Forward Progress

Sermon: (Forward Progress)

Philippians 3: 13-14

Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14 ASV

My Brothers and my sisters. Many of us can agree that this last year every day have not been Sunday. We can agree that the here have been times on this journey where we may have gotten a little weak am tired. Many of us had to experience maybe some hurt. Many of us has had hardship. Many of us has had to deal with somethings within the last year that most people didn’t have to in their life. You can testify to the point that if it had not been for the Lord who was on your side. You wouldn’t know were you would be.

There have been times when it seems as though the more I pay my tithes the more bills come my way. It may seem as if

The more I press my way to church the more issues I have to face.

Don't feel bad because your not the only one.

Paul was in this same situation.

Paul said I have not apprehended everything.

In other words Paul was saying some things I don't quit understand.I'm still trying to figure out something's ,

But one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind me and pressing toward the mark...

There are three word that stood out to me in this text first word is

Forget ………Press ……Mark

A.Forget...

to cease or fail to remember; be unable to recall: to forget someone's name.

We sometimes look at the word forgetful and we when use it we use it in a negative light. But Paul changes our view in forgetting Something's in order for us to move on we have to forget. Because the enemy will sometimes remind us of our past and it becomes difficult for us to move forward...

But sometimes it Good to forget. That way when the enemy try to throw it in your face we remind him that that's the old me When the enemy try to get us to act out of character. You Remind him that's the old me. I have forgotten about that. In other words there are some things that I may not forget in my mind but I don’t let the recognize it in my spirit. Some things you may can still remember. But my spirit has forgotten about. Thats why you can still speak to people who mistreated you. Thats why you can still smile when others have you done you wrong. Its not that I think Im better. Its not in my spiritual memory bank anymore..

Football short memory

When something happens or you get beat the coach would say have

Press

The definition as defined in the dictionary is

Press- 1. to act upon with steadily applied weight or force.

to move by weight or force in a certain direction or into a certain position: The crowd pressed him into a corner.

I’ am going to start moving in the direction in were God is taking me.With great force. We have to understand that many times in this Christian journey we have to press.We have to press through the storm. We have to press through the hurt. We have to press through sickness. We have to press through pain. No matter where you do Don't lose your press.....

The last but not least

The mark- a symbol used in rating conduct, proficiency, attainment.a goal

A mark is also used in a race as well..

Paul uses an analogy comparing the Christian walk with a race...

If we are pressing toward the mark and wee see the finish there's there is nothing that could stop us from reaching our goalJust understand that the ultimate mark is to get To heaven.

We must obtain our mark For we know that the race is not giving to the swift nor the battle to the strong but he that endures to the end Shall be saved

The story about the grandfather and grandson

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Hebrews 10:36

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

1 Corinthians 15:58

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

1 Corinthians 15:58

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

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.