Pressing Forward: Embracing Our Journey with Christ
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound biblical truth that as followers of Christ, we are called to a life of forward momentum, marked by a relentless pursuit of Jesus and His kingdom. We delved into the story of Lot's wife, a cautionary tale that warns us against the dangers of looking back when God is calling us to move forward. We are reminded that Jesus Himself referenced this story when speaking of the coming of the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of not getting caught up in the past.
We also discussed the significance of the kingdom of God on earth, as proclaimed by John the Baptist, and the urgency of promoting this kingdom here and now. This kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality that we are to actively engage with, without the hindrance of past entanglements.
The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians served as a central text, where he shares his personal journey of pressing on towards the goal of knowing Christ more intimately. Paul's past accolades and religious achievements, which he once considered valuable, are now deemed worthless compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus. This shift from a religion-based identity to a relationship-based pursuit is at the heart of our Christian walk.
We were also encouraged to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles or challenges we face. The Christian life is not one of complacency but of active engagement and growth. We are to forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead, pursuing the upward call of God in Christ Jesus with passion and determination.
In summary, our Christian journey is one of continuous movement towards Christ, marked by a steadfast refusal to be held back by our past. We are to embrace the love of Christ, which has been extended to us, and allow it to propel us forward in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The story of Lot's wife serves as a powerful reminder that looking back can lead to spiritual stagnation or even demise. As believers, we must heed Jesus' warning and keep our focus on the path ahead, promoting the kingdom of God on earth and preparing for His return. [54:20]
2. The Apostle Paul's transformation from a religious zealot to a passionate follower of Christ teaches us that our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our religious achievements or adherence to the law. This shift is essential for genuine spiritual growth and fulfillment. [39:26]
3. The Christian life is not meant to be static but dynamic, characterized by a continuous pursuit of Jesus. We are called to press on, forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, embodying a life of worship in all that we do. [01:01:57]
4. Pursuing the Champion's prize requires intentionality and aggression. We are not called to passivity but to actively fight the good fight of faith, equipped with the armor of God and standing firm in the face of adversity. [01:05:08]
5. Our ultimate goal is not the fleeting accolades of this world but the eternal prize of the heavenward call in Christ Jesus. As we navigate through life, we must prioritize our spiritual goals and invest in what will last beyond this lifetime. [01:07:47]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV)
> "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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."
2. Genesis 19:26 (NIV)
> "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."
3. Luke 17:32 (NIV)
> "Remember Lot’s wife!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul express as his ultimate goal in Philippians 3:10-14?
2. How does the story of Lot's wife serve as a warning in Genesis 19:26 and Luke 17:32?
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges we might face when trying to "keep pushing" in our Christian walk? [42:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead in Philippians 3:13-14? How does this relate to our spiritual growth?
2. How does the story of Lot's wife illustrate the dangers of looking back when God calls us to move forward? [54:20]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus rather than our religious achievements? [39:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually stuck. What was holding you back, and how did you overcome it, or how can you overcome it now? [50:47]
2. Are there any past achievements or failures that you find yourself constantly looking back on? How can you shift your focus to what lies ahead in your walk with Christ? [52:16]
3. The sermon encourages us to "keep pushing" despite challenges. What specific obstacles are you currently facing, and how can you apply the principle of pressing on in these situations? [42:49]
4. How can you actively promote the kingdom of God in your daily life, as John the Baptist proclaimed? What steps can you take to engage with this present reality? [55:49]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to be more intentional and aggressive in your pursuit of spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take this week to move forward in that area? [01:05:08]
6. How can you ensure that your identity is rooted in your relationship with Jesus rather than in your religious or worldly achievements? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine or mindset? [39:26]
7. Think of a specific way you can embody a life of worship in your daily activities. How can you make your everyday actions a reflection of your pursuit of Jesus? [01:01:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Progress, Not the Past
The biblical narrative of Lot's wife serves as a stark reminder of the perils of dwelling on what we've left behind. As believers, we are called to a life of forward momentum, where our gaze is fixed on the path that lies ahead. This journey is not merely about avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia but about actively engaging in the work of the kingdom of God. It is about recognizing that our past, with all its triumphs and failures, must not become an anchor that hinders our spiritual progress. Instead, we are to learn from it and then let it go, allowing ourselves to be drawn by the transformative love of Christ into a future filled with hope and purpose. The story of Lot's wife is not just a cautionary tale but a clarion call to keep moving forward, to grow, and to flourish in our faith. [54:20]
"But Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'" - Luke 9:62
Reflection: Reflect on an aspect of your past that you find yourself revisiting often. How can you entrust this to God and allow Him to guide you forward today?
Day 2: Identity Rooted in Christ
The transformation of the Apostle Paul from a religious zealot to a passionate follower of Christ is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of a relationship with Jesus. It is a vivid illustration that our true identity is not found in our religious accomplishments or adherence to the law but in the intimate knowledge of Christ. This shift from a religion-based identity to a relationship-based pursuit is essential for genuine spiritual growth and fulfillment. As we follow Paul's example, we learn to count all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. Our accolades and achievements, once sources of pride, become insignificant as we seek to deepen our relationship with the Savior. This pursuit is the heart of our Christian walk, a journey that continually calls us to discover more of who Jesus is and who we are in Him. [39:26]
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." - Philippians 3:8
Reflection: What religious achievements or past accolades might you be holding onto that could be hindering your relationship with Christ? How can you shift your focus to deepen your personal connection with Him?
Day 3: Dynamic Faith in Action
Christianity is not a passive faith; it is dynamic and active, characterized by a continuous pursuit of Jesus. We are called to press on, to forget what is behind, and to strain towards what is ahead. This pursuit is not a leisurely walk but a race that requires discipline, effort, and a singular focus on the goal of knowing Christ more intimately. Our lives are to be an embodiment of worship, where every action and decision is an expression of our love for Jesus. This means that we must be intentional in our spiritual disciplines, in our service to others, and in our personal growth. The Christian life is a journey of transformation, where we are constantly being shaped into the likeness of Christ. [01:01:57]
"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
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to actively pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, and how can you incorporate that into your daily routine?
Day 4: The Fight for Faith
The Christian life is often likened to a battle, one that requires us to be intentional and aggressive in our pursuit of the Champion's prize. We are not called to a life of passivity but to actively fight the good fight of faith. This means being equipped with the full armor of God, standing firm against adversity, and advancing the kingdom of God with courage and determination. Our faith is not just a belief system but a call to action, a mandate to live out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. As we engage in this fight, we do so with the assurance that we are not alone; Christ is with us, empowering us to overcome every obstacle and to emerge victorious. [01:05:08]
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." - 1 Timothy 6:12
Reflection: What is one area in your spiritual life where you need to take a more active stance, and what practical steps can you take to engage in the fight of faith today?
Day 5: Investing in Eternity
Our ultimate goal as believers is not the fleeting accolades of this world but the eternal prize of the heavenward call in Christ Jesus. As we navigate through life, it is crucial that we prioritize our spiritual goals and invest in what will last beyond this lifetime. This means making decisions that have eternal significance, such as nurturing our relationship with God, serving others, and spreading the gospel. Our time on earth is short, and how we choose to spend it will determine our legacy. By focusing on the eternal prize, we align our lives with God's purposes and store up treasures in heaven that will never fade away. [01:07:47]
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14
Reflection: What is one way you can invest in your eternal future today, and how can you begin to prioritize your spiritual goals over worldly achievements?
Quotes
1) "We press on in the pursuit of Jesus Christ, we are reminded to not look back. [...] you keep looking back, you keep letting the things of the past haunt you and hinder you from moving to the place God wants you to be to win that prize and Achieve that goal." [52:16](Download | )
2) "The Apostle Paul says but whatever we're gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [...] Jesus Christ is sick and tired of sharing our gains in him with the gains of the world." [01:10:08](Download | )
3) "The Apostle Paul being the good Southern Baptist preacher that I know he was lays out a three-point sermon in just two verses. [...] forgetting what is behind, straining toward what is ahead, and press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." [48:28](Download | )
4) "The Apostle Paul says that he is pushing ahead, he is pressing on to grab that is what Paul says that we need to take hold of, that we need to take care of, and we need to secure." [43:20](Download | )
5) "The Christian life is about more than surviving; it's about thriving. Jesus Christ said that he come to bring life and life to the full, a life of abundance for you and with his power and his strength." [51:43](Download | )
6) "The prize of this life is not in what we receive here but in the Eternal prize of the heavenward call in Christ Jesus. [...] the one thing that you have is the goals that you accomplish that will be transferred into eternity." [01:07:47](Download | )
7) "We become so haughty of ourselves that we think we can do it all ourselves. We ought to be reaching out, crying, and remember who he is and who we are. He is king of kings and Lord of lords, and we're just ones that's been saved by his grace." [01:03:30](Download | )
8) "The Apostle Paul simplifies this pursuit to the simplified task of pressing on and taking hold. [...] we passionately pursue the upward call of the passionate love of Christ Jesus." [44:27](Download | )
9) "The Apostle Paul says I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus Took hold of me. [...] that is the passion and the reason he says for which Jesus Took hold of me." [43:54](Download | )
10) "The Apostle Paul says but whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [...] Jesus Christ is sick and tired of sharing our gains in him with the gains of the world." [01:10:08](Download | )
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