Always Forward
Notes
Transcript
University of Oregon runner Tanguy Pepiot had a clear lead over his rival, University of Washington’s Meron Simon in the men's steeplechase at the Pepsi Team Invitational in Eugene, Oregon, on April 11, 2015.
As over 3,000 people witnessed the event, with 100 meters to go, Pepiot raised his arms and began a premature burst of joy as if he had crossed the finish line.
However, his celebrations seemed to slow him down and lose some momentum, which made for Simon to speed toward the finish line and capture the victory by a tenth of a second!
After the race, Simon told Eugene Register-Guard, “I thought he had taken me. I thought he was just so far ahead. Then I heard the crowd get crazy, and he started throwing his hands up. I was like, ‘I don’t think he knows I’m coming.’ I just went to the line and just raced.”
Pepiot told Oregon Live, “I saw the crowd, and it was very loud. I just wanted to celebrate winning in front of our crowd. I was excited about it. But the race wasn't over. It wasn't very smart. But it was a learning experience.
The phrase “It ain’t over until it is over” ...
12 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. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Why I Press on…(vs. 12)
Have not obtained this.
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Press on - to move rapidly and decisively toward an objective
Because Jesus has made me his own.
GOSPEL - Adoption
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Why wouldn’t move toward Jesus?!
How I Press on…(vs. 13)
Not there yet but one thing I do:
Forgetting what lies behind
Struggles
Sins
Victories
No but they are in the past and we do not focus on them, we focus on Jesus.
Straining for what lies ahead
With every fiber of our being we strain.
The “almost got it” stretch
For what I Press on…(vs. 14)
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Confidence in Pressing on…(vs. 15-16)
15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
God will change your mind
Hold true - advance in step/march - don’t waver or deviate.
Danger #1 - I’ve arrived mentality
Age
Experiences
Glory days
Danger #2 - Distractions of worldly “betters”
People
Politics
Play
focus on THE PERSON
Danger #3 - Fear of Falling out of the race
Which way are you facing when you get up?
Fear is a gift because it shows you have Jesus
How do we avoid these dangers?
12 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.
It isn’t over until it is over, Jesus has me, so I press on.