Paul...and for us.

A Final Prayer

Father, thank You for a model like Paul. He wasn’t perfect, but he had an enduring determination and he persevered through adversity. He pressed on, in season and out of season. Give me the tenacity to do the same. May I not simply speak my faith but live it out in my lifelong pursuit of knowing Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go to insightforliving.ca/pressing-on to download the full-length Searching the Scripture Bible Study and listen to Pastor Chuck’s message.