Press Toward the Goal

The Christian’s Perspective

The Christian life is a never ending pursuit of knowing Christ more, and growing more like Him.

We have been taken by Christ and are now taken by this pursuit.

We were saved in the past, will be glorified in the future, but are now growing in sanctification.

2 Peter 3:18 ESV

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

We are in the race of life.

You haven’t arrived yet!

Forget what is behind. Past failure is not a hindrance and past success is not a guarantee.

Focus on what is ahead.

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.

Hebr 12:1-

The weights are distractions to the runner that will hold them back.

The sin is what will trip us up.

Focus on the Lord Jesus.

The Christian’s Pursuit

Press forward, stretch forward. In what areas is God calling you to grow in your Christian life?

Eric Liddell - the runner who would not race on Sunday!

“Many of us are missing something in life because we are after the second best.”

Put your energy into the Christian life!

1 Timothy 4:7 ESV

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

1 Timothy 4:7–8 ESV

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

The Call of the Christ - first to Himself, then to be conformed to His image.

The Goal - the finish line. Finish the race strong!

The Prize - the victor’s crown. The rewards of the believer in Christ.

The Up Call - the day of being called into Christ’s presence!

The Christian’s Perseverance

The Lord is faithful to show us where we need to grow!

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.

The things that we have already learned we are to continue in.

It is a marathon, not a sprint.