Press On!

Title: “Press On!” Scripture: Phil. 3:12-14

Type: Expository Series Where: GNBC 7-30-23

Intro: Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team — a heartbreaking experience for any teenager. Then he became one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the game. According to Jordan, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Jordan has also been credited as author of a lesser-known quote that is equally powerful: “Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” I think the Apostle Paul would have approved of MJ’s determination.

Prop: In Phil. 3:12-14 we’ll see 5 actions every believer must take to successfully live for Christ.

BG: 1. Phil. 3 Paul begins to address issues brought into the church by false teachers (Judaizers) to emphasize the keeping of Mosaic law in addition to being born again.

2. When we set up any external standard of conduct we don’t use the WOG, but attempt to appeal to the pride of our own works. Remember this, false doctrine always begets false practice. God’s Word requires holiness in the life of the believer. Yet the foundation of orthopraxy is always orthodoxy. Paul encouraged the Philippians to follow his example in striving for both.

Prop: Let’s look to Phil. 3:12-14 so as to notice 5 actions every believer must take to persevere for Christ.

I. I Must Press On v. 12 a

A. Paul States that he Must “Press On” to Persevere in Christ.

1. If there ever was someone who seemed able to congratulate himself for his efforts in the Christian life, it would seem to be the Apostle Paul. After his calling on the Damascus Road, the apostle was exemplary in his faithfulness. Nothing deterred him. No one could claim that Paul wasn’t up for hard challenges. No one could accuse Paul of laxity, laziness, or complacency. No one could accuse him of ministering for his own glory or financial gain. The record of what he suffered physically in II Cor. 11, for the sake of the Gospel, appalls and embarrasses us.

2. Yet, Paul begins this passage by clearly stating that he has not yet “arrived spiritually”. We see in the first half of this verse that the apostle clearly states that he has not yet already “become perfect”. He is not yet complete. There is still more for the apostle in the Christian life. Illust: I will never forget the Diane Sawyer interview of Billy Graham nearly 30 years ago now. “Do you have any regrets?” “Yes, I regret that I didn’t study more. And I regret that I didn’t do more for the Lord.” Completely sincere. That’s the mark of someone who is persevering for the Lord. No sitting back. No resting on laurels. “Pressing on”.

B. Paul States the Initial Action We Must all Take to Successfully Persevere for Christ.

1. Every Christian must personalize Paul’s proclamation: “I press on!” These aren’t just words to read, they are a commitment to internalize! All too many Christians view their salvation experience as the end. Those who see it as an end never grow. Never progress. Paul would have seen it as the beginning. It is the introduction of the child of God into the race of faith for the believer. Every believer is in a battle with the Devil, the flesh, and the pride of life. We are attacked daily on all sides. We become weary. Sometimes we have to stand alone. The race isn’t won until the entire course is run.

2. It’s Important to Keep the Attitude of Pressing on!

a. Illust: As some of you can remember we drove a lot on family vacations when our children were young. One of our favorite destinations was driving to Maine to see the grandparents and cousins. Seven people in one vehicle can get a little cramped! Remember one of the first times, about to cross over at Port Huron, MI, to go into Canada. Had driven about 550 miles that day. “Daddy, are we there yet?” Going over a bridge, Going into a different country. Point was lost on that child we still had 750 miles to go! We were well on our way, but we had not arrived yet! Same is true for each one of us in Christ.

b. Illust: Senior believers, you are an inspiration to us all! Life has battered and bruised them. They have experienced set backs and loss. They are dealing with limitations, but they PRESS ON! Here we see the aged apostle, his body is bent, his skin is scarred, his eyesight is fading, but in his soul he is joyfully persevering! Pressing on!