Keep Pressing On

Keep Pressing On

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)

“I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.”

Introduction:

Good afternoon, my Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends! As we gather today, we stand a month into a new year filled with promise and potential—2025. Our theme, “Thrive in 2025,” invites us to envision a year where we not only endure but flourish in our faith, our relationships, and our purpose.

Yet, as we embark on this journey, we acknowledge that life often presents us with challenges that can tempt us to give up, to retreat, or to settle for less than what God has intended for us. This is where our message today, “Keep Pressing’ On,” takes center stage.

In the Scriptures, we find countless examples of perseverance—individuals who faced overwhelming obstacles yet remained steadfast in their faith. They pressed on, driven by a hope that transcended their circumstances. Today, we will explore what it means to keep pressing on in our own lives, to cultivate resilience, and to trust that our efforts and our faith will bear fruit.

As we maneuver through our conversation today, let us open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s word, and let us be inspired to thrive in every aspect of our lives as we keep pressing on together.

In the face of challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. But the essence of thriving lies in our ability to persevere, to keep moving forward with faith and determination. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal.

Together, let’s explore how we can embrace this mindset of resilience and steadfastness, trusting in God’s promises as we journey through 2025. It’s time to rise above our circumstances, overcome obstacles, and step into the abundant life that awaits us. Let’s “Keep Pressing On!”

My brothers and sisters. Today, I stand before you with a message that resonates deep within my spirit—a reminder that in the journey of faith, we are called to “Keep Pressing On”. The Apostle Paul, that great stalwart of our faith, writes to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to press on towards the goal. Friends, what does it mean to press on? It means to maintain our focus, to remain steadfast, and to keep our eyes on the prize that awaits us in Christ.

So with the help of the Holy Spirit and the real preacher Jesus Christ I would like to leave us with a few things within the text that will empower us to “Keep Pressing On” and the first is this.

The Call to Pursue

Paul begins this passage with a sense of urgency. He’s not just casually strolling; he’s pressing. This is not a leisurely walk in the park; this is a determined march toward a divine destination. You see, pressing on requires a mindset of pursuit. It’s about actively chasing after what God has for us. Each of us has a calling—a purpose that beckons us forward. Are you pursuing your God-given destiny?

In the midst of trials and tribulations, it’s easy to lose sight of our calling. But I want to remind you today: Don’t let your circumstances dictate your commitment! Press on! When challenges arise, when the road gets rocky, remember that God has not called you to retreat but to advance.

(Hebrews 12:1-2) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the one who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion His Work].”

(Jeremiah 29:11): “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for peace and wellbeing and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.”

The Challenge of Obstacles

As we press on, we will undoubtedly face obstacles. Paul himself faced persecution, imprisonment, and hardship. But he didn’t allow those challenges to deter him. Instead, he leaned into his faith. Friends, we will encounter barriers—doubt, fear, disappointment—but let me encourage you: Obstacles are not the end of the journey; they are stepping stones to our destiny!

Think about the runners in a race. They don’t stop when they encounter a hurdle; they leap over it! Similarly, when we face life’s hurdles, we must keep our feet moving and our eyes forward. Each setback is an opportunity for God to show His faithfulness. Each bump in the road is a chance to deepen our reliance on Him.

(Romans 5:3-4) “and not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].”

(James 1:2-4) “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

The Vision of Victory

Paul presses on toward the goal to win the prize. Beloved, there is a prize waiting for you! It is not just any prize; it is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This isn’t about earthly accolades or temporary rewards; this is about eternal significance.

When you’re weary and ready to give up, remember the vision of victory that lies ahead. The finish line is not just an end; it’s a celebration of the faithfulness of God throughout your journey. God has a crown for you, a promise of eternal life, and joy that cannot be taken away.

(2 Timothy 4:7-8) “I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. 8 In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.”

(Revelation 3:11) “I am coming quickly. Hold tight what you have, so that no one will take your crown [by leading you to renounce the faith].”

So my brothers and sisters let me close my little sermon with these encouraging words  when the challenges of life seem too hard to handle and too cold to hold “Keep Pressing On!”

"My Saint Thomas Baptist family, when the storms of life rage around you, hold on to your faith and keep moving forward!"

"My Saint Thomas Baptist community, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Stay strong and keep believing!"

"My Saint Thomas Baptist congregation, when the path gets tough, lean on each other and trust in God’s plan. You are never alone!"

"My Saint Thomas Baptist friends, as you face trials, let your resilience shine through. Keep your heads high and your hearts full of hope!"

"To my cherished friends at Saint Thomas Baptist, when life gets overwhelming, find strength in prayer and support one another. Keep pressing on!"

"Beloved Saint Thomas Baptist family, even in the darkest moments, remember that the light of hope is always within reach. Keep pushing forward!"

"Dear friends at Saint Thomas Baptist, every obstacle you encounter is a stepping stone to something greater. Stay steadfast and keep the faith!" My brothers and sisters I’m just trying to encourage us to “Keep Pressing On!!!!!”

Closing:

So, my Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends, as we stand on the precipice of our lives, let us resolve in our hearts to Keep Pressing On. Let us pursue our calling with passion, embrace the challenges with faith, and fix our eyes on the ultimate prize.

Today, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. What obstacles are you facing? What calling is God urging you to pursue? Remember, you are not alone. With every step you take, God is with you, cheering you on.

May the Lord God Almighty bless you with the strength to press on, grace to overcome, and faith to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Amen.