Sunday mornings message10/11/24
Part three of the 'Enduring Well' series
citywestchurch YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DbrH3PmOJI
Main Text
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14
Leaders Note
Take time and encourage people to live well, enjoy the journey and endure well.
Pick and choose what best works for your group. Have fun Jesus people!
Introduction
Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-14 remind us that the Christian life is a journey. It’s not about achieving perfection in one moment but about pressing on, moving forward toward the goal that Christ has set before us. In this discussion, we’ll explore what it means to press on in our faith and how to handle the challenges along the way.
1. Pressing On in the Present (Verse 12)
Paul starts by saying, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to "press on"?
Why is it important for us to keep striving forward in our faith, even if we haven't "arrived" or "got it all together"?
Thought
Paul recognises that no matter how much he has accomplished, he is still in process. In the same way, we are all in the process of spiritual growth and transformation. We don’t need to have everything figured out, but we can still press forward with purpose.
2. Forgetting What Is Behind (Verse 13)
Paul talks about forgetting what is behind—both our failures and our past successes—and straining toward what is ahead "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"
Discussion Questions
What are some things in our past—whether failures or even successes—that can hold us back from pressing on?
How can we let go of them to move forward?
Thought
Sometimes, it’s not just our mistakes that hinder us, but our past victories. Holding on to past glory can cause us to stop growing or become complacent. We need to keep looking ahead to what God has next for us.
3. The Goal: The Prize (Verse 14)
Paul presses on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus. The "prize" is the calling itself, the life we are living in Christ, and the hope of eternal life "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Discussion Questions
What do you think Paul means by the “prize”?
How do we stay focused on the goal of being with Jesus forever?
Thought
The "prize" is not just heaven; it's living out our calling in Christ. It's the transformation into His likeness, the mission He’s called us to, and the eternal life that begins right now and continues forever.
4. Pressing on Despite Challenges with the Holy Spirit
Paul’s journey wasn’t easy. He faced opposition, prison, and suffering, but he kept pressing forward.
Discussion Question
How have you overcome them, or how can you overcome them in the future?
Thought
Life’s struggles and setbacks can be discouraging, but Paul reminds us that we are not in the race alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to press on, and we can trust God’s strength to help us overcome the challenges we face.
Conclusion: Pressing On with Purpose
As we conclude, let’s remember that the Christian life is not about arriving at perfection but about continually pressing on toward the prize that Christ has called us to. The journey is just as important as the destination, and we have the Holy Spirit with us every step of the way.
Closing Prayer
Let’s close in prayer, asking God for strength to press on in our faith, to forget what lies behind, and to keep our eyes fixed on the prize ahead.
Catch up with the Enduring Well series on YouTube:
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