Pressing On: Embracing Spiritual Growth and Purpose
Summary
In the shared message, the focus is on the theme of spiritual growth and the journey of faith, drawing from the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians chapter 3. The central idea is that individuals have not yet reached perfection in their Christian walk and that there is always room for growth until the end of one's life. The emphasis is on the continuous effort to pursue the fullness of what Christ has in store for each person.
The message begins by acknowledging that no one has "arrived" at a state of perfection and that the journey of faith is ongoing. The encouragement is to "press on" to lay hold of all that Christ has intended, which requires a forward-looking mindset. The idea is to leave behind past failures and successes alike and to focus on the present and future that God has planned.
A personal anecdote is shared about the importance of being present in the lives of loved ones, particularly within the family context. The story of a father being physically present but not fully engaged with his child illustrates the broader spiritual principle of being fully present in the moment and attentive to God's direction.
The message also touches on the dangers of lukewarm faith, referencing the book of Revelation's admonition against being neither cold nor hot. A personal story from college days highlights the speaker's own experience with lukewarm living and the decision to wholeheartedly pursue a life of faith.
The concept of God doing a new thing is introduced, emphasizing that God is always at work and desires to do new things in people's lives. The importance of living in the present is underscored, with the understanding that each day is a gift and an opportunity to live for Christ.
The message further explores the idea of leaving the past behind, both the bad and the good. It is suggested that dwelling on past hurts or resting on past spiritual accomplishments can hinder progress in the faith journey. Instead, individuals are encouraged to move forward, trusting that God has more in store for them.
The message concludes with a look to the future, reminding listeners that life on earth is temporary and that what is done for Christ will have eternal significance. The speaker shares a personal story about running track in high school and the lesson learned about pacing oneself for the long run, drawing a parallel to the Christian life and the importance of setting one's sights on the eternal prize.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey of faith is a lifelong process of growth and pursuit of Christ's purpose for one's life. It is essential to recognize that perfection is not attainable on earth, but the goal is to continually strive for spiritual maturity and to embrace the plans God has for each individual. This perspective helps maintain humility and a sense of purpose. [52:14]
- Being fully present in the moment is a vital aspect of living a life of faith. Just as physical presence without engagement can lead to missed opportunities in relationships, spiritual inattentiveness can result in missing out on what God is doing now. It is crucial to be attentive and responsive to God's leading each day. [01:06:31]
- A lukewarm faith is not desirable; God seeks those who are fervent in their relationship with Him. The decision to live passionately for God should be a daily commitment, and it is important to be honest with oneself about the level of commitment to God's calling. [01:07:13]
- Letting go of the past, both failures and successes, is necessary to move forward with God. Clinging to past mistakes or former spiritual highs can prevent progress. Each day offers a new opportunity to serve and grow in faith, and it is important to seize these opportunities rather than dwell on what has been. [01:00:26]
- Looking to the future with an eternal perspective gives meaning and direction to life. Understanding that earthly life is temporary and that actions have eternal consequences can motivate individuals to live with purpose and to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else. [01:11:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he has not "already obtained" or "already arrived at my goal"? ([52:14])
2. According to the sermon, what are the two things Paul mentions that are actually one and the same? ([55:42])
3. How does the speaker describe the importance of being fully present in the moment, especially in family relationships? ([01:05:48])
4. What personal story does the speaker share to illustrate the concept of lukewarm faith? ([01:07:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead? How does this relate to spiritual growth? ([52:51])
2. How can being physically present but not fully engaged in relationships be a metaphor for our spiritual life? ([01:05:48])
3. What does the speaker mean by saying that God is always doing a new thing in our lives? How does this perspective affect our daily walk with Christ? ([01:01:52])
4. How does the speaker's experience with lukewarm faith in college illustrate the dangers of not being fully committed to God? ([01:07:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there past failures or successes that you need to let go of to move forward with God? How can you start this process? ([55:42])
2. In what ways can you be more fully present in your daily life, especially with your family and loved ones? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are engaged and attentive? ([01:05:48])
3. Consider your current level of commitment to your faith. Are there areas where you feel lukewarm? What changes can you make to live more passionately for God? ([01:07:13])
4. How can you cultivate a forward-looking mindset in your spiritual life? What specific goals or practices can help you focus on what God has planned for your future? ([52:51])
5. Think about a time when you felt God was doing something new in your life. How did you respond? How can you be more open to the new things God wants to do in your life now? ([01:01:52])
6. How can you live each day with an eternal perspective, understanding that what you do for Christ has lasting significance? What changes might this perspective bring to your daily priorities? ([01:11:46])
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you can "press on" toward the goal of spiritual maturity. What steps will you take this week to pursue this goal? ([52:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Lifelong Faith Journey
Growth in faith is not a destination but a continuous journey that lasts a lifetime. Recognizing that perfection is unattainable on earth, one must persistently strive for spiritual maturity and embrace God's unique plan for their life. This approach fosters humility and a sense of divine purpose. [52:14]
Hebrews 6:1 - "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God."
Reflection: In what ways can you take practical steps this week to advance in your spiritual maturity?
Day 2: The Power of Presence in the Moment
Being fully present is essential in one's faith life. Physical presence without engagement can lead to missed opportunities, just as spiritual inattentiveness can cause one to overlook God's current work. It is crucial to be attentive and responsive to God's leading every day. [01:06:31]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Reflection: How can you practice being more present with God and the people around you today?
Day 3: Rejecting Lukewarm Faith
A lukewarm faith is unsatisfactory; God desires a fervent relationship with His followers. Committing to live passionately for God should be a daily decision, and it is important to self-reflect on one's dedication to God's calling. [01:07:13]
Revelation 3:15-16 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to rekindle your passion for your relationship with God?
Day 4: Letting Go to Move Forward
To progress in faith, one must release the past, including both failures and triumphs. Dwelling on past experiences can impede spiritual growth. Each new day is an opportunity to serve and grow in faith, and it is vital to seize these opportunities rather than dwell on the past. [01:00:26]
Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: What past experiences are you holding onto that may be hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you begin to let them go?
Day 5: Focusing on Eternal Significance
Understanding that life on earth is temporary and that actions have eternal consequences motivates individuals to live with purpose and prioritize their relationship with Christ. This eternal perspective gives meaning and direction to life. [01:11:46]
Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: How can you adjust your daily priorities to reflect a greater focus on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures?
Quotes
"God is doing a new thing. God is always on the move so God wants to do a new thing. The second thing is not only you got to leave the past but you got to live in the present." [01:01:52] (Download)
"Today is the day that you can live for Christ. Today is the day that God has something planned for you. You've got to live in the present." [01:02:34] (Download)
"Life is what happens while you're waiting for life to begin... God saying today man live in the present with your family especially fathers." [01:03:13] (Download)
"Sometimes you could be there without being there... he wants you to really be here. You really need to be present right now." [01:05:48] (Download)
"Whatever you're going to do with your life, get on with it. God really does have some wonderful things in store for you." [01:06:31] (Download)
"God really is looking for people that aren't lukewarm; he wants us to be on fire for him." [01:07:13] (Download)
"All of your life, you were made to go forward. God placed your eyes in front of you to look forward... because God created you to go forward in life. Don't be stuck in the past." [57:07] (Download)
"You've got to leave the bad stuff, all the failures... you were made to go forward in life, so two things about leaving the past: number one, you got to leave the bad stuff." [57:51] (Download)
"I press on that I might lay hold of that which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. He's saying I want everything that God has for me." [52:51] (Download)
"God has a plan for your life but every day, every week, every year we're coming up on a new year, God's got some things he wants to do in your life or he wouldn't be God or you wouldn't be alive because he created you." [54:12] (Download)
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