Pressing On: Embracing Growth and Redemption in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the theme of "Pressing On" as we approach a new year, drawing inspiration from Philippians 3:12-16. We began by acknowledging God's faithfulness and the importance of continually tasting and seeing His goodness, as encouraged in Psalm 34:8. This tasting is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of experiencing and growing in the Lord. As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's crucial to keep pressing forward, not allowing past failures or external threats to hinder our progress.
The Apostle Paul serves as a profound example of this perseverance. Despite his imperfections and past mistakes, Paul pressed on toward the goal of eternal life with Christ. He recognized his position as a forgiven and redeemed believer, yet he acknowledged that he had not yet attained the final resurrection. This awareness did not lead to complacency but rather fueled his determination to keep moving forward.
Paul's message to the Philippians, and to us, is to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead. This involves a conscious decision to let go of past failures and regrets, understanding that forgetting is an ongoing process. It's about neglecting those things that hinder our progress and instead focusing on the eternal prize.
Moreover, Paul encourages maturity in our walk with Christ. This maturity, or ripening, is about growing into the fullness of what God has for us. It's a process that requires patience and a willingness to be taught by God. Whether we are mature or still growing, we are called to walk by the same rule and be of the same mind, collectively pursuing the course set before us.
As we enter a new year, let us individually and collectively press on, confident in our redemption and united in purpose. Let us not be hindered by the past but instead reach forward to the new things God has in store for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Continual Tasting of God's Goodness: Our relationship with God is meant to be ongoing, where we continually taste and see His goodness. This involves a life of praise and trust, recognizing that God is of benefit to us. We should hunger for more of Him, especially as we enter a new year. [45:41]
2. Pressing On Despite Imperfections: Like Paul, we must acknowledge our imperfections but not be defined by them. Instead, we press on toward the goal of eternal life with Christ, understanding that our salvation is secure, but we are still in the process of attaining the resurrection. [47:56]
3. Forgetting the Past: Forgetting is an ongoing process that requires us to neglect what hinders our progress. It's not about erasing memories but choosing not to let them hold us back. This allows us to reach forward to what God has for us. [01:12:52]
4. Maturing in Christ: Maturity in our faith involves growing into the fullness of what God has for us. It's a process that requires patience and a willingness to be taught by God. Whether mature or still growing, we are called to walk by the same rule and be of the same mind. [01:19:52]
5. Collective Pursuit of God's Purpose: As a church, we are called to walk together, united in purpose and focused on our redemption. Let us not be divided by secondary issues but leverage our unity for God's glory, pressing on to what He has for us in the coming year. [01:29:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:19] - Introduction and Announcements
- [35:26] - Introduction to Philippians 3
- [41:44] - Pressing On: A Call to Action
- [45:41] - Tasting and Seeing God's Goodness
- [47:56] - Paul's Example of Perseverance
- [51:16] - External and Internal Threats to Joy
- [54:00] - Overcoming Self-Criticism
- [56:23] - Recognizing Our Position
- [58:16] - The Goal of Resurrection
- [01:01:32] - Pressing On Toward Eternity
- [01:06:21] - Reaching Forward
- [01:12:52] - The Ongoing Process of Forgetting
- [01:19:52] - Maturing in Christ
- [01:29:34] - Collective Pursuit of God's Purpose
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Pressing On
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:12-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says he has not yet "attained" or been "perfected" in Philippians 3:12? How does this relate to his goal of pressing on? [41:44]
2. In the sermon, how is the concept of "tasting and seeing that the Lord is good" from Psalm 34:8 explained? What does it mean to continually taste God's goodness? [45:41]
3. How does Paul describe his approach to past failures and regrets in Philippians 3:13? What is the significance of "forgetting what lies behind"? [01:12:52]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of maturity in our walk with Christ, as mentioned in Philippians 3:15? [01:19:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's acknowledgment of his imperfections in Philippians 3:12-13 serve as an encouragement for believers who struggle with their own shortcomings? [47:56]
2. What does it mean to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" in practical terms for a believer today? [01:08:42]
3. How can the process of "forgetting" past failures, as described in the sermon, be an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event? [01:12:52]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that maturity in Christ involves both individual growth and collective unity within the church? [01:29:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a past failure or regret that you find difficult to forget. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of letting go and reaching forward? [01:12:52]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel spiritually immature. What practical steps can you take to grow in maturity and align your mind with Christ's purpose? [01:19:52]
3. Consider the concept of "tasting and seeing" God's goodness. How can you incorporate more moments of praise and trust in your daily routine to experience His goodness continually? [45:41]
4. What is your primary goal or motivation in life? How can you realign your focus to prioritize your eternal relationship with Christ above all else? [01:08:42]
5. Think about a specific way you can contribute to the collective pursuit of God's purpose within your church community. How can you foster unity and support others in their spiritual journey? [01:29:34]
6. Reflect on a time when your critical inner voice was louder than God's voice. How can you practice silencing that voice and instead listen to God's truth about your identity and purpose? [54:00]
7. As you enter the new year, what is one specific area where you want to press on and see growth in your spiritual life? What steps will you take to pursue this goal? [01:05:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Continual Pursuit of God's Goodness
In our spiritual journey, we are called to continually taste and see the goodness of God. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing experience that deepens our relationship with Him. Psalm 34:8 encourages us to "taste and see that the Lord is good," reminding us that our walk with God is meant to be dynamic and ever-growing. As we approach a new year, we should hunger for more of Him, recognizing that His goodness is a source of strength and joy. This continual pursuit involves a life of praise and trust, acknowledging that God is always working for our benefit. [45:41]
Psalm 34:8-9 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!"
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally seek to experience God's goodness today, perhaps through prayer, worship, or serving others?
Day 2: Pressing On Despite Imperfections
The Apostle Paul serves as a profound example of perseverance, acknowledging his imperfections yet pressing on toward the goal of eternal life with Christ. He understood that while his salvation was secure, he was still in the process of attaining the resurrection. This awareness did not lead to complacency but fueled his determination to keep moving forward. We, too, must recognize our imperfections but not be defined by them. Instead, we are called to press on, understanding that our journey with Christ is ongoing and requires resilience and faith. [47:56]
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."
Reflection: What is one imperfection or past mistake that you need to release to God today, trusting Him to help you move forward?
Day 3: The Ongoing Process of Forgetting
Forgetting the past is an ongoing process that requires us to neglect what hinders our progress. It's not about erasing memories but choosing not to let them hold us back. Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead, focusing on the eternal prize. This conscious decision to let go of past failures and regrets allows us to embrace the new things God has for us. As we enter a new year, let us be intentional in this process, trusting God to guide us into His plans and purposes. [01:12:52]
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 is one past failure or regret that you can choose to let go of today, allowing God to lead you into new opportunities?
Day 4: Maturing in Christ
Maturity in our faith involves growing into the fullness of what God has for us. This process requires patience and a willingness to be taught by God. Whether we are mature or still growing, we are called to walk by the same rule and be of the same mind, collectively pursuing the course set before us. As we mature in Christ, we become more attuned to His voice and more aligned with His will. This ripening process is essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom. [01:19:52]
Ephesians 4:13-15 (ESV): "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you feel God is calling you to mature, and how can you take a step toward that growth today?
Day 5: United in Purpose
As a church, we are called to walk together, united in purpose and focused on our redemption. Paul encourages us to not be divided by secondary issues but to leverage our unity for God's glory. This collective pursuit of God's purpose requires us to be of the same mind, working together to advance His kingdom. As we enter a new year, let us embrace this unity, supporting and encouraging one another as we press on to what God has for us. [01:29:34]
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and purpose of your church community today, perhaps through prayer, encouragement, or service?
Quotes
Press on and I would like to begin with the psalm for you. You could jot it down. It is psalm 34 verse 8. Psalm 34 verse 8 says the following. It says oh and you've probably heard this before. It says oh taste and see that the Lord is good. [00:43:29] (16 seconds)
Blessed is the man who trusts in him. Have you read that verse before? Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. I read that. I sense that it's almost as if King David who is the author of psalm 34 almost as if he's challenging us isn't he? [00:44:18] (17 seconds)
Taste and see is just saying, just try a little bit of the Lord. Ascertain, just try it so that you would know what it is. And when the Bible uses that term to speak, to taste, it's talking about, yes, a salvation, but it's also talking about that subsequent life of enjoyment and pleasure in him. [00:45:41] (21 seconds)
And that tasting should be done. I want to suggest to you, often, we should want more of that. However, I find that for many people, they don't. And I don't know what it is. Perhaps, some people think that we're supposed to savor that taste once. [00:47:00] (16 seconds)
We taste of the Lord at salvation and then I don't need to taste or he doesn't want me to taste or I shouldn't taste anymore. Perhaps some think that it's supposed to be that one-time thing. But did you know that we're supposed to keep on tasting, keep on learning, and keep on growing in the Lord? [00:47:43] (20 seconds)
We were made for a continual, consistent relationship with God. And I couldn't think of a better example of that than that one here of the Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 3. Let me tell you a little bit about the Apostle Paul. He was a man who was... [00:49:17] (17 seconds)
Paul was a man of many mistakes. And he was a man who made bad decisions. However, what he did with it is what is commendable of Paul. That's what's important. Not that we make mistakes or that we drop the ball here and there, but it's what do we do when we end up in that place? [00:49:36] (19 seconds)
Paul somehow acknowledged it, confessed the Bible, and he was able to do it. And he was able to do those things. He put it behind him and then he pressed on. Hence my title. Did I tell you my title for today? Press on. That's my title. Press on. [00:50:36] (13 seconds)
Paul's goal and his running swiftly toward was that someday he would hear, well done, my good and faithful servant. He ran toward that before running to anything else. And I think that is key. And so my question for us this morning is, what are we running to? [01:08:16] (24 seconds)
The key, according to Paul here, is to keep eternity as a goal. I press on for that which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Now, when we do that, then everything else in this life fits around it. It's that first. We cannot get the cart before the horse. [01:08:41] (23 seconds)
And Paul is saying, no, no, no. I press on for that which Christ has laid hold of me in eternity. That is my focus. That is what I want. Now, things and experiences, let me just make sure I say this. Things, whatever things come to your mind, whatever hobbies you have, whatever pursuits you have in this life, those things are good. [01:09:34] (23 seconds)
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