Press On: Pursuing God's High Calling in Christ

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we delve into the profound message of "Press On," inspired by Philippians 3, where Paul speaks to the church in Philippi about the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This calling is not about a position but a pursuit, a race we are all called to run with eternal understanding. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was apprehended by Christ and transformed by grace, illustrating that no past is too dark for God's redemption. We are reminded not to look back at our past failures or achievements but to press forward toward the prize of our high calling. This journey requires us to be apprehended by God, to pursue the finish line with determination, and to engage in active participation in our sanctification.

The high calling is about spiritual maturity, striving to become more like Christ. It is a disciplined and passionate commitment, not a casual pursuit. We are encouraged to run our race with perseverance, not hindered by past failures, but constantly moving forward. God marks us as His own, providing security, authenticity, and certainty in our salvation. We are assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us, even in trials and tribulations. Our journey is about pursuing God with a heart flaming with love, engaging in the race set before us, and trusting that He will complete the work He started in us.

As we partake in communion, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Passover Lamb, whose body was broken and blood shed for our redemption. This act of remembrance is a powerful reminder of the life-giving blood of Christ and the eternal life it grants us. We are called to examine our hearts, repent, and press on with renewed strength and commitment to our high calling in Christ Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

1. The High Calling of God: Our high calling is not a position but a pursuit of spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness. It requires us to run the race with eternal understanding, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. This journey is about becoming more like Christ, striving for spiritual growth and maturity. [05:54]

2. Pressing On with Determination: Pressing on is a disciplined and passionate commitment, not a casual pursuit. It involves perseverance, not being hindered by past failures or achievements, but constantly moving forward. This pursuit requires intentional effort and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. [16:05]

3. God's Assurance and Security: God marks every believer as His own, providing security, authenticity, and certainty in our salvation. We are assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us, even in trials and tribulations. This assurance gives us the strength to press on in our race. [21:52]

4. The Power of Communion: Communion is a powerful act of remembrance of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. It reminds us of the life-giving blood of Christ and the eternal life it grants us. We are called to examine our hearts, repent, and press on with renewed strength and commitment to our high calling. [48:20]

5. Running the Race with Perseverance: Our journey is about pursuing God with a heart flaming with love, engaging in the race set before us, and trusting that He will complete the work He started in us. We are encouraged to run our race with perseverance, not hindered by past failures, but constantly moving forward. [49:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:03] - Introduction to Press On
- [05:54] - The High Calling of God
- [10:26] - Running the Race
- [16:05] - Pressing On with Determination
- [17:29] - The Role of the Church
- [19:37] - Staying in Your Lane
- [20:58] - Active Participation in Sanctification
- [21:52] - God's Assurance and Security
- [23:18] - Trials and Tribulations
- [26:17] - Overcoming Challenges
- [28:45] - Trusting God's Provision
- [30:55] - The Danger of Looking Back
- [32:49] - Lessons from Lot's Wife
- [34:17] - The Consequences of Disobedience
- [39:12] - Pursuing the Finish Line
- [40:39] - Communion Preparation
- [48:20] - The Power of Communion
- [49:46] - Conclusion and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Press On"

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:12-15
- Hebrews 13:5-6
- Genesis 19:15, 26

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says he is "apprehended by Christ" in Philippians 3:12-15? How does this concept relate to his past as a persecutor of Christians? [05:54]

2. In the sermon, what are the three key actions mentioned that believers should take in their spiritual journey? [03:03]

3. How does the story of Lot's wife in Genesis 19:26 illustrate the danger of looking back, according to the sermon? [32:49]

4. What assurance does Hebrews 13:5-6 provide to believers as they press on in their spiritual race? [21:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle illustrate the power of God's grace and redemption? [03:03]

2. What does it mean to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus," and how does this relate to spiritual maturity? [05:54]

3. How can the act of communion serve as a reminder of our commitment to press on in our faith journey? [48:20]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can actively participate in their sanctification process? [20:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt apprehended by God. How did that experience change your perspective or direction in life? [03:03]

2. What are some past failures or achievements that might be hindering your spiritual progress? How can you let go of them to press forward? [16:05]

3. How can you cultivate a heart "flaming with love" for God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply in your spiritual race? [10:26]

4. In what ways can you ensure that your pursuit of spiritual maturity is disciplined and passionate rather than casual? [16:05]

5. How does the assurance of God's presence and security, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:5-6, impact your approach to trials and tribulations? [21:52]

6. During communion, we are called to examine our hearts. What specific areas of your life do you feel need repentance or renewal? [48:20]

7. Identify one specific action you can take this week to press on toward your high calling in Christ. How will you hold yourself accountable to this commitment? [49:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity
The high calling of God is not about attaining a position but engaging in a lifelong pursuit of spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness. This journey requires an eternal perspective, where believers are encouraged to run their race with the understanding that their ultimate goal is to become more like Christ. It involves striving for spiritual growth and maturity, recognizing that this is a disciplined and passionate commitment rather than a casual pursuit. As Paul illustrates in Philippians 3, the focus is on pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus, which is a transformative journey of becoming more like Him. [05:54]

Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV): "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively pursue spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness in your daily life?


Day 2: Perseverance in the Race
Pressing on with determination is a disciplined and passionate commitment that requires perseverance. It involves not being hindered by past failures or achievements but constantly moving forward with intentional effort and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. This pursuit is not a casual endeavor but a deliberate and focused journey that demands active participation. Believers are encouraged to press on with determination, understanding that their past does not define them, and they are called to run their race with perseverance, trusting in God's guidance and strength. [16:05]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What past failures or achievements are you allowing to hinder your progress? How can you lay them aside and press on with determination today?


Day 3: Assurance in God's Security
God's assurance and security are foundational for every believer, providing them with the certainty of their salvation. Believers are marked as God's own, and this assurance gives them the strength to press on in their race, knowing that He will never leave them nor forsake them, even in trials and tribulations. This divine security offers authenticity and certainty, allowing believers to trust in God's promises and His unwavering presence in their lives. It is a reminder that, despite the challenges they may face, they are secure in God's love and grace. [21:52]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's assurance and security? How can you remind yourself of His promises today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Communion
Communion is a powerful act of remembrance of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, reminding believers of the life-giving blood of Christ and the eternal life it grants them. It is a call to examine their hearts, repent, and press on with renewed strength and commitment to their high calling in Christ Jesus. This sacred act serves as a reminder of the profound love and grace of God, encouraging believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and renew their dedication to pursuing God with a heart flaming with love. [48:20]

1 Corinthians 11:26-28 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup."

Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what areas of your heart need examination and repentance? How can you renew your commitment to your high calling in Christ today?


Day 5: Running with a Heart of Love
Running the race with perseverance involves pursuing God with a heart flaming with love, engaging in the race set before believers, and trusting that He will complete the work He started in them. This journey is about moving forward with determination, not hindered by past failures, but constantly striving to become more like Christ. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision and guidance, knowing that He is faithful to complete the work He began in them, and to run their race with a heart full of love and devotion. [49:46]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart flaming with love for God and others as you run your race today? What practical steps can you take to ensure you do not grow weary in doing good?

Quotes

"Paul uses this to describe his intense, deliberate effort to attain the ultimate goal of Christ-likeness and the heavenly calling. The pursuit, now listen, is not casual, but marked by a disciplined and passionate commitment." [00:16:42]

"Active participation and sanctification is what Paul highlights the believer's responsibility to actively pursue spiritual growth. While salvation is a gift, pressing on requires intentional effort and cooperation with the Holy Ghost. The goal is the ultimate purpose of Christian life, knowing Christ fully." [00:20:14]

"Persistence, determination, the imagery of pressing on suggests perseverance, not being hindered by what? Past failures or achievements, but constantly moving forward. Praise God. In this we have ownership. God marks every believer as His own." [00:21:04]

"God marks every believer as His own. If you're taking notes again, in the midst of this message, He gives us ownership. In other words, God marks believers as His own. Another thing He does is gives us security. Believers are what? Assured of their salvation." [00:21:25]

"And finally, another thing He does is He gives us certainty. Believers know that they belong to God. Ownership. God marks believers as His own. Security. Believers are assured of their salvation. Authenticity. Believers are protected by the Holy Spirit." [00:22:03]

"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. In your race He will never leave you." [00:22:43]

"And this is a sacrament or ordinance of the church. And when we take of this communion, I believe something really, really happens in our lives when we put the blood on the doorposts, when we take of the body of Jesus, the element, and we recognize that, and we really take it seriously that by the stripes of Christ we're healed." [00:42:03]

"And when we do this posting forever, we're doing this as a remembrance of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice. And there's power in an anointing. I sense it now. I sense the anointing when I preach in this church. I sense the anointing on you as individuals." [00:43:24]

"The very first thing we want to do is say, Lord, examine me. Check me out. Let Your Word challenge me. See if there's anything in me that I need to lay down before You. You know, when the Bible says there's many sick and weakly among you and die prematurely, that's not us." [00:43:56]

"We don't realize the spiritual significance that has an effect on the lives of others for days to come. You know, there's been things like this. This is also a water baptistry. Why am I talking about this? Because we're talking about communion. We're talking about the high calling. This has a perpetual effect." [00:45:17]

"And every time we do in remembrance, we're not worshiping this communion table. We're not worshiping the brass containers and so forth. But we are recognizing Jesus as being alive in us. And that He's going to do something in us during communion through the Holy Spirit. Isn't that good?" [00:45:44]

"We are pressing onward, Lord God, to the goal to win the prize of God's high calling in Christ Jesus. This calling we know is upward, a heavenly calling that motivates us to strive for spiritual growth and maturity." [00:50:43]

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Transcript
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