Press on

There are many things that try to steal our focus. Even so, we must strive to maintain our focus on the ultimate prize, a life with Christ Jesus for eternity back in heaven. Let us consider the following verses:

Philippians 3:12-14; 20-21 (NKJV)

v. 12 – “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (God called us on purpose)

v. 13 – “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, (What are we doing? Let us reflect), forgetting (we must leave the past behind) those things which are behind and reaching forward (Jabez said: if you extended my territory) to those things which are ahead,” (we must look to the future) (dreams) (goals).

v.14 – “I press (what does not kill us, makes us stronger) (We must continue, we cannot stop), toward the goal (what is our goal?) (Spiritual, material, etc.) for the prize (God will give us the prize) (What do we desire to obtain from God) of the upward call of God (the highest level we can attain in God) (Our goal should be that we resemble Jesus) (God wants us to go from glory to glory) in Christ Jesus.

vv. 20-21 – “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

vv. 24-27 – “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

vv. 1-2 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let us press on so that we may receive the prize God has for those who persevere. May Jesus be our goal today.

Song: Press on, Mandisa

Press On Mandisa - YouTube