FORWARD
VERSE
Philippians 3:12-14 MSG - I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
INTRO
IT’S CONFERENCE WEEK!
We have so much to share and receive this weekend, and we’re so excited to jump into it! Conference to me always feels like the start of something new, and with how this year has been, how many of us can use something new and positive? So this message is simply called: Forward.
In chapter three, Paul tells us about knowing God and how knowing him we can begin to focus on what’s ahead, on goals, ideas, and Jesus himself.
Another translation says: “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.”
Isn’t that such a great mindset?
We’ve all been through so much this year, some more than most, but Paul’s inviting us to press on towards the goal. What is the goal? For Paul it was working in the kingdom of God, to reach out to people the way Jesus reached out to him. What about your goal? Maybe it’s the same, maybe it’s to learn to manage your finances or your relationships, maybe it’s learning how to navigate life after losing a loved one. No matter what it is, each of us can press on towards the goal.
We can all move forward, you might say, I don’t see myself going too far. I’m exhausted, emotionally, spiritually, I’m done. That’s okay, forward doesn’t mean a mile, it just means ahead and without looking back. Even if you can only move an inch today, or this week. Let that be an inch towards Jesus.
DISCUSSION
What kind of goals are you working towards?
How can we press on towards our goals in today’s climate?
How prepared are you for conference? Are you registered?
PRAYER
Salvation prayer.
Pray for any requests, goals and moving forward.
Pray for SYA Conference.