For a New Year
Phil. 3:13-4:1
Paul gives us some things to think about for a New Year.
I. Forgetting those things which are behind. Vs 13
A. The bad.
1. The failures
2. The hurts
3. Sin – confess it, forget it and move on
4. Disappointments
5. Stupid decisions
B. We also leave behind blessings and
achievements.(I am not suggesting we forget them)
1. Revival meetings.
2. VBS
3. Mission’s Conference
4. 40th anniversary
5. Other blessings (testimonies)
II. Reaching for those things which are before.
A. Pressing toward the “mark. Vs 14
“finish line”
-The end of the race
-the upward calling of God. (Rapture)
B. Follow together. 17
1. Walk by the same rule.
-To walk close to God.
Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
-To glorify Him in godly living.
1 Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat,
or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to
the glory of God.
2. Let us mind the same thing.
-We should all be going in one direction.
-Following the Lord
-Honoring the Great Commission.
C. We live by a higher Calling Vs. 20
1. Our citizenship is in heaven.
2. Not in this world.
III. Stand fast in the Lord. Vs 4:1
1. Stand your ground (fixed)
2. Stand for the Lord.
-like the dog soldiers of the Choctaws
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour is
not in vain in the Lord.
3. Don’t waver to the left or to the right.
4. Stay focused.
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith;
-Don’t get distracted
-Don’t get discouraged
-Don’t quit.
Conclusion
Let us commit together to
To Confess and forget sin
To a closer walk
To keep on track with the Lord.
