Pressing Toward the Mark

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Central Idea: As believers, we are called to persevere in our spiritual journey, forgetting the past and pressing forward towards the goal of Christlikeness, with our eyes fixed on the prize of eternal life.

INTRODUCTION
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.
What is the “this” Paul talking about when he states he has not yet obtained?
Philippians 3:10 ESV
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

1. Forgetting What Lies Behind

Not forgetting the past can be a detriment to a Christian in their walk with God because it can lead to a focus on past mistakes, hurts, or regrets, rather than on God's redemptive power and forgiveness.
Paul’s past by Jewish standards was impressive.
Philippians 3:5–6 ESV
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:7–8 ESV
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Holding onto past failures or hurtful experiences can foster a spirit of bitterness, resentment, or shame, causing Christians to become stuck in a cycle of negative emotions and preventing them from moving forward in their faith.
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.

2. Pressing Forward Towards the Goal

This goal is not about earthly accomplishments or recognition, but about faithfully running the race marked out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and living a life that honors Him.
The enemy, the world and the flesh WILL present all kinds of distractions to through you off course.
We must have a clear and attentive mind on this quest
Hebrews 6:11–12 ESV
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
This cannot be forced upon you. You have to want it
We all know people who sluggishly go through life with no drive or since of destination. (THIS IS NOT THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTAND!)
By pressing forward, we demonstrate our commitment to Christ and our desire to glorify Him in all we do.
Lifting weights - gym analogy

3. The Prize of Eternal Life

The prize of eternal life - it's a treasure beyond measure, a gift so precious that it surpasses all understanding.
As a Christian, we all should be filled with hope and longing for the day when we will stand before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and receive the ultimate reward for our faithfulness.
It is a prize that drives you to persevere through life's trials, to fix your eyes on the eternal, and to live for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV
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.
CONCLUSION
The best resolution you can make now and into the new year is what we’ve discussed
Forgetting what lies behind
Press Forward towards the goal
Obtain the Prize of Eternal Life
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