¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Introduction: In order to live a successful life, we make several plans and programs to train ourselves. Sometimes our plans go well and sometimes they don´t. Sometimes we are satisfied or frustrated. However, we may have a feeling of anxiety that makes us uncertain, as if we were in foggy surroundings. The reason is because we don´t have a goal and a dream in life to drive us, to penetrate through the fog and ignite our life.


1. Paul´s consistent goal in life (Php 3:13-14).
    "Forget what is behind and press toward the mark."
    What is this mark? "The prize of God´s calling in Christ Jesus."
    1) Paul´s mark or goal.
        ⓛ To fulfill God´s mission to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Ac 9:15).
        ② To receive praise and win the prize from God (1Co 9:24).
    2) Paul endured so much suffering.
        ⓛ Countless danger (2Co 11:26).
        ② Hardship (2Co 11:27).
        ③ He was in prison and was flogged many times (2Co 11:23-25).
        ④ A thorn in his flesh (2Co 12:7-9).
        ⑤ martyrdom (2Ti 4:6-8).

2. My experiences in 50 years of ministry.
    When I was 23, I became a youth pastor and began to evangelize. At that time, I had a
    firm resolution in my heart. I was determined to build a wonderful church, noticeable
    both in Korea and in the world, and I had a dream to become an evangelist like
    Dr. Billy Graham, who would go around the world to preach the Gospel.
    1) A high mountain that blocked my way
        ⓛ Physical weakness - The lung disease made me weak.
        ② Chronic heart disease.
        ③ I suffered from bleeding hemorrhoids and anemia.
        ④ Terrible dizziness - After I fell at the Seodaemun church in 1964, it grew worse.
            My future was not promising at all.
    2) Extreme poverty
        ⓛ Material poverty
        ② Nobody was around to help me.
    3) Countless attacks from inside and outside (Ps 23:4-5).
    4) My clear dreams and visions
        ⓛ I press on toward the goal whether I live or die, whether I prosper or fail.
        ② By embracing Korea and the world (Ps 81:10; Mk 16:15).

3. In order to live our life without regret.
    1) Have a clear cut goal and dream that penetrates throughout your life.
        ⓛ Why am I here on earth? - As long as you have a mission from God,
            it doesn´t matter how small your dream may be (Php 2:13).
    2) Forget what is behind, and make a decision that you will never regret
        (Ac 20:24; Heb 10:38).
    3) Pursue your dream with an indomitable spirit. - A child who chases a rainbow
        (Php 4:13; Mk 9:23).
    4) Always seek for the guidance and help of God (Ro 8:26; Jer 33:3).