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Contenders: Press On

ByRicky Smith

May 19, 2024
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Embrace the Journey

Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

If Christ Is the Goal, We Always Have a Reason to Press On.

II. Move On from the Past

Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead

Wherever Our Hearts Are Set is the Direction We’ll Go.

III. Keep Our Eyes on the Prize

Philippians 3:14-16
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Hebrews 12:1–2
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

Next Steps

  • I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
  • I commit to focus on one area of discipline this week: ___________.
  • I confess I focus too much on where I’ve been rather than where God is leading me.

Deep Dive

  1. How can the past be helpful, and how can it be hurtful to our maturity?
  2. Read Philippians 3:12-13. What should forgetting the past and pressing on look like?
  3. What one area of spiritual discipline are you focusing on this week, and who is holding you accountable?

Springboards

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