Pressing On: The Journey of Knowing Christ
Summary
In our gathering tonight, we began by expressing gratitude for the prayers offered for my daughter-in-law, who is recovering from her C-section, and for the well-being of baby Jack. We then turned our hearts to the pressing global issues, praying for those affected by the hurricane on the East Coast and for peace in the Middle East, particularly in Israel. Our prayer is that through these trials, the church would shine brightly, demonstrating love in action and truth, and that many would come to know Jesus as the true Messiah.
As we delved into the Word, we focused on Philippians 3:12-14, a passage that has been a cornerstone in my journey. This scripture calls us to a deeper, more intimate walk with Christ, urging us to press on toward the goal of knowing Him more fully. The Apostle Paul, even in his later years, expressed a profound desire to know Christ, emphasizing that this pursuit is not about intellectual assent but about a heartfelt relationship with our Savior.
We explored the themes of action, attitude, and ambition in our spiritual journey. Paul’s words remind us that knowing Jesus is an inexhaustible experience, a well so deep that its depths can never be fully explored. This pursuit requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of past failures and successes, focusing instead on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
In a world where biblical sanctity and holiness are often compromised, we are called to stand firm in our faith, not swayed by cultural shifts or deceptive teachings. The journey of faith is likened to a river, shallow enough for a child to stand in yet deep enough for the most learned theologian to never touch bottom. This is the heart of our message: to know Jesus intimately and to grow in our relationship with Him every day.
Key Takeaways:
1. Intimacy with Christ: Our relationship with Jesus should be more than just intellectual knowledge; it should be a deep, personal, and ongoing journey of intimacy. This requires us to be intentional in our pursuit of Him, seeking to know Him more each day. [28:54]
2. The Call to Action: Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:12-14 challenges us to press on in our faith journey. This involves a proactive decision to pursue Christ with intensity and commitment, letting go of past hindrances and focusing on the future He has for us. [33:06]
3. Attitude of Humility: Despite his accomplishments, Paul humbly acknowledged that he had not yet arrived in his spiritual journey. This humility should inspire us to continually seek growth and transformation in our walk with Christ. [32:24]
4. The Power of Grace: Understanding the depth of God’s grace should drive us to live lives that reflect His love and holiness. As we grow in our knowledge of Christ, we become more aware of our shortcomings and the incredible gift of grace we have received. [55:36]
5. Enduring Pursuit: Knowing Jesus is an inexhaustible experience, one that requires a lifelong pursuit. This journey is not burdensome but a blessing, as we are continually invited to dive deeper into the vastness of His love and truth. [52:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:04] - Opening Prayer
[28:09] - Introduction to Philippians 3
[28:54] - A Personal Story from Kenya
[30:40] - The Importance of Intimacy with God
[31:42] - The Appeal of God
[32:24] - Paul's Humble Confession
[33:06] - Action, Attitude, and Ambition
[34:38] - Challenges in the Modern Church
[37:10] - God's Promises to Israel
[39:31] - The Deception of Cultural Christianity
[40:14] - Personal Reflection and Heart Check
[43:07] - The Starting Point of Faith
[45:22] - Pressing On Toward the Goal
[52:05] - The Inexhaustible Experience of Knowing Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:12-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific action does Paul describe in Philippians 3:12-14 that he is taking in his spiritual journey? [32:24]
2. How does Paul describe his attitude towards his past achievements and failures in Philippians 3:13? [32:24]
3. What is the ultimate goal Paul is striving for according to Philippians 3:14? [32:24]
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of intimacy with God? [28:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "press on" in the context of Philippians 3:12-14, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual growth? [32:24]
2. How does Paul's humility in acknowledging he has not yet "arrived" influence our understanding of spiritual maturity? [32:24]
3. The pastor mentioned the importance of letting go of past failures and successes. How does this align with Paul's message in Philippians 3:13? [32:24]
4. How does the pastor's story from Kenya illustrate the sermon’s theme of pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ? [28:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with Christ. What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Him this week? [30:40]
2. Paul talks about pressing on toward the goal. What specific goals do you have in your spiritual journey, and how can you actively pursue them? [33:06]
3. Consider a past failure or success that you are holding onto. How can you let go of it to focus on your future in Christ? [32:24]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of humility. How can you cultivate an attitude of humility in your daily walk with Christ? [32:24]
5. In what ways can you demonstrate the love and holiness of Christ in your community, especially in times of global or local crises? [26:04]
6. The sermon mentioned the inexhaustible experience of knowing Jesus. How can you make your pursuit of knowing Jesus a lifelong journey rather than a short-term goal? [52:05]
7. Identify one area in your life where cultural shifts or deceptive teachings might be influencing your faith. How can you stand firm in your beliefs? [34:38]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Pursuing Intimacy with Christ
In our spiritual journey, the pursuit of intimacy with Christ is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. This involves a daily commitment to seek Him with intentionality, allowing His presence to transform our hearts and minds. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:12-14, exemplifies this pursuit by expressing his desire to know Christ more fully, emphasizing that this journey is an ongoing process that requires dedication and a willingness to let go of past achievements and failures. As believers, we are invited to dive deeper into the inexhaustible experience of knowing Jesus, finding joy and fulfillment in His love and truth. [28:54]
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ, moving beyond intellectual understanding to a heartfelt connection?
Day 2: Pressing On with Purpose
The call to action in our faith journey is a proactive decision to pursue Christ with intensity and commitment. Philippians 3:12-14 challenges us to press on, letting go of past hindrances and focusing on the future that God has for us. This involves a shift in perspective, where we prioritize our spiritual growth and align our ambitions with God's purposes. By doing so, we are empowered to overcome obstacles and live a life that reflects His love and grace. The journey of faith is not static but dynamic, requiring us to continually seek His guidance and strength as we move forward. [33:06]
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)
Reflection: What is one past hindrance you need to let go of today to fully embrace the future God has for you?
Day 3: Embracing Humility in Our Walk
Paul's attitude of humility, despite his accomplishments, serves as a powerful reminder for us to continually seek growth and transformation in our walk with Christ. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul acknowledges that he has not yet arrived in his spiritual journey, inspiring us to adopt a similar posture of humility. This involves recognizing our need for God's grace and being open to His refining work in our lives. As we embrace humility, we become more receptive to His guidance and are better equipped to reflect His love and truth to those around us. [32:24]
"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride, and how can you invite God to cultivate humility in you today?
Day 4: Living in the Power of Grace
Understanding the depth of God's grace should drive us to live lives that reflect His love and holiness. As we grow in our knowledge of Christ, we become more aware of our shortcomings and the incredible gift of grace we have received. This awareness should lead us to a life of gratitude and service, where we extend the same grace to others that we have received. The power of grace transforms our hearts and empowers us to live in a way that honors God and blesses those around us. [55:36]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's grace to someone in your life today, reflecting His love and holiness in your actions?
Day 5: The Lifelong Pursuit of Knowing Jesus
Knowing Jesus is an inexhaustible experience, one that requires a lifelong pursuit. This journey is not burdensome but a blessing, as we are continually invited to dive deeper into the vastness of His love and truth. Philippians 3:12-14 encourages us to press on toward the goal of knowing Christ more fully, recognizing that this pursuit is a source of joy and fulfillment. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we are transformed by His presence and empowered to live lives that reflect His character and purpose. [52:05]
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?' 'Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36 ESV)
Reflection: What is one new way you can pursue a deeper understanding of Jesus today, inviting His presence to transform your life?
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Quotes
1. "We can know the Bible from front to the end. We can know all 66 books, spell every book exactly right. We can memorize all the scripture. But if it doesn't take hold of our heart, we're missing it. And so tonight, what I'd like to do is just share the journey I've had with these three verses and encourage you that when you leave tonight, make a commitment. Make to get to know him. Know him." [30:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Not for him. God has no needs, does he? But he knows what's best for us. And that is an intimate, moment-by-moment faith walk, where we grow in our relationships. Relationship with Jesus every single day. Where tomorrow, I'm more in love with Jesus than today. And today, I'm more in love with Jesus than yesterday." [31:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see, knowing Jesus isn't simply acquainting ourself with him, the historical facts, the study of his teachings, et cetera. Rather, what Paul is saying is he wanted to know Jesus relationally, spiritually, in real time. You see, when we accept Christ, when we admit that we're sinners, totally lost, and God moves on our heart, Ephesians chapter two, verse one, he quickens us from a state into life, quickens us out of our sins." [47:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The driving passion of Paul's life was to know the passion that drove Jesus to the cross. In other words, as Jesus took hold of Paul, Paul wanted to take hold of Jesus. As Jesus took hold of Paul on the road to Damascus, Paul wanted to take hold of Jesus. But I press on, let me read it again. He lay hold of that which, of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." [57:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's the idea of a pursuit of knowing God with intensity. When I wake up in the morning, I'm going to worship my Lord. When I go to bed at night, I'm going to pray and fall asleep praying in the presence of my God. Every moment of every day, I'm going to have a faith walk. This is Paul. This is what Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to encourage the church at Philippi, but also to us today, because God's word transcends everything." [58:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And he finds the disciples, three of them, Peter, James, and John, asleep. You know that. You've studied it. You've seen it times. And then Judas comes, betrays him with a kiss. And Jesus says, do what you must do. An endearing phrase, his enemy betraying him for 30 pieces of silver. And it was there that they began to mock him, began to spit upon him. Can you imagine God himself in the flesh? The word became flesh and dwelt among us, John 1, 14, spitting from the saliva in your throat on the face of the Messiah." [01:01:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Do we know him? I shared a few months ago that part of my quiet time sometimes is so transactional. It's just something I do. Okay, I read my Bible. You know, Sarah, our incredible sound tech, put the Bible on our church app. So Sarah, confession, it's so easy to push that button and read through it and be done. Okay, no offense to you over that, you know, my brokenness. Okay, my to-do list, I got it done. And so this is super convicting because God wants to spend time with me. Not because he has a need, but I have that need. You have that need." [01:03:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I press on that it may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. What a powerful, powerful truth. May the Lord help us to pursue him. Well, we have an action, but verse 13, I see an attitude. And again, verse 13, brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. In other words, I haven't arrived, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." [01:05:23] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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