“I Press On”

Philippians 3:7-14

Introduction

1.      “That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.”

2.      Our lives are enriched by the thoughts that Paul has recorded in his letter to the Philippians

3.      One of those is found in the passage before us (Phil 3:7-14) which speaks of a plan for Godly living

Discussion

1.      “Forgetting what is behind”

a.       There is a time to learn from our mistakes and there is a time to forget our mistakes and “move on”  

b.      What others have done to us is not a reason for continuing to act as we have in the past – 2 Cor 12:23-27 did not get in the way of the work to which Paul was committed  

c.       While others may insist on clinging to our past, there is no reason that we should let them determine what we will do  

2.      “Press on” to what is ahead

a.       There needs to be a clear vision of where we want to go  

b.      I want to “do better” is not a clear vision  

c.       I will do . . . with my family  

d.      I will do . . . to improve my job  

e.       I will do . . . to grow spiritually  

f.       Set a time to begin; set goals along the way to measure progress  

3.      Persevere to the end – Phil 4:13

a.       Shoveling wheat from the wagon to the grain bin – climbing a mountain – running a marathon – if you keep moving in the right direction, you will reach your goal  

b.      Rev 2:10  

c.       The story of Joseph is the story of a young man who persevered through trials to triumph  

d.      Jesus is our example:  Heb 12:1-2  

e.       The fruit of the spirit includes patience and faithfulness  

f.       Life is full of trouble, but the one who perseveres reaps the reward  

Conclusion

1.       Through forgiveness, God gives us a way to deal with the past

2.      Through Scripture, God gives us a plan for our lives

3.      Through hope, God encourages us to fight the battle to the end

4.      There is no better plan for your life than God’s plan.  Accept Jesus, be baptized and live a new life for God