Reaching Forth

“Reaching Forth” – Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians 3:13-14 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I. Realize Your Need for

We have to acknowledge and accept our need for growth.

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Realizing your need for growth is not a sign of a bad self-image, but an indication of a healthy view of self.

II. Release Your

Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

We cannot change the past, but we can change the meaning of the past.

1 Timothy 1:12-15 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Refuse to let the past dictate the future and rely on the grace of God.

III. Run Your Race with

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

The proper mindset realizes that God just works in us if we are going to move forward.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

John 15:5 For without me ye can do nothing.

1 Timothy 4:7b And exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

The Bible is clear that God honors those who live for Him. So, live for Jesus this year.

IV. Resolve to Include

It is a wise person who welcomes people into their lives who can encourage them and help them to stay faithful.

Judges 7:10 But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:.

2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

The greatest partner in life is Jesus, and we welcome Him as we spend time in the Word, spend time in prayer, faithfully attend church, and enjoy His family.