Moving Forward: Embracing the Present with Jesus

 

Summary

In the Christian journey, we are constantly in motion, either advancing or regressing, but never stagnant. It's crucial to recognize the urgency of time and the importance of waking up to the present moment. Yesterday is beyond our control; we cannot alter what has already transpired. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this by urging us to forget what lies behind and to press forward. Dwelling on past failures or successes can hinder our future. Satan's strategy is to keep us fixated on the past, using it as a distraction to prevent us from focusing on the path ahead. Instead of being trapped by the rearview mirror of our past, we should focus on the windshield of Jesus, which guides us toward our future. By doing so, we avoid the pitfalls of the past and move confidently toward the destiny God has set before us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Illusion of Standing Still: In our spiritual lives, we are always in motion. If we are not progressing, we are regressing. This understanding compels us to be intentional about our spiritual growth, recognizing that complacency is not an option. We must actively pursue our relationship with God to ensure we are moving forward. [00:10]

2. The Irreversibility of Yesterday: Yesterday is unchangeable, and dwelling on it can be detrimental to our present and future. By focusing on past mistakes or achievements, we risk missing out on the opportunities of today. Embracing the present moment allows us to make the most of the time we have now. [00:25]

3. The Danger of Rearview Living: Satan's tactic is to keep us looking backward, which can lead to spiritual crashes. By fixating on past events, we lose sight of where God is leading us. Instead, we should use our past as a reference but keep our focus on the future that God has planned for us. [00:41]

4. The Power of Forward Focus: Paul’s exhortation to press on is a call to action. It encourages us to let go of what is behind and to strive toward what lies ahead. This forward focus is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. [00:25]

5. The Windshield of Jesus: Jesus is our guide and our vision for the future. By focusing on Him, we gain clarity and direction for our lives. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope, knowing that He leads us toward our ultimate destination. [00:41]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - The Constant Motion of Faith
[00:25] - Letting Go of Yesterday
[00:41] - The Rearview Mirror Trap
[00:55] - Focusing on the Future
[01:10] - The Windshield of Jesus

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual motion? [00:25]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of Satan in keeping us focused on the past? What metaphor is used to illustrate this point? [00:41]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "windshield of Jesus" in our spiritual journey? [00:41]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Paul emphasize the importance of forgetting the past in Philippians 3:13-14? How does this align with the sermon's message about spiritual progress? [00:25]
2. How does the concept of "rearview living" serve as a distraction in one's spiritual life? What are the potential consequences of this focus? [00:41]
3. In what ways does focusing on Jesus provide clarity and direction for believers, according to the sermon? How does this focus help in overcoming past failures or successes? [00:41]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were fixated on a past mistake or success. How did it affect your present actions and decisions? What steps can you take to shift your focus toward the future? [00:25]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are moving forward in your relationship with God? [00:10]
3. Consider the metaphor of the "windshield of Jesus." What are some practical ways you can keep your focus on Jesus in your daily life? [00:41]
4. How can you recognize when you are being distracted by the "rearview mirror" of your past? What strategies can you implement to avoid these distractions? [00:41]
5. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can focusing on Jesus help you navigate this challenge with confidence and hope? [00:41]
6. What are some specific actions you can take this week to embrace the present moment and make the most of the opportunities God has given you? [00:25]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to focus on their spiritual growth and avoid complacency? What role can you play in supporting their journey? [00:10]

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Progress
In our spiritual journey, we are always in motion. If we are not actively progressing, we are regressing. This understanding compels us to be intentional about our spiritual growth, recognizing that complacency is not an option. We must actively pursue our relationship with God to ensure we are moving forward. The illusion of standing still is a dangerous trap that can lead to spiritual stagnation. By acknowledging the constant motion of faith, we are encouraged to take deliberate steps toward spiritual maturity and growth. [00:10]

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure you are progressing in your spiritual journey rather than regressing?


Day 2: Embracing the Present Moment
Yesterday is unchangeable, and dwelling on it can be detrimental to our present and future. By focusing on past mistakes or achievements, we risk missing out on the opportunities of today. Embracing the present moment allows us to make the most of the time we have now. The irreversibility of yesterday teaches us the importance of living in the present and making conscious choices that align with God's will for our lives. By letting go of the past, we open ourselves to the possibilities and blessings of today. [00:25]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one past event or decision you need to release today to fully embrace the opportunities God is presenting to you now?


Day 3: Avoiding the Rearview Mirror Trap
Satan's tactic is to keep us looking backward, which can lead to spiritual crashes. By fixating on past events, we lose sight of where God is leading us. Instead, we should use our past as a reference but keep our focus on the future that God has planned for us. The danger of rearview living is that it distracts us from the path ahead and the purpose God has for our lives. By shifting our focus from the past to the future, we can avoid spiritual pitfalls and move confidently toward our destiny. [00:41]

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your past as a reference point without allowing it to dictate your future? What practical steps can you take to focus on the path God has set before you?


Day 4: Pressing Onward with Purpose
Paul’s exhortation to press on is a call to action. It encourages us to let go of what is behind and to strive toward what lies ahead. This forward focus is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. By pressing onward with purpose, we align ourselves with God's plan and open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. This journey requires intentionality and perseverance, but it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful life. [00:25]

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to press on with purpose? How can you actively pursue God's calling in this area today?


Day 5: Following the Windshield of Jesus
Jesus is our guide and our vision for the future. By focusing on Him, we gain clarity and direction for our lives. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope, knowing that He leads us toward our ultimate destination. The windshield of Jesus provides us with a clear view of the path ahead, allowing us to move forward with assurance and trust in His guidance. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can overcome obstacles and fulfill the destiny He has set before us. [00:41]

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you focus more on Jesus as your guide and vision for the future? How can this focus change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions?

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Transcript
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