Pressing Forward: Embracing God's Strength and Purpose

 

Summary

In our lives, we often carry burdens that weigh us down, burdens that we are not meant to bear alone. We are reminded that God has promised us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. It is essential that we surrender our struggles, whether they be related to school, family, or any other aspect of life, to God. He is the source of strength and wisdom we need to navigate through our challenges.

As we look ahead to the year 2024, it is crucial that we maintain a singular focus on our divine purpose. Jesus Himself, despite facing hostility and the prospect of the cross, remained steadfast in fulfilling the mission God had for Him. We too must resist the distractions that do not contribute to our God-given purpose. Whether God is calling us to serve the needy, start a business, or deepen our spiritual disciplines, we must seek the Holy Spirit's guidance on where to focus our efforts.

In the face of life's trials, including wars, rumors of wars, and diseases, it is imperative that we stay the course and continue to press toward the high calling in Christ Jesus. We must choose to keep our eyes on God, regardless of the distractions that come our way. The enemy seeks to divert our attention, but by focusing on Jesus, we gain a heavenly perspective that enables us to navigate life's journey.

Our relationship with God must be our priority. When it is in order, we can manage all other aspects of life effectively. Conversely, if our relationship with God suffers, everything else can seem chaotic. We must not be swayed by the headlines or personal challenges but instead, pray and remain focused on what God is calling us to do.

As we declare Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," we are empowered to face whatever 2024 may bring. We must affirm God's Word in every situation, knowing that even when we are hard-pressed, we are not crushed; when perplexed, we are not in despair.

The act of pressing, as seen in the production of wine and oil, is symbolic of the Holy Spirit and the anointing. When we are pressed, it can produce something valuable within us. The pressing by the Holy Spirit compels us to action, and as we enter 2024, we must be attuned to the Holy Spirit's prompting.

Finally, we are called to press into God's presence, to zealously pursue Him, and to force our way into the fulfillment of His promises. We must leave behind fear, trauma, and any hindrances, focusing on where we are going rather than where we have been. By pressing toward God, we touch the hem of His garment and find healing and strength.

Key Takeaways:

- God has assured us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When we surrender our struggles to Him, He provides the strength and wisdom we need. This truth should encourage us to lay down our burdens at His feet and trust in His provision. [01:25:22]

- Our focus for the future must be aligned with our divine purpose. Like Jesus, we must not be deterred by distractions or opposition. Instead, we should seek clarity on our God-given mission and pursue it with unwavering commitment. [01:26:55]

- The importance of prioritizing our relationship with God cannot be overstated. When our spiritual foundation is strong, we can effectively manage all other areas of our lives. This principle should guide us to cultivate a deep and consistent connection with God. [01:30:22]

- The pressing of life's challenges can produce spiritual anointing and growth. As we face pressures, we should remember that they can lead to a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit within us, transforming us and equipping us for God's work. [01:16:14]

- Pursuing God with fervency and zeal is essential. We must not be complacent in our spiritual journey but instead actively force our way into God's presence and promises. This pursuit will lead us to a deeper relationship with Him and a more impactful life. [01:18:25]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2. Matthew 24:6-7 - "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom."
3. Isaiah 10:27 - "In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 4:13 say about the source of our strength? How does this verse encourage us in times of difficulty?
2. According to Matthew 24:6-7, what are some of the signs that Jesus mentioned would occur before His return? How should believers respond to these signs? [01:12:04]
3. In Isaiah 10:27, what is promised to happen to the burdens and yokes we carry? How is this related to the anointing? [01:22:16]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how Jesus remained focused on His divine purpose despite distractions and opposition? [01:26:55]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Philippians 4:13 empower believers to face the uncertainties of the future, such as those mentioned in Matthew 24:6-7? [01:28:31]
2. What does it mean to "press toward the high calling in Christ Jesus," and how can this be applied in our daily lives? [01:12:41]
3. How can the concept of "pressing" as described in the sermon (e.g., pressing grapes to produce wine) be understood in the context of spiritual growth and anointing? [01:16:14]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding believers to focus on their divine purpose, according to the sermon? [01:17:02]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current burden you are carrying. How can you practically surrender this burden to God and trust in His provision? [01:25:22]
2. Identify a specific distraction in your life that is hindering your focus on your divine purpose. What steps can you take this week to minimize or eliminate this distraction? [01:26:55]
3. How can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily routine? Share one specific change you can make to deepen your connection with Him. [01:30:22]
4. Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future by remembering that pressing can produce spiritual growth? [01:16:14]
5. What is one area in your life where you feel the Holy Spirit is compelling you to take action? How can you be more attuned to His guidance? [01:17:02]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's pressures. How can the promise of Philippians 4:13 help you to face similar situations in the future? [01:28:31]
7. How can you zealously pursue God and His promises in the coming year? Share a specific goal or commitment you want to make for 2024. [01:18:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Surrendering Burdens to Divine Strength
In life's journey, we often find ourselves laden with burdens that seem insurmountable. These burdens can manifest as stress from work, family responsibilities, or personal challenges that test our faith and resilience. It is in these moments that we must remember the promise that God's yoke is easy and His burden is light. Surrendering to God does not mean giving up, but rather entrusting our struggles to the One who holds infinite wisdom and strength. By laying down our burdens at His feet, we open ourselves to receive His peace and guidance, allowing us to move forward with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.

When we truly let go and trust in God's provision, we find that the obstacles we face are not ours to overcome alone. The act of surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that we are not in control, but that we serve a God who is. It is a daily practice, a conscious decision to hand over our worries and fears to the Almighty, and to rest in the assurance that He is working for our good. [01:25:22]

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Reflection: What is one burden you are holding onto that you need to surrender to God today, and how can you actively trust Him to handle it?

Day 2: Aligning with Our Divine Purpose
As we navigate through life, it is easy to become distracted by the myriad of tasks and demands that vie for our attention. However, it is vital to maintain a laser focus on the divine purpose that has been uniquely crafted for each of us. Just as Jesus remained steadfast in His mission despite the challenges He faced, we too are called to identify and commit to the work God has set before us. This may involve serving others, building a career, or deepening our spiritual walk. Whatever the calling, it is essential to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and to prioritize our actions so that they align with our divine purpose.

Staying true to our calling requires discipline and the willingness to say no to distractions that do not contribute to our God-given mission. It is a commitment to walk the path laid out for us, even when it is not the easiest or most popular choice. By doing so, we honor God and ensure that our lives have a lasting impact that echoes into eternity. [01:26:55]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 ESV

Reflection: What distractions are currently preventing you from fully embracing your God-given purpose, and what practical steps can you take to minimize these distractions?

Day 3: Prioritizing Our Relationship with God
The foundation of our lives is our relationship with God. When this relationship is strong and vibrant, it acts as an anchor, helping us to navigate through the storms of life with grace and confidence. Conversely, when our relationship with God is neglected, every other aspect of our lives can feel chaotic and unmanageable. It is crucial to prioritize our spiritual health, investing time in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and other spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God.

By making our relationship with God the cornerstone of our lives, we ensure that we are grounded in truth and love. This relationship is the lens through which we view the world and make decisions. It is the source of our strength, wisdom, and peace. As we face the headlines and personal challenges that come our way, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to God, knowing that He is sovereign and that His plans for us are good. [01:30:22]

"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." - Psalm 73:28 ESV

Reflection: How can you strengthen your relationship with God this week, and what specific time each day will you set aside for this purpose?

Day 4: Embracing the Pressing for Spiritual Growth
The pressures and challenges of life can often feel like a crushing weight, but it is in these moments of pressing that we have the opportunity for significant spiritual growth. Just as the pressing of olives produces oil and the crushing of grapes produces wine, our trials can lead to a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit within us. This spiritual anointing is not only for our benefit but also equips us to serve others and fulfill God's purposes.

When we face hardships, we should not despair but instead recognize the potential for transformation. The pressing can bring out qualities in us that would otherwise remain dormant, such as perseverance, faith, and compassion. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we become vessels of God's grace, ready to be used for His glory. [01:16:14]

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV

Reflection: What current difficulty in your life can be viewed as an opportunity for spiritual growth, and how can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work in this area?

Day 5: Zealously Pursuing God's Presence
The pursuit of God is not a passive endeavor; it requires zeal, determination, and a fervent desire to draw near to Him. We are called to press into God's presence, to seek Him with all our hearts, and to lay hold of His promises. This pursuit is not without its obstacles, as fear, past traumas, and various hindrances may attempt to keep us from fully experiencing God's love and power. However, by pressing forward, we touch the hem of His garment and find healing and strength for the journey ahead.

To zealously pursue God means to prioritize our spiritual well-being above all else. It is to chase after Him with the same intensity as one would search for a priceless treasure. In doing so, we find that our lives are enriched, our faith is deepened, and our impact on the world around us is magnified. By seeking God's presence, we are transformed into the image of Christ and become beacons of hope in a world that desperately needs it. [01:18:25]

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

Reflection: What does zealously pursuing God look like in your daily life, and what is one change you can make to better seek His presence?

Quotes

"What peace we often forfeit because we do not take it to the Lord in prayer... rather than giving it over to God because he said his yoke is easy and his burden is light." [01:25:22](Download | )

"In 2024, we cannot be distracted by all the different things that don't fulfill purpose... What is God calling you to do in 2024?" [01:26:55](Download | Download Cropped Video)

"It is important that we stay the course, it is important that we continue to press towards the mark of the high calling that is in Christ Jesus." [01:28:31](Download | Download Cropped Video)

"If your relationship with God is in order, then you'll be able to manage everything else... don't be distracted by the headlines or the crime, pray about it." [01:30:22](Download | )

"The pressing is able to produce... when we are crushed, it produces something within us that is able to be used... the pressing... produces the anointing." [01:16:14](Download | )

"In spite of being pressed, when it is you have your yolks and your burdens, when it is the oil is produced, that when it is you continue to pursue and pursue God." [01:20:07](Download | )

"Let us continue to force our way into God's presence, let us continue to force our way into where God wants us to be... focus on where it is you're going." [01:23:05](Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?