Pressing Forward: Embracing Spiritual Growth in Christ
Summary
The message emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual growth and the pursuit of a Christ-centered life, drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul's teachings. It begins with an acknowledgment of human imperfection and the ongoing need for divine guidance and wisdom. The recognition that individuals have not yet reached spiritual maturity or perfection is a humbling admission that sets the stage for the central theme of the message: the pursuit of spiritual progress.
The concept of "forgetting what lies behind" is a powerful metaphor used to illustrate the importance of not dwelling on past mistakes or achievements. The past, with all its successes and failures, is not to be a hindrance to one's spiritual journey. Instead, individuals are encouraged to focus on the present and future, straining forward to what lies ahead. This forward-looking approach is likened to driving a car, where the windshield provides a much larger and clearer view of the road ahead than the rearview mirror does of the road behind.
The message further explores the idea of pressing on toward the goal of spiritual maturity, which is described as the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus." This pursuit is not a passive one but requires active effort and determination. The speaker shares a personal anecdote from a time at the Honor Academy in Tyler, Texas, where a challenging physical experience—carrying heavy burdens while climbing Pikes Peak—served as a metaphor for the spiritual perseverance required to press on in faith.
The message also touches on the concept of identity and belonging, emphasizing that one's true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective is meant to shape how individuals live their lives on earth, with a focus on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly concerns. The transformation of the "lowly body" into a "glorious body" like that of Jesus Christ is presented as a future hope that motivates believers to live in a way that reflects their heavenly citizenship.
The message concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to make a conscious decision to follow Christ and to live lives that are a testament to their faith. The speaker invites those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ to respond to the message and embrace a life of following Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey of faith is marked by a continuous effort to grow spiritually, recognizing that perfection is not yet attained. This pursuit is fueled by the understanding that Christ has claimed believers as His own, and in response, they strive to claim Christ in their lives with the same fervor. This reciprocal relationship is the foundation of a life lived in pursuit of spiritual maturity. [48:37]
- The metaphor of driving, with the windshield representing the future and the rearview mirror the past, serves as a reminder to focus on what lies ahead. The past cannot be changed, but the future holds the promise of growth and the beauty of God's creation. This perspective encourages individuals to leave behind past mistakes and to embrace the path that God has set before them. [51:15]
- The transformation that awaits believers—a change from a lowly body to a glorious one—is not just a physical change but a complete embrace of the fullness of grace, mercy, and love found in Christ. This transformation is a powerful motivator for living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. [01:02:43]
- The concept of heavenly citizenship is a profound truth that shapes the identity and actions of believers. Just as one would confidently declare their earthly nationality, so too should believers confidently live out their identity as citizens of heaven, reflecting the values and priorities of their true home. [01:01:57]
- The call to imitate those who faithfully follow Christ is a call to live a life that is visibly marked by love for Jesus. This imitation is not mere mimicry but a deep, transformative process that aligns one's actions, thoughts, and desires with those of Christ, providing a living example for others to follow. [58:21]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
> "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. 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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
2. Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
> "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he has not "already obtained this" or is "already perfect"? ([44:22])
2. How does Paul describe his past achievements and how does he view them now? ([45:02])
3. What metaphor does Paul use to describe the importance of focusing on the future rather than the past? ([51:15])
4. According to Paul, what is the ultimate goal that believers should press on towards? ([51:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "forget what lies behind" and "strain forward to what lies ahead"? How can this perspective impact a believer's spiritual journey? ([49:58])
2. How does the concept of heavenly citizenship shape the way believers should live their lives on earth? ([01:01:57])
3. What does Paul mean by the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus," and how does this call influence a believer's daily actions and decisions? ([51:15])
4. How does Paul's personal anecdote about climbing Pikes Peak serve as a metaphor for spiritual perseverance? ([52:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to dwell on past mistakes or achievements. How did it affect your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to focus more on the future and God's plan for you? ([49:58])
2. Paul talks about pressing on towards the goal despite not having attained perfection. What are some practical ways you can "press on" in your own faith journey this week? ([51:15])
3. How does the idea of being a citizen of heaven influence your daily decisions and priorities? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to shift your focus to reflect this heavenly citizenship? ([01:01:57])
4. Paul encourages believers to imitate those who faithfully follow Christ. Who in your life serves as a spiritual role model, and how can you emulate their faith and actions? ([58:21])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of making Christ your own, just as He has made you His own. What are some specific ways you can deepen your relationship with Christ and make Him central in your life? ([48:37])
6. Think about the metaphor of the windshield and the rearview mirror. What are some "rearview mirror" distractions in your life that you need to let go of? How can you better focus on the "windshield" view of your spiritual journey? ([51:15])
7. The transformation from a "lowly body" to a "glorious body" is a future hope for believers. How does this promise of transformation motivate you to live a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven? ([01:02:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Spiritual Progression
Spiritual growth is a continuous journey, one that acknowledges the imperfection of human nature while striving for Christ-like maturity. Recognizing that perfection is not yet attained, believers are called to press on, fueled by the knowledge that Christ has made them His own. This reciprocal relationship of claiming Christ with fervor as He has claimed believers is the cornerstone of spiritual development. [48:37]
Philippians 3:12-14 - "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."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can focus on spiritual growth this week, letting go of past failures or successes?
Day 2: Prioritize the Eternal Perspective
The past should not anchor us; instead, we must look forward to the future God has in store. Like driving a car, the focus should be on the vast view ahead, not the limited glimpse behind. This mindset encourages believers to leave behind past mistakes and to embrace the path that God has set before them, focusing on the promise of growth and the beauty of God's creation. [51:15]
Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Reflection: What past experiences are you holding onto that might be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you begin to let them go?
Day 3: Anticipate Transformation in Christ
Believers await a transformation that transcends the physical, embodying the fullness of grace, mercy, and love found in Christ. This future change from a lowly body to a glorious one is a powerful motivator for living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven. The hope of this transformation inspires a life lived in anticipation of what is to come. [01:02:43]
1 Corinthians 15:49-51 - "And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."
Reflection: How does the hope of transformation into a glorious body like Christ's influence your daily actions and decisions?
Day 4: Live as Citizens of Heaven
The profound truth of heavenly citizenship shapes the identity and actions of believers. Just as one confidently declares their earthly nationality, believers are called to confidently live out their identity as citizens of heaven, reflecting its values and priorities. This identity should inform every aspect of life, encouraging a focus on eternal values over temporary, earthly concerns. [01:01:57]
Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and demonstrate your heavenly citizenship in your daily life?
Day 5: Imitate Faithful Followers of Christ
The call to imitate those who faithfully follow Christ is a transformative process that aligns one's life with His teachings. This imitation involves a deep commitment to embodying the love of Jesus in every action, thought, and desire, providing a living example for others to follow. Believers are encouraged to live visibly marked by their love for Jesus. [58:21]
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 - "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."
Reflection: Who are the faithful followers of Christ you can look to as models, and what is one way you can imitate their faith and devotion in your own life today?
Quotes
1) "I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. We are his prize possession... and so Paul recognizes that I am nothing... but I'm striving wholeheartedly to be his because he has made me his own." [48:37] (Download)
2) "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." [51:15] (Download)
3) "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious Body by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." [01:02:43] (Download)
4) "Brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us... you have examples, you have me, you have others that show you what it is to look like a Christian." [58:21] (Download)
5) "I haven't made it yet, I'm not good enough, and I never will be, but I press on... because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Do you really strive... to make Christ Jesus your own, that nothing else matters?" [46:19] (Download)
6) "There's a reason that when you're driving a car, the rearview mirror is a smaller window compared to the big windshield... you can see what's ahead and you can see the beauty... forget what lies behind and... strain to go forward." [51:15] (Download)
7) "I want so badly to make Christ my own because God in heaven, Christ Jesus, has made me his own... I took care of it as such, and Paul is saying I want so badly to make Christ my own because He has made me His own." [47:49] (Download)
8) "I'm so glad, Lord, you gave me this ability to get to the top. I know what it's like to persevere now... and the reward of that is out of this world... I'm just reminded of God's goodness and Paul says I press on." [56:25] (Download)
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