The Best is Yet to Come! (week 1)

Opening Story

How do I struggle with this?

There are times that I focus on everything except what I should focus on.

Our world is beating us down. Tearing us apart. It’s almost as if the enemy (Satan) is out to steal, kill, and destroy our lives. (John 10:10)

Question

How do we all struggle with this?

As we face what is coming our way we may be tempted to look behind and remember the good old days. Don’t! God’s not done writing our story!

Text

What does the Bible say about this?

Philippians 3:12–14 CSB

12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12 CSB

12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Paul acknowledges his imperfection and his need for growth.

Make every effort is pointing to an athlete’s discipline and focus

Philippians 3:13 CSB

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,

Paul again pointing out that he hasn’t made it to his goal yet.

But ONE thing I do - talk about laser focus. One thing. What is that one thing?

Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead -

He is leaving the past behind. The good, the bad, all of it. He is not going to let his sins, mistakes, and short comings hinder what God has for him in the future.

Philippians 3:14 CSB

14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

The best is yet to come.

Our prize is not some earthly reward.

Now remember, salvation is not the prize. Salvation is a gift. The prize to Jesus.

Application

What should you do about this?

You God-given future is not just happening. It’s already planned out and it is being giving to each of us step by step.

Choose to take the steps that come with a promise, a promise of a prize.

Challenge

How can we all live this out together?

Push forward, get on with you life and do it with focus, faith, and fervor.

Matthew 6:33 CSB

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.