Forgetting, Reaching, Pressing -- Part 3
"Reaching Forward-- Part 2"
Jan. 10, 2016
Phil 3:13-14 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.
I. Review: Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead
A. Forget things like sin, disappointments, wrongs we've done, and wrongs done to us. We must
repent of sins we commit; however, 1Jn 1:9 promises us that when we do, God is faithful and
just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Do not forget the good things God
has done. (Joshua 4:6-7) Share the good things with others as a testimony. (Rev. 12:11)
B. The English Standard Version of Phil. 3:13 says "STRAINING FORWARD". Webster's
dictionary defines "to strain" as to make violent efforts, to pull against resistance. Don't have the
attitude, "we'll see what happens in 2016." Instead, call upon God to open doors and cause
things to happen that are His will and bring Him glory. (Rev. 3:7-8) Jms 4:3 "...You have not
because you ask not."
C. When we talk about reaching forward, it's with the idea that you're relying on God's strength
to reach. Realizing that the power to live the Christian life comes from the Holy Spirit and not
from you will help guard you from burning out and quitting in your faith walk with God.
Reaching forward builds our spiritual muscles: faith, love, patience, endurance.
Eph 3:16 "...He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be
strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man"
II. Seven things I'm reaching forward to in 2016
1. To move God's heart more and be moved by His heart more. (SoS 4:9)
2. To grow in my love for God and people. (Mt. 22:37-39)
Mt. 22:37-39 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and
great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor
as yourself.'
3. To be more of a man of one thing Ps 27:4 "One thing have I desired..." This
involves being more focused in my times with God in prayer, in beholding Him, and
in meditating in His Word. (2 Cor 3:18, Josh 1:8, Rom 12:2)
4. To walk in more divine power, so I can demonstrate God's love more effectively to
others. The word "grace" in Scripture means "divine power", not natural human ability.
Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (Acts 1:8)
1 Cor. 2:4 My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of
human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love and desire earnestly spiritual gifts
1 Cor 15:10 -- But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward
me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but
the grace of God which was with me.
Phil 2:13...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good
pleasure.
5. To be more effective as a pastor (Psalm 23) (2 Tim 4:5)
6. To walk in greater righteousness and holiness
2 Tim 2:22 ....Pursue righteousness....with those who call on the Lord with a pure
heart."
1 Tim 6:11- 12 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in
the presence of many witnesses.
7. To be more generous in giving tithes, offerings, and alms. (Proverbs 11:24)
Lk 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken
together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same
measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Isa 43:18-19 Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of
old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not
know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.
III. Ask the Lord to guide you, and then list three things you are reaching forward to in 2016.
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