Press On

Philippians 3:13–4:1 (NKJV)

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

I. Forgetting those things which are behind. Vs 13

A. The bad.

1. The failures

2. The hurts

3. Sin – confess it, forget it and move on

4. Disappointments

5. Stupid decisions

B. We also leave behind blessings and

achievements.(I am not suggesting we forget them)

1. Mountain Top Achievements

2. Glory days

II. Reaching for those things which are before. v. 13c

A. Pressing toward the “mark”. Vs 14

“finish line”

-The end of the race

-the upward calling of God. (Call to salvation, Call to spread the message of the Gospel)

B. Follow together. 17 (Walk in step with Christ and those who show to be walking with Christ follow their lead)

1. Walk by the same rule.

-To walk close to God.

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received

Colossians 2:6 NKJV

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

-To glorify Him in godly living.

1 Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat,

1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

2. Let us mind the same thing.

-We should all be going in one direction.

-Following the Lord

-Honoring the Great Commission.

C. We live by a higher Calling Vs. 20

1. Our citizenship is in heaven.

2. Not in this world.

III. Stand fast in the Lord. Vs 4:1

1. Stand your ground (fixed)

2. Stand for the Lord.

1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

3. Don’t waver to the left or to the right.

4. Stay focused.

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and

Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

-Don’t get distracted

-Don’t get discouraged

-Don’t quit.

Conclusion

Let us commit together to

To Confess and forget sin

To a closer walk

To keep on track with the Lord.