Encourage believers to let go of past mistakes and fears about the future, and instead focus on pursuing the heavenly prize with confidence in God's unchanging faithfulness and hope.
Good morning, church family! You know, I've been thinking a lot about the future lately - I think we all have. In these uncertain times, it can be easy to get caught up in the worry and fear of what's to come. But as Christians, we have a Hope that is steadfast and unchanging, a Promise that we can cling to, no matter what the future holds.
As John Greenleaf Whittier once said, "Through the dark and stormy night Faith beholds a feeble light Up the blackness streaking; Knowing God's own time is best, In a patient hope I rest For the full day-breaking!"
And so, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing that God holds our future. Let's look at what the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, in chapter 3, verses 13 and 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."
Oh, what a beautiful reminder that is! It encourages us to forget what lies behind, the past mistakes, the failures, the disappointments, and to strain toward what is ahead. To press on toward the goal, the heavenly prize that God has called us to.
Let's pray.
Father in Heaven, we thank you for the Hope that we have in you. As we gather here today, help us to lay aside the burdens of the past, and to move forward with confidence, knowing that you hold our future. In Jesus name, Amen.
So, let's dive in.
God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of Christian belief, a truth that we can hold onto in times of uncertainty and change. It is a promise that God will never leave us nor forsake us, a promise that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
An active God: When we talk about God's faithfulness in our future, we are acknowledging that God is not just present in our current circumstances, but He is also actively involved in shaping our future. He is not a distant observer, but a loving Father who guides and directs our steps. This truth can bring us great comfort, especially in times of uncertainty.
Biblical examples: The Bible is filled with stories of God's faithfulness to His people. From the Israelites in the wilderness to the early Christian church, we see time and again how God remained true to His promises, even when the circumstances seemed impossible. These stories serve as reminders that God's faithfulness is not just a concept, but a reality that we can experience in our own lives.
The New Testament: We see this faithfulness demonstrated in the life of the apostle Paul. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, Paul remained confident in God's faithfulness. He understood that his future was not determined by his circumstances, but by God's promises. This is why he could say with confidence, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Not always easy: There are times when we may not understand His plans or His timing. There may be times when we feel lost or confused, unsure of what the future holds. But even in these moments, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is faithful. His promises are sure, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Not just for our benefit: It’s for the benefit of others as well. As we experience God's faithfulness in our lives, we are able to share this hope with others. We can encourage those who are struggling, reminding them of God's unchanging love and faithfulness.
A powerful tool for ministry: It allows us to stand firm in our faith, to press on toward the goal, and to share the hope of the gospel with others.
A reality that we can experience in our own lives: Let's remember that God is not just present in our current circumstances, but He is actively involved in shaping our future. And let's remember that His faithfulness is not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.
The hope of the Christian is not merely a wishful thinking or a blind optimism, but a firm assurance rooted in the promises of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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