Pressing On
Date: January 20, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
Bible Scripture Verse – Philippians 3:13-14
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.
Listen for God’s Voice
Heavenly Father, please help me to press on toward Your goals, not my goals and help me to discern the difference.
Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi when he was in prison probably in Rome or Ephesus about 62 AD. He was worried that his execution was soon, but he was really hoping he’d get to visit Philippi again.
Study and Savor – Key Words
Forgetting what is behind – He doesn’t actually mean completely forget the past, but rather it’s more important for him to look ahead
Press on toward the goal – keep trying, keep moving, never stop
Summarize and Share
What was Paul’s goal? His goal was his desire to obtain glory, and not just any glory, but the glory that Jesus Christ received when he died on the cross.
Paul was actually an athlete, he wrote about boxing and training so that is probably why he used the words, “Press on toward the goal”. Paul is urging us to stay the course, keep our eyes on the goal and not give up. He had a vision ahead of him and he wanted the people in Philippi, and us, to remember that he would not give up.
When you are running a race, you aren’t supposed to look behind you, because if you do, you may not see the danger in front of you. It doesn’t matter how long the race is, don’t look back at the past, keep running, keep your eyes focused.
Paul’s goal was to see everyone’s lives turned inside out by the work of the Holy Spirit. He wanted everyone to turn their live over to Jesus. That should be our goal too, to bring others to Christ. Are you reaching for that goal? Do you see it in front of you? Keep reaching, keep trying and don’t give up.
Bible Cross Reference
Luke 9:62 - Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Philippians 3:12 - Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.