Pressing Forward: Embracing Christ's Strength and Grace
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound truths found in Philippians 3 and the story of Elijah, focusing on the themes of forgetting the past and pressing forward in our Christian journey. Paul, writing from prison, reminds us that despite his accomplishments and sufferings, he has not yet arrived at perfection. He emphasizes the importance of forgetting what lies behind—both the good and the bad—and straining toward what is ahead. This is not about ignoring our past but understanding that through Christ's atoning work on the cross, our sins are forgiven, and we are free to move forward without the burden of past failures or successes.
Paul's message is clear: our ability to press on is rooted in the fact that Christ has already taken hold of us. This divine grace is both our goal and the means by which we pursue it. We are encouraged to reach out for Christ because He has already reached out for us. This truth is a source of strength and hope, especially when we feel like Elijah, sitting under the broom tree, overwhelmed by the journey ahead.
Elijah's story illustrates that even the most faithful servants of God can experience moments of despair and exhaustion. Yet, it is in these moments that God draws near. The pre-incarnate Christ met Elijah under the broom tree, providing sustenance and strength for the journey. This encounter reminds us that God sees us in our struggles, meets us in our lowest points, and equips us for the path ahead.
As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded that our hope and strength come from Christ, who has already laid hold of us. We are encouraged to let go of the past, trust in God's provision, and press on toward the future with confidence in His sustaining grace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Forgetting the Past: To move forward in our Christian journey, we must let go of both our past failures and successes. This is not about denial but about embracing the freedom and forgiveness offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross. Our past does not define us; Christ's grace does. [06:32]
2. Christ's Hold on Us: Our ability to press on is rooted in the truth that Christ has already taken hold of us. This divine grace is both our goal and the means by which we pursue it. We reach out for Christ because He has already reached out for us, providing us with the strength to continue. [09:26]
3. God Sees Us in Our Struggles: Like Elijah under the broom tree, we may feel overwhelmed and alone. Yet, God sees us in our struggles and meets us in our lowest points. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never truly alone. [15:39]
4. Provision for the Journey: God knows the journey is too great for us to handle on our own. He provides the spiritual nourishment and strength we need to press forward. Our insufficiency is met with His sufficiency, enabling us to fulfill His call on our lives. [18:05]
5. Hope in Christ: Our hope is anchored in the fact that Christ has already laid hold of us. This assurance allows us to press on with confidence, knowing that He is with us, strengthening us for the journey ahead. Our hope and strength are found in Him alone. [22:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading
- [01:15] - Themes in Philippians: Partnership, Suffering, Unity
- [02:45] - Paul's Gratitude to the Philippians
- [04:00] - Suffering for Christ: Examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus
- [05:30] - Unity in the Gospel: The Mind of Christ
- [06:32] - Forgetting the Past: Embracing Freedom in Christ
- [08:00] - Pressing On: Christ's Hold on Us
- [09:26] - Divine Grace: Our Goal and Means
- [11:55] - Elijah's Story: From Mountaintop to Broom Tree
- [13:30] - God's Presence in Our Struggles
- [15:39] - Encouragement from Elijah's Journey
- [18:05] - Provision for the Journey: God's Strength
- [20:00] - Hope in Christ: Our Anchor
- [22:03] - Closing Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:12-14
2. 1 Kings 19:1-8
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Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 3:12-14, what does Paul say about his own spiritual journey and his approach to the Christian life? How does he describe his past and future? [09:26]
2. How does the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 illustrate the theme of feeling overwhelmed and needing God's provision? What specific actions does God take to support Elijah? [15:39]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three things we need to forget from our past to move forward in our Christian journey? [06:32]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between divine grace and our ability to press on in our faith journey? [09:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Paul to "forget what lies behind" and "strain forward to what lies ahead"? How might this apply to both positive and negative past experiences? [06:32]
2. How does the story of Elijah under the broom tree serve as a metaphor for moments of despair in our own lives? What does this story teach about God's presence in our struggles? [15:39]
3. The sermon mentions that Christ has already "taken hold of us." How does this concept provide strength and motivation for believers to continue their spiritual journey? [09:26]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's provision is sufficient for the journey ahead, even when we feel inadequate? [18:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a past failure or success that you find difficult to let go of. How can you apply Paul's teaching to "forget what lies behind" in your own life? What steps can you take this week to move forward? [06:32]
2. When have you felt like Elijah under the broom tree, overwhelmed and exhausted? How did you experience God's presence during that time, or how might you seek it now? [15:39]
3. Consider a current challenge or goal in your life. How does knowing that Christ has already "taken hold of you" change your perspective or approach to this situation? [09:26]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel insufficient for the task ahead. How can you rely on God's provision and strength to meet this challenge? What practical steps can you take to trust in His sufficiency? [18:05]
5. How can you remind yourself daily of the hope and strength found in Christ, especially when facing difficult circumstances? What practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to reinforce this truth? [22:03]
6. Think of a time when you felt God's comfort in your struggles. How can you use that experience to comfort others who may be going through similar situations? [15:39]
7. What is one specific way you can press on toward your spiritual goals this week, knowing that Christ is with you and strengthening you for the journey? [22:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Freedom from the Past
In our Christian journey, letting go of past failures and successes is crucial. This isn't about denying our history but embracing the freedom and forgiveness offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross. Our past does not define us; Christ's grace does. By understanding that our sins are forgiven, we can move forward without the burden of past mistakes or achievements. This freedom allows us to focus on the present and future, living a life that reflects Christ's love and grace. [06:32]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past failure or success are you holding onto that you need to release to embrace the freedom Christ offers today?
Day 2: Christ's Grasp on Our Lives
Our ability to press on in our faith is rooted in the truth that Christ has already taken hold of us. This divine grace is both our goal and the means by which we pursue it. We reach out for Christ because He has already reached out for us, providing us with the strength to continue. This assurance gives us the confidence to move forward, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. [09:26]
John 15:16 (ESV): "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily that Christ has already taken hold of you, and how does this truth impact your actions and decisions?
Day 3: God's Presence in Our Struggles
Like Elijah under the broom tree, we may feel overwhelmed and alone at times. Yet, God sees us in our struggles and meets us in our lowest points. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never truly alone. Even in moments of despair and exhaustion, God draws near, providing the sustenance and strength we need for the journey ahead. [15:39]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: When have you felt overwhelmed and alone, and how can you invite God's presence into your struggles today?
Day 4: God's Provision for Our Journey
God knows the journey is too great for us to handle on our own. He provides the spiritual nourishment and strength we need to press forward. Our insufficiency is met with His sufficiency, enabling us to fulfill His call on our lives. By relying on God's provision, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that He equips us for the path ahead. [18:05]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What specific area of your life feels too great to handle alone, and how can you rely on God's provision to meet your needs?
Day 5: Anchored in Hope through Christ
Our hope is anchored in the fact that Christ has already laid hold of us. This assurance allows us to press on with confidence, knowing that He is with us, strengthening us for the journey ahead. Our hope and strength are found in Him alone, providing us with the courage to face whatever comes our way. By trusting in Christ, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and purpose. [22:03]
Hebrews 6:19 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."
Reflection: How can you anchor your hope in Christ today, and what difference does this make in how you approach your daily challenges?
Quotes
"Not that I have already obtained this or I'm already perfect but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own I do not consider that I've made it my own but one thing I do forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus you hear what Paul is" [00:04:10] (27 seconds)
"All this stuff that I've been talking about, I have not reached it. I'm not doing this perfectly. I'm with you. I'm still a fellow traveler in this process of following Christ, so I'm not a super, you know, I've not achieved it. But he says, this is the thing that I do. This is what I do. And in typical Pauline fashion, he says, this one thing, and then he gives us two, right? There's one thing I do. I forget what lies behind and I strive to what is ahead, this prize and this goal." [00:04:43] (32 seconds)
"So if you're going to press on, you have to forget the past and really believe that the cross is taking care of that. You've got to forget the bad that you've done, you've got to forget the good that you've done. And that's what Paul did in chapter 3. He's got his resume here of all his good works and everything. He says that it's rubbish." [00:06:53] (17 seconds)
"We've got to leave our good in the past as well because if you don't leave your good in the past as you try to press on to the future and you want to take this credit with you into the future, God I deserve for you to be treating me better because of what I have done in the past. I really shouldn't be suffering because of what's been going on in the past and you owe me a little bit more because of what I've done in the past. Can't press on like that. You have to leave in the past the good that you've done. You have to leave in the past the bad that you've done. You have to leave in the past the good that you've done. You have to leave in the past the bad that's been done to you." [00:07:16] (38 seconds)
"Divine grace is both the goal and the means of the Christian life. The reason we press on is because Christ has laid hold of us. So let me take it a little bit different direction this morning. As I was reading this this week for some reason that the Lord brought to my mind the story of Elijah and this idea." [00:10:20] (31 seconds)
"How do you run like Paul when you feel like Elijah? You know the story of Elijah? We first meet Elijah in 1 Kings chapter 17. He just burst on the scene and he comes to the king and says, it's not going to rain except by my word. And then he runs and goes off into hiding. There's a severe drought and a famine, there's no food in the land, so God commands the ravens to feed the prophet." [00:10:51] (25 seconds)
"Then the son dies, and Elijah brings the son back to life. And then he goes to Mount Carmel where he challenges the prophets of Baal. And there's this great challenge, and you build an altar, and I'll build an altar. You pray for your God, I'll pray for the one true God. And the one who answers by fire is the one true God. And they do all their stuff and nothing happens. And then Elijah prays, and fire falls from heaven, right? Victory, after victory, after victory, after victory, after victory." [00:11:28] (27 seconds)
"And the next time we see Elijah, Elijah has run as far as he can, and he sits down under a broom tree, whatever that is. And basically he resigns. I don't want to be a prophet. I don't want to do this anymore. I'm done. I don't even want to live anymore. I'm just going to sit here, starve to death, and I'm going to die." [00:12:10] (21 seconds)
"Since the angel the pre-incarnate Christ comes to Elijah under the broom tree and gives him something to eat and something to drink and Elijah goes to sleep and then wakes him up and says to Elijah the second time and listen to what the angel of the Lord says to Elijah arise and eat for the journey is too great for you and he arose and he ate and he drank and he went in the strength of that food 40 days and 40 nights to the mountain of God." [00:12:54] (31 seconds)
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