Pressing On: Moving Forward in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Satilla Baptist Church! It's a joy to be here with you today. I want to remind you that the church is not the building but the people. Buildings may come and go, but the church remains steadfast. Today, we turn to Philippians 3:12-14, a familiar passage that encourages us to press on in our walk with Christ. Paul, despite his incredible achievements, was never satisfied with his spiritual state. He continually pressed forward, forgetting what was behind and reaching for what lay ahead.
Paul's life teaches us the importance of moving on from our past, whether it's guilt, grief, or even past glories. He had a lot to move on from, including his past as a persecutor of Christians. Yet, he didn't let his past define him. Instead, he focused on his future in Christ. This is a lesson for all of us. We must be dissatisfied with our current spiritual state, always striving for more in our relationship with God. We must also be delivered from our past, not allowing it to hinder our present or future.
Paul's secret was his singular focus. He concentrated on one thing: pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This kind of focus requires determination and perseverance. It's not enough to set goals; we must be determined to reach them, no matter the obstacles. Paul’s life was like a rifle shot aimed at a target, not a shotgun blast scattering in all directions. We, too, must have a one-track mind focused on Christ.
In conclusion, let us be determined to move on from whatever holds us back. Whether it's past failures, guilt, or even successes, we must press on. God is not finished with us until we draw our last breath. Every day is a new opportunity to move forward in our walk with the Lord. So, let's lighten our loads, discard the junk, and run the race set before us with determination and focus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Dissatisfaction with the Present: Paul was saved and sanctified but never satisfied with his spiritual state. He continually pressed forward, understanding that there was always more to achieve in his relationship with God. This teaches us that spiritual complacency is dangerous. We should always strive for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, never settling for where we are. [52:48]
2. Deliverance from the Past: Paul had a past full of guilt, grief, and even glory, but he chose to forget what was behind and reach forward to what lay ahead. This teaches us the importance of not letting our past define us. Whether it's past sins, failures, or even successes, we must move on and focus on our future in Christ. [58:14]
3. Singular Focus: Paul’s life was characterized by a singular focus on the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This kind of focus requires us to eliminate distractions and concentrate on what truly matters. We must set our eyes on Christ and build our lives around reaching that goal. [01:06:50]
4. Determination and Perseverance: Moving on requires more than just inspiration or aspiration; it requires determination. Paul pressed on despite numerous obstacles. This teaches us that perseverance is key in our spiritual journey. We must keep pressing on, no matter the challenges we face. [01:11:25]
5. God’s Unfinished Work: God is not finished with us until we draw our last breath. This means that every day is a new opportunity to move forward in our walk with the Lord. We must be determined to make the rest of our lives the best of our lives, continually pressing on toward the goal. [01:15:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:42] - The Church is the People
[45:26] - God's Blessings and Challenges
[46:15] - Moving On from the Past
[46:49] - Introduction to Philippians 3:12-14
[47:35] - Importance of Flexibility in Worship
[48:11] - Reading Philippians 3:12-14
[49:09] - The Song "I'm Moving On"
[50:05] - Are You Ready to Move On?
[50:52] - Letting Go of the Past
[51:54] - Learning to Move On
[52:48] - Dissatisfaction with the Present
[55:07] - Avoiding Living in the Past
[56:51] - Success is a Process
[58:14] - Deliverance from the Past
[01:06:50] - Singular Focus
[01:11:25] - Determination and Perseverance
[01:15:24] - God’s Unfinished Work
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he has not "already obtained this or am already perfect" in Philippians 3:12?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the things Paul had to move on from in his past? ([52:48])
3. How does Paul describe his focus and goal in Philippians 3:13-14?
4. What analogy does the pastor use to describe Paul's life and focus? ([01:09:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to be dissatisfied with their current spiritual state, according to the sermon? ([52:48])
2. How does Paul’s approach to forgetting the past and focusing on the future apply to modern-day believers? ([58:14])
3. What does it mean to have a "singular focus" on Christ, and how can this impact a believer's life? ([01:06:50])
4. How does the concept of determination and perseverance play a role in a Christian's spiritual journey? ([01:11:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are you satisfied with where you are, or do you feel a need to press on for more in your relationship with God? What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual walk? ([52:48])
2. Is there something from your past—whether guilt, grief, or even past successes—that is holding you back in your walk with Christ? How can you begin to let go of these things and focus on your future in Christ? ([58:14])
3. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from having a singular focus on Christ? How can you eliminate or minimize these distractions to better concentrate on your spiritual goals? ([01:06:50])
4. Think of a time when you faced significant obstacles in your spiritual journey. How did you handle them, and what can you learn from Paul's example of determination and perseverance? ([01:11:25])
5. The pastor mentioned that God is not finished with us until we draw our last breath. How can you make the rest of your life the best of your life for God's glory? What specific actions can you take to move forward in your walk with the Lord? ([01:15:24])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to "lighten your load" and discard the junk that is holding you back. What practical steps can you take this week to address this? ([01:18:01])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to press on and not be hindered by their past? What role can you play in supporting them in their spiritual journey? ([01:03:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Never Settle for Spiritual Complacency
Paul was saved and sanctified but never satisfied with his spiritual state. He continually pressed forward, understanding that there was always more to achieve in his relationship with God. This teaches us that spiritual complacency is dangerous. We should always strive for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, never settling for where we are. Paul’s dissatisfaction with his present spiritual state was not a sign of ingratitude but a recognition that the journey with Christ is ongoing and ever-deepening.
In our own lives, we must adopt this mindset. It’s easy to become comfortable with our current level of spiritual maturity, but God calls us to continually grow. This means seeking Him daily, studying His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us. We should never feel that we have "arrived" spiritually but always be eager to know God more deeply and serve Him more faithfully. [52:48]
Philippians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life have you become complacent? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with God?
Day 2: Let Go of the Past
Paul had a past full of guilt, grief, and even glory, but he chose to forget what was behind and reach forward to what lay ahead. This teaches us the importance of not letting our past define us. Whether it's past sins, failures, or even successes, we must move on and focus on our future in Christ. Paul’s ability to let go of his past, including his time as a persecutor of Christians, allowed him to fully embrace his new identity in Christ and pursue his God-given mission.
We, too, must learn to let go of our past. Holding onto past mistakes, guilt, or even past achievements can hinder our spiritual growth. God offers us forgiveness and a fresh start every day. By focusing on what lies ahead, we can live in the freedom and purpose that God has for us. [58:14]
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 past event or experience do you need to let go of? How can you focus on the new things God is doing in your life today?
Day 3: Focus on the Goal
Paul’s life was characterized by a singular focus on the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This kind of focus requires us to eliminate distractions and concentrate on what truly matters. We must set our eyes on Christ and build our lives around reaching that goal. Paul’s determination was like a rifle shot aimed at a target, not a shotgun blast scattering in all directions.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to get distracted by many things that demand our attention. However, we must prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. This means making intentional choices to spend time in prayer, study the Bible, and serve others. By keeping our focus on Christ, we can navigate life’s challenges with purpose and clarity. [01:06:50]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from focusing on your relationship with Christ? How can you eliminate or minimize these distractions to prioritize your spiritual growth?
Day 4: Persevere Through Challenges
Moving on requires more than just inspiration or aspiration; it requires determination. Paul pressed on despite numerous obstacles. This teaches us that perseverance is key in our spiritual journey. We must keep pressing on, no matter the challenges we face. Paul’s life was filled with hardships, yet he remained steadfast in his pursuit of Christ and his mission.
In our own lives, we will face trials and difficulties. However, these challenges can strengthen our faith and character if we choose to persevere. God promises to be with us and provide the strength we need to endure. By relying on His power and staying committed to our spiritual goals, we can overcome any obstacle. [01:11:25]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What current challenge are you facing that requires perseverance? How can you rely on God’s strength to press on and grow through this challenge?
Day 5: Embrace God’s Ongoing Work
God is not finished with us until we draw our last breath. This means that every day is a new opportunity to move forward in our walk with the Lord. We must be determined to make the rest of our lives the best of our lives, continually pressing on toward the goal. God’s work in us is ongoing, and He continually shapes and molds us into the image of Christ.
Each day is a gift and an opportunity to grow closer to God and fulfill His purposes for our lives. By embracing this truth, we can live with hope and expectation, knowing that God is always at work in us. Let us commit to making the most of each day, seeking to honor God in all that we do. [01:15:24]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you embrace God’s ongoing work in your life today? What steps can you take to make the rest of your life the best of your life in your walk with the Lord?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Are you ready to move on in your walk with the Lord? In your life for him? Listen, some of y'all is in the first quarter of life. Some's in the second quarter. Some's in the third quarter. Some's in the fourth quarter. But we need to start moving on right now wherever we are to be all we can be for the glory of our Heavenly Father." [50:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Wouldn't it be awesome if everybody in the church let go of this stuff in the past. Forgot about being all caught up in the present. And we press on towards that that God has for us. It'd be an awesome thing to experience within the body of Christ." [51:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can't run forward if you're looking backwards. I remember, I've said people living in the past, but this illustration just came to mind. I remember being in high school over at Bainbridge High School, and I was on the track team. I don't know why I signed up for track, but I went and ran track, and I had run the full 40." [59:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because of the grace of God and the mercy of God and the forgiveness of God, it doesn't matter where you've been, church. What matters is where you're headed and if you're determined to get there. Every day in the Lord is a new day. Whatever happened yesterday, good, bad, or indifferent, with the Lord, you can always say, I'm moving on." [01:15:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first step with moving on in your life is this. Never be satisfied with where you are. Always be determined to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Secondly, be delivered from your past. Paul says, verse 13, But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." [56:51] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul was saved. He was sanctified. But he was not satisfied. See, I think sometimes we get to a place where we just become satisfied. We just, and we're not to be satisfied in our walk with the Lord. There is, he wants greater things from us than we've ever experienced. So far." [52:48] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul had learned a tremendous lesson. You can't focus on where you're going until you forget where you've been. The Christian life is a race, and Paul carefully uses athletic language in this passage. He uses the word press on. And reaching forward. Reaching forward and goal and prize. And they're all racing terms, athletic terms." [58:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says, I got one goal, and I'm fixing my eyes on that goal. I have built my life around reaching that goal. Paul had a one-track mind, and his mind was on track. And I'm convinced that so many Christians, the reason that we're so ineffective in our Christian life is we're involved in many things and fail to concentrate on one thing." [01:08:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Set the goals right in life and then build your life around reaching those goals. You got to make sure you got the right goal. This football head, high school football coach, head football coach, decided he was going to take his little six-year-old boy out and teach him how to kick field goals during the offseason." [01:09:55] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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