The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on December 31, 2023
Philippians 3;12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Worry has become part of the culture. As God’s people we’re told not to worry. In fact, it’s a sin. When we trust God more, we worry less. When we worry more, we trust God less. We’re hurried and worried and before we know it, we’ll be buried. We’ll leave this world. We all look forward to a lot in the new year. There is a lot happening in the world and it is time for concern. There’s a difference between being concerned and being worried. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to worry about anything. Reading it and putting it into practice is another thing. Most of us are anxious about something right now. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:27 that when we want something, worrying about it doesn’t make it happen. Tomorrow will worry about itself. It may never come for us, so why worry. My parents had a sign in the house that said “today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” Let’s not borrow trouble from tomorrow. Why?
It wastes time. It causes us to focus on the problem and not solutions. It causes us to assume the responsibility that belongs only to God. It can paralyze us with fear. It saps our joy and drains our energy. It keeps us sidetracked and we can’t do as much for the Lord. Let’s look at these verses again. If anyone had a cause to brag it would have been Paul. Yet we see a humble submission, some refreshing honesty. He realized something we must realize. We are nothing but sinners saved by the grace of God. In one verse Paul said he was the chief of sinners. I’m sure after his life of persecuting the church before he got saved, it would make him feel that way. But God still loved him and saved him. We also need to remember we’re not as strong and wise as we think and that God is stronger and wiser than we can imagine. We’re not as clever or wise as God. We’re not as strong. Only God keeps us going. Jesus is everything we’re not.
At the end of verse 12 we see a holy aspiration. Press to take hold of that which Christ took hold of in us. Nothing about us inclined us to look for God. He looked for us and found us. Jesus died for us before we ever loved him. He brought us out of the life of sin and changed our lives. Being a Christian is a lifetime commitment. We press on because we’re not home. We press on to grow in the Lord. Our desire should be to be more like Christ.
In verse 13 we see a healthy determination. He said this ONE thing I do. Not 20 things. ONE thing. Paul looked toward the goal of winning the prize at the end of his life. Single minded focus brings reward. A person excels in sports when he/she puts their whole heart into it. It’s the same for anything we do. We haven’t attained. We haven’t arrived. Paul had a goal. It’s to be our goal: to hear “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Paul wanted to hear those words and we should too. Forget what’s behind. Forget your worries. Forget your failures. Learn from them and forget them. We will fail the Lord. When we get knocked down, get up! Go on. Forget the attacks of enemies. Forget the praise of friends. March forward. Press on to what lies ahead. Go forward for the glory of God.
In verse 14 we see a heavenly inclination. Direction makes a difference. Heaven is the right direction. We are on our way home. Our steps are getting slower. Paul had to forget the past and push forward to tomorrow. Fight the good fight. Finish the course. The prize is ahead. Keep climbing; you’re not home yet. If Paul were here today, he’d say “press on!” We must finish the race well. Too many just dabble in this and aren’t really committed. Start well and finish well.
What’s the goal for your life? Paul’s was to tell people about Christ and be pleasing to the Lord. Why do you get up in the morning? To go to work? Sure, but why do you really get up? Be a light shining for Jesus. The only Bible some will ever read is your life. Preach to this world: use words when necessary. Let the way you live speak for itself. Why are you still here? To take up space? No. You and I are to do God’s will. I want to die doing something for the glory of God.
No one can say what the new year will bring. We don’t know how long we’ll be here. Whatever it brings, the Lord says “fear not.” Will things get worse? “Fear not.” Will you lose your health or wealth? “Fear not.” Will you get cancer or keep your job? No matter what: “fear not.” Wrap your life up and give it to the Lord.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 