Aiming Higher

Forget the Baloney (Philippians 3:4–9)

Do your efforts, good deeds, or religious traditions make you acceptable to God? In this episode, Stephen Davey examines Paul’s powerful testimony in Philippians 3, where Paul counts all his accomplishments as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ.

Paul had a remarkable religious pedigree, unmatched zeal, and a spotless record of obedience to the law. Yet, he realized none of it could secure salvation. Instead, Paul found that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone. Stephen unpacks Paul’s transformation from a works-based mindset to fully trusting in the grace of God.

This episode highlights the emptiness of legalism and the liberating truth of grace. You’ll discover why your efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, are like a stale sandwich compared to God’s lavish feast of salvation.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to earn God’s approval or wondered if you’re doing enough, this message will bring clarity and encouragement. Listen to learn why salvation is a gift, not a reward, and how you can experience the freedom and joy of relying on Christ alone.

Hunger (Philippians 3:10–11)

What fuels spiritual growth and maturity? Many believe it’s personality, circumstances, or even religious devotion, but the Bible highlights a different answer—appetite. In this episode, Stephen Davey explores Paul’s testimony from Philippians 3, where Paul reveals his deep hunger to know Christ, live by His resurrection power, and even share in His sufferings.

Paul’s transformation from trusting in accomplishments to fully relying on Christ offers profound insights for every believer. He traded his religious accolades and personal achievements for the surpassing value of knowing Jesus. Stephen explains how this shift in appetite changed Paul’s life and challenges listeners to reflect on what dampens or fuels their own hunger for Christ.

If you’ve ever felt spiritually dry or wondered why your growth has stalled, this episode will offer encouragement and practical wisdom. Learn how to cultivate a hunger for God’s Word, live in His power, and depend on Him through every trial.

This message is a call to refocus your life on the only satisfaction that truly lasts—an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t settle for less when God offers so much more.

Moving Past the Past (Philippians 3:12–14)

Do you ever struggle to let go of your past? Whether it’s mistakes, regrets, or even successes, dwelling on the past can hinder your growth and keep you from moving forward. In this episode, Stephen Davey unpacks Paul’s powerful metaphor of running a race in Philippians 3. Paul admits he hasn’t “arrived” but refuses to quit, pressing on toward the ultimate prize—the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Stephen highlights five essential attitudes for running life’s race well: honesty about your current spiritual state, determination to keep pressing on, a single-minded focus on Christ, letting go of past baggage, and keeping your eyes on the eternal prize. Using vivid illustrations and biblical insights, this message offers practical wisdom to help you navigate life’s challenges, embrace grace, and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by past mistakes or distracted by life’s pressures, this episode will encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ and find freedom in His grace.

Finding Middle C (Philippians 3:15–17)

What’s at the center of your life? Is it Christ, or is it something else—your career, relationships, or personal achievements? In this episode, Stephen Davey draws from Philippians 3 to help us discover how to make Christ the unshakable foundation of everything we do. Using the metaphor of a musician finding “Middle C,” Stephen challenges us to align our lives to the consistent and unchanging character of Jesus.

Paul’s words offer four practical ways to keep Christ at the center: continually adjusting our attitude, always remaining teachable, refusing to slip into neutral, and imitating godly people. With humility and transparency, Stephen reminds us that spiritual growth isn’t about perfection but about staying focused on the right target—becoming more like Christ.

If you’re feeling distracted, discouraged, or unsure of where to aim your efforts, this message will give you fresh perspective and practical steps to re-center your life on Christ.

Running After Judas (Philippians 3:18–20)

Are you running after Judas? It’s an unsettling question, but it’s one we must ask ourselves. Judas Iscariot pursued money, influence, and his own agenda, yet his story ended in tragic destruction. In Philippians 3, Paul contrasts this path of earthly ambition with the eternal prize of following Christ. He writes with tears in his eyes, warning us that pursuing the wrong things leads to condemnation, shame, and eternal separation from God.

In this episode, Stephen Davey explores Paul’s heartfelt plea for believers to examine their direction in life. Are we captivated by fleeting pleasures, worldly possessions, or human accolades? Or are we running with endurance toward Jesus, the only source of eternal joy and fulfillment? Stephen unpacks the Apostle Paul’s vivid descriptions of the unbelieving world, highlighting the stark differences between those who chase after the temporal and those who strive for the eternal.

This message is a call to stop running in the wrong direction. It’s an invitation to leave behind the empty pursuits of this world and run toward Jesus, who offers forgiveness, purpose, and everlasting life.

More Than Wishful Thinking (Philippians 3:20–21)

Is Heaven just a comforting myth, or is it the real destination for believers? In a world where billionaires invest millions trying to cheat death, the Bible offers a better promise: eternity with Christ. In Philippians 3, Paul describes the stark contrast between those focused on earthly things and those whose citizenship is in Heaven. For the believer, Heaven is more than wishful thinking—it’s the ultimate reality.

In this episode, Stephen Davey explores the profound truths of Philippians 3:20-21. He explains how believers are not only citizens of Heaven but also heirs of a glorious transformation. One day, our lowly bodies will be transformed into the likeness of Christ’s glorified body through His infinite power. This promise gives us hope, strength, and a reason to stand firm amid life’s struggles.

Stephen also addresses the urgent question: Is your name written in Heaven’s registry? Earthly possessions and achievements won’t matter at the end of life’s journey. What will matter is whether you’re among the saved or the lost.