How can we "press on" in our spiritual journey like Paul in Philippians 3:12? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Holy Ambition Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” • Paul, though already redeemed and fruitful, refuses complacency. • His goal: seize the very purpose for which Christ saved him—full conformity to Christ (v. 10-11). • The Spirit-inspired word “press on” paints a runner leaning forward, straining for the finish. Understanding “Press On” • A decisive, continual pursuit—never passive. • Fueled by gratitude: Christ first “took hold” of us. • Anchored in certainty: God’s call guarantees the prize (Philippians 1:6). Practical Ways to Press On Today • Daily Word intake – Keep a reading plan; meditate, don’t just skim. • Persistent prayer – Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Set alarms or tie prayer moments to routine tasks. • Spirit-led obedience – James 1:22: be doers, not hearers only. – Obey promptly, even in small nudges. • Intentional fellowship – Hebrews 10:24-25: spur one another on. – Join a Bible-saturated local church; serve with your gifts. • Focused forgetting and forward momentum – Philippians 3:13: release past failures and successes. – Keep short accounts: confess, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9), move on. • Holy ambition in life decisions – 1 Corinthians 10:31: whatever you do, do all to God’s glory. – Evaluate goals: Do they advance Christ’s kingdom? • Discipline like an athlete – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: run to win; subdue the body. – Schedule rest, limit distractions, steward health. • Patient endurance – Galatians 6:9: don’t grow weary in doing good. – Remember growth is usually incremental, not instant. Guardrails for the Journey • Reject perfectionism: Paul admits he is “not yet perfect,” yet keeps running. • Beware comparison: fix eyes on Jesus, not other runners (Hebrews 12:2). • Avoid nostalgia: yesterday’s victories don’t sustain today’s race. • Shun discouragement: failures are detours, not dead ends—return to grace. Promises that Fuel Our Pressing On • Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it.” • Isaiah 40:31: “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” • 2 Timothy 4:8: “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” • Colossians 1:29: “I strenuously contend with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.” • Hebrews 12:1: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with endurance.” Living It: A Daily Pattern 1. Begin with Scripture and surrender: invite the Spirit to spotlight one truth to obey. 2. Pray through tasks and meetings before they start. 3. Choose one concrete act of love that costs you comfort. 4. Review the day with gratitude and confession; reset for tomorrow. The same Christ who seized Paul has laid hold of us. By His Word, Spirit, and sure promises, we can keep pressing on until we see Him face to face. |
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