Introduction

Good morning, dear church family! It's always a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord, isn't it? There's something profoundly beautiful about a community of believers coming together, united by a shared faith, a shared hope, and a shared love. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we find ourselves poised on the precipice of possibility, ready to step boldly into the future that God has prepared for us.

Our guide for today's sermon is a powerful passage from the book of Philippians, a letter penned by the apostle Paul during a time of imprisonment. Despite his circumstances, Paul's words are infused with a sense of purpose, perseverance, and positivity.

Let's read together from 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."

What a powerful reminder of the Christian life! We are called to forget what is behind, to strain toward what is ahead, and to press on toward the goal. This is not a passive faith, but an active, purposeful pursuit of Christ and His kingdom.

As we consider these words, I'm reminded of a quote from the esteemed preacher, Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "By perseverance, the snail reached the ark." This quote is a vivid reminder that the Christian journey is often more about endurance than speed. It's about staying the course, about remaining steadfast in the face of trials, about pressing on even when the path is steep and the journey is long.

Pursuing Purpose Passionately

When we think about the idea of purpose, it's often tied to our passions. What we love, what we're drawn to, what stirs our hearts and minds. It's these passions that often point us toward our purpose. And when we align our passions with God's purpose for our lives, we find ourselves on a path that leads to fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Paul was a man who pursued his purpose with passion. Despite being in prison, he didn't lose sight of his calling. He didn't allow his circumstances to dampen his zeal. Instead, he pressed on, straining toward what was ahead. His passion for Christ and for the gospel fueled his purpose, and it's this same passion that we're called to emulate.

Now, let's look at how this idea of pursuing purpose passionately plays out in our lives.

Firstly, it's important to understand that our purpose is given to us by God. As the Westminster Catechism so beautifully sums it up, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” God has already laid this out for us. This requires a willingness to seek God, to listen to His voice, and to follow His leading. It's about surrendering our own desires and ambitions, and embracing God's plan for our lives.

Secondly, pursuing our purpose passionately means being willing to step out of our comfort zones. It means being willing to take risks, to face challenges, and to endure hardships. Just like Paul, we may find ourselves in situations that are far from comfortable. But it's in these moments that our faith is tested and our character is refined. It's in these moments that we learn to rely not on our own strength, but on God's.

Thirdly, pursuing our purpose passionately requires perseverance. We should be staying the course, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets. It's about pressing on, even when the road is steep and the journey is tough. It's about keeping our eyes fixed on the prize, and not allowing anything to deter us from our goal.

Lastly, it’s about living a life of impact. It's about using our gifts, our talents, and our resources to make a difference in the world. It's about being a light in the darkness, a voice of hope in a world filled with despair.

Persevering Past Problems

Amid our passionate pursuit, we inevitably encounter obstacles and challenges ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO