Everyday Joy - We Press On - Dr. Blake Ligon

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, let's celebrate that Amen. Amen. Hey, let's celebrate that Amen. Amen. Hey, let's celebrate that again one more time. Come on. >> Well, good morning. Welcome to Central >> Well, good morning. Welcome to Central Baptist Pearland. Excited you all are Baptist Pearland. Excited you all are Baptist Pearland. Excited you all are here. And listen, if you're new, we here. And listen, if you're new, we here. And listen, if you're new, we especially want to say welcome to you. especially want to say welcome to you. especially want to say welcome to you. And we want to know that you're here. And we want to know that you're here. And we want to know that you're here. And so, if you take a quick moment, take And so, if you take a quick moment, take And so, if you take a quick moment, take the card that's there in front of you, the card that's there in front of you, the card that's there in front of you, hopefully there in your in your chair, hopefully there in your in your chair, hopefully there in your in your chair, fill that out, turn it in after the fill that out, turn it in after the fill that out, turn it in after the service, and we want to follow up with service, and we want to follow up with service, and we want to follow up with you however we can. If it's praying for you however we can. If it's praying for you however we can. If it's praying for you, connecting you to baptism, whatever you, connecting you to baptism, whatever you, connecting you to baptism, whatever it is, we want to do that. Now, a few it is, we want to do that. Now, a few it is, we want to do that. Now, a few things uh housekeeping things I don't things uh housekeeping things I don't things uh housekeeping things I don't want to make you guys aware of, want to make you guys aware of, want to make you guys aware of, opportunities for growth. Next Sunday, opportunities for growth. Next Sunday, opportunities for growth. Next Sunday, uh we are having what I call Vision uh we are having what I call Vision uh we are having what I call Vision Sunday. Uh that's where I'm going to lay Sunday. Uh that's where I'm going to lay Sunday. Uh that's where I'm going to lay out uh some challenges, some changes, out uh some challenges, some changes, out uh some challenges, some changes, and some exciting things that God has and some exciting things that God has and some exciting things that God has put on our hearts put on our hearts put on our hearts uh and and the mission of this church to uh and and the mission of this church to uh and and the mission of this church to fulfill. And so, I want to invite our fulfill. And so, I want to invite our fulfill. And so, I want to invite our entire church family to be a part of entire church family to be a part of entire church family to be a part of next Sunday, which both today and next next Sunday, which both today and next next Sunday, which both today and next Sunday fit together really well. And Sunday fit together really well. And Sunday fit together really well. And also, if you are looking for also, if you are looking for also, if you are looking for opportunities to grow, Midweek is about opportunities to grow, Midweek is about opportunities to grow, Midweek is about to launch. And so, if you want to be a to launch. And so, if you want to be a to launch. And so, if you want to be a part of any of the following, part of any of the following, part of any of the following, GriefShare, your kids involved with Kids GriefShare, your kids involved with Kids GriefShare, your kids involved with Kids on Mission, Students Reengage, which is on Mission, Students Reengage, which is on Mission, Students Reengage, which is our marriage course, Spiritual our marriage course, Spiritual our marriage course, Spiritual Disciplines, Covered to Cover, which is Disciplines, Covered to Cover, which is Disciplines, Covered to Cover, which is a a a a new study we're launching for women a new study we're launching for women a new study we're launching for women going through the storyline of the going through the storyline of the going through the storyline of the Bible, Fighting Shadows for men, Life Bible, Fighting Shadows for men, Life Bible, Fighting Shadows for men, Life Group starting back, and the Grace

Group starting back, and the Grace Group starting back, and the Grace Marriage Weekend. All of those things Marriage Weekend. All of those things Marriage Weekend. All of those things are coming this fall. You may be like, are coming this fall. You may be like, are coming this fall. You may be like, "I didn't catch any of that." Good. Hop "I didn't catch any of that." Good. Hop "I didn't catch any of that." Good. Hop on the website and you can learn all on the website and you can learn all on the website and you can learn all about it. Or, you can see Colby Boyd, about it. Or, you can see Colby Boyd, about it. Or, you can see Colby Boyd, and he will give you all the information and he will give you all the information and he will give you all the information you need to know about that. Now, with you need to know about that. Now, with you need to know about that. Now, with that being said, I want to invite you that being said, I want to invite you that being said, I want to invite you guys First off, by the way, it's good to guys First off, by the way, it's good to guys First off, by the way, it's good to be back. be back. be back. It's good to be back. It's good to be back. It's good to be back. I'm excited to be with you guys. You may I'm excited to be with you guys. You may I'm excited to be with you guys. You may may be saying that after this sermon, may be saying that after this sermon, may be saying that after this sermon, but we'll see. Um but we'll see. Um but we'll see. Um but I want to invite you if you have a but I want to invite you if you have a but I want to invite you if you have a Bible to turn with me to Philippians Bible to turn with me to Philippians Bible to turn with me to Philippians chapter 3. chapter 3. chapter 3. Philippians chapter 3. And as you're Philippians chapter 3. And as you're Philippians chapter 3. And as you're turning there, I want to introduce you turning there, I want to introduce you turning there, I want to introduce you to a term that you have possibly battled to a term that you have possibly battled to a term that you have possibly battled with before, but you never even knew it with before, but you never even knew it with before, but you never even knew it was an actual thing. And the term that I was an actual thing. And the term that I was an actual thing. And the term that I want to define for us this morning that want to define for us this morning that want to define for us this morning that really sets the backdrop for the whole really sets the backdrop for the whole really sets the backdrop for the whole passage and what Paul is combating is passage and what Paul is combating is passage and what Paul is combating is the term spiritual complacency. the term spiritual complacency. the term spiritual complacency. Spiritual complacency. Okay, and I want Spiritual complacency. Okay, and I want Spiritual complacency. Okay, and I want to define it for us so that we can more to define it for us so that we can more to define it for us so that we can more clearly understand, maybe to diagnose clearly understand, maybe to diagnose clearly understand, maybe to diagnose ourselves, but also to help us ourselves, but also to help us ourselves, but also to help us understand, again, what Paul is going understand, again, what Paul is going understand, again, what Paul is going after in this passage. Here's what after in this passage. Here's what after in this passage. Here's what spiritual complacency is.

spiritual complacency is. spiritual complacency is. It's a condition in which a person It's a condition in which a person It's a condition in which a person becomes comfortable, becomes comfortable, becomes comfortable, passive, or self-satisfied passive, or self-satisfied passive, or self-satisfied in their relationship with God that they in their relationship with God that they in their relationship with God that they no longer are pursuing spiritual growth no longer are pursuing spiritual growth no longer are pursuing spiritual growth and obedience with urgency and and obedience with urgency and and obedience with urgency and dependence. dependence. dependence. Spiritual complacency, in essence, is a Spiritual complacency, in essence, is a Spiritual complacency, in essence, is a condition that a believer can get in condition that a believer can get in condition that a believer can get in where they just don't care. They are where they just don't care. They are where they just don't care. They are comfortable where they are spiritually. comfortable where they are spiritually. comfortable where they are spiritually. Here's another way to define it kind of Here's another way to define it kind of Here's another way to define it kind of more in in in in a personal way. more in in in in a personal way. more in in in in a personal way. Spiritual complacency Spiritual complacency Spiritual complacency is when yesterday's faithfulness becomes is when yesterday's faithfulness becomes is when yesterday's faithfulness becomes today's excuse to stop growing, today's excuse to stop growing, today's excuse to stop growing, to stop serving, and to ultimately stop to stop serving, and to ultimately stop to stop serving, and to ultimately stop obeying the Lord. Spiritual complacency. obeying the Lord. Spiritual complacency. obeying the Lord. Spiritual complacency. I had a season of this in my own life. I I had a season of this in my own life. I I had a season of this in my own life. I had just given my life to Jesus in high had just given my life to Jesus in high had just given my life to Jesus in high school, came into college, got called to school, came into college, got called to school, came into college, got called to ministry my sophomore year, and man, I ministry my sophomore year, and man, I ministry my sophomore year, and man, I was on fire. Reading God's word, was on fire. Reading God's word, was on fire. Reading God's word, praying. It's one of the first seasons praying. It's one of the first seasons praying. It's one of the first seasons of my life that I got to lead someone to of my life that I got to lead someone to of my life that I got to lead someone to Christ. I mean, I was just I I changed Christ. I mean, I was just I I changed Christ. I mean, I was just I I changed my major.

my major. my major. And so, I began to study Christian And so, I began to study Christian And so, I began to study Christian ministry, Christian theology, church ministry, Christian theology, church ministry, Christian theology, church history, all these things that I loved history, all these things that I loved history, all these things that I loved and were passionate about. I was on and were passionate about. I was on and were passionate about. I was on fire, growing every day, serving in new fire, growing every day, serving in new fire, growing every day, serving in new places, preaching as a part of this places, preaching as a part of this places, preaching as a part of this college ministry. And then I got to college ministry. And then I got to college ministry. And then I got to seminary, which you may think seminary, seminary, which you may think seminary, seminary, which you may think seminary, that's the place where you should that's the place where you should that's the place where you should amplify your spiritual growth, but it amplify your spiritual growth, but it amplify your spiritual growth, but it wasn't for me. wasn't for me. wasn't for me. In my In this season, I got spiritually In my In this season, I got spiritually In my In this season, I got spiritually complacent, meaning that I stopped complacent, meaning that I stopped complacent, meaning that I stopped pursuing the Lord and started just pursuing the Lord and started just pursuing the Lord and started just learning about him. learning about him. learning about him. So, I'd go to class and learn how to So, I'd go to class and learn how to So, I'd go to class and learn how to parse Greek and Hebrew. I'd go and parse Greek and Hebrew. I'd go and parse Greek and Hebrew. I'd go and listen to church history. I would learn listen to church history. I would learn listen to church history. I would learn all kinds of facts about the Bible. I all kinds of facts about the Bible. I all kinds of facts about the Bible. I just wasn't spending time in God's word just wasn't spending time in God's word just wasn't spending time in God's word alone. alone. alone. I was learning all about the church I was learning all about the church I was learning all about the church fathers and how they spent time in fathers and how they spent time in fathers and how they spent time in prayer. I just wasn't going home and prayer. I just wasn't going home and prayer. I just wasn't going home and actually doing it myself, which I've actually doing it myself, which I've actually doing it myself, which I've said before is one of the greatest ways said before is one of the greatest ways said before is one of the greatest ways to become a hypocrite, is to learn more to become a hypocrite, is to learn more to become a hypocrite, is to learn more about God and at the same time look less about God and at the same time look less about God and at the same time look less like him. like him. like him. That's what was happening in my life. That's what was happening in my life. That's what was happening in my life. I had not seriously sat down It's about I had not seriously sat down It's about I had not seriously sat down It's about a year in before I realized that, man, a year in before I realized that, man, a year in before I realized that, man, I'm not serious about my personal time I'm not serious about my personal time I'm not serious about my personal time with God. I'm more interested in the with God. I'm more interested in the with God. I'm more interested in the professional side of my spiritual professional side of my spiritual professional side of my spiritual growth.

growth. growth. And the Lord hit me between the eyes. I And the Lord hit me between the eyes. I And the Lord hit me between the eyes. I was spiritually complacent. I was was spiritually complacent. I was was spiritually complacent. I was comfortable where I was. comfortable where I was. comfortable where I was. And if I'm being honest, and having been And if I'm being honest, and having been And if I'm being honest, and having been gone for about 6 weeks, and being able gone for about 6 weeks, and being able gone for about 6 weeks, and being able to take a drone view of our church, to take a drone view of our church, to take a drone view of our church, I believe I believe I believe I can see, and I can feel, and I can I can see, and I can feel, and I can I can see, and I can feel, and I can hear hear hear that some of our church, not everybody, that some of our church, not everybody, that some of our church, not everybody, but a lot of people in our church are but a lot of people in our church are but a lot of people in our church are spiritually complacent. spiritually complacent. spiritually complacent. They are comfortable where they are, They are comfortable where they are, They are comfortable where they are, relying on past successes, or past relying on past successes, or past relying on past successes, or past ministries, or past wins to give them an ministries, or past wins to give them an ministries, or past wins to give them an excuse to not be serving the Lord excuse to not be serving the Lord excuse to not be serving the Lord currently. currently. currently. And so, this morning we're going to dive And so, this morning we're going to dive And so, this morning we're going to dive into a passage of scripture where Paul into a passage of scripture where Paul into a passage of scripture where Paul is hitting spiritual complacency in the is hitting spiritual complacency in the is hitting spiritual complacency in the mouth from his own life. mouth from his own life. mouth from his own life. And this morning is an invitation for And this morning is an invitation for And this morning is an invitation for you, if you're here this morning you're you, if you're here this morning you're you, if you're here this morning you're like, that described every bit of me. like, that described every bit of me. like, that described every bit of me. Comfortable, passive, just kind of Comfortable, passive, just kind of Comfortable, passive, just kind of floating through, okay with the status floating through, okay with the status floating through, okay with the status quo, not really growing, but not doing quo, not really growing, but not doing quo, not really growing, but not doing anything terrible, which is one of the anything terrible, which is one of the anything terrible, which is one of the worst places for a Christian to be. Not worst places for a Christian to be. Not worst places for a Christian to be. Not growing, but also not doing anything too growing, but also not doing anything too growing, but also not doing anything too bad, because what your mind and the bad, because what your mind and the bad, because what your mind and the enemy tells you is you're good. You're enemy tells you is you're good. You're enemy tells you is you're good. You're good, you're fine, you're not doing good, you're fine, you're not doing good, you're fine, you're not doing anything awful.

anything awful. anything awful. But the goal of the Christian life is But the goal of the Christian life is But the goal of the Christian life is not to be comfortable. The goal of the not to be comfortable. The goal of the not to be comfortable. The goal of the Christian life is not to be spiritually Christian life is not to be spiritually Christian life is not to be spiritually complacent. And so if you're here this complacent. And so if you're here this complacent. And so if you're here this morning and that's you, you're like, morning and that's you, you're like, morning and that's you, you're like, bro, you're 4 minutes into this sermon bro, you're 4 minutes into this sermon bro, you're 4 minutes into this sermon and you just described my entire life and you just described my entire life and you just described my entire life right now. Then I want to invite you right now. Then I want to invite you right now. Then I want to invite you into this passage of scripture to see into this passage of scripture to see into this passage of scripture to see how we can combat spiritual complacency. how we can combat spiritual complacency. how we can combat spiritual complacency. You may be here and you're like, that's You may be here and you're like, that's You may be here and you're like, that's not me. Man, I'm I've been growing like not me. Man, I'm I've been growing like not me. Man, I'm I've been growing like a weed spiritually over the summer and a weed spiritually over the summer and a weed spiritually over the summer and I've gotten involved in some new things I've gotten involved in some new things I've gotten involved in some new things and God's been doing some cool stuff in and God's been doing some cool stuff in and God's been doing some cool stuff in my life. Praise God for that, but you my life. Praise God for that, but you my life. Praise God for that, but you need to know that you are always one need to know that you are always one need to know that you are always one step back into comfort. One step back step back into comfort. One step back step back into comfort. One step back into passivity, one step from being into passivity, one step from being into passivity, one step from being complacent. And so this sermon is for complacent. And so this sermon is for complacent. And so this sermon is for you to guard yourself you to guard yourself you to guard yourself from falling back into spiritual from falling back into spiritual from falling back into spiritual complacency. complacency. complacency. So what we're going to see this morning So what we're going to see this morning So what we're going to see this morning is two things. Two truths that answer is two things. Two truths that answer is two things. Two truths that answer two questions. two questions. two questions. Why Why Why should we press on out of spiritual should we press on out of spiritual should we press on out of spiritual complacency and how do we do it? complacency and how do we do it? complacency and how do we do it? Why should we Why should we Why should we and how? Those are the two questions and how? Those are the two questions and how? Those are the two questions we're going to answer this morning from we're going to answer this morning from we're going to answer this morning from this passage of scripture. Because what this passage of scripture. Because what this passage of scripture. Because what Paul is going to tell us, I'm going to Paul is going to tell us, I'm going to Paul is going to tell us, I'm going to go ahead and give you the answer. Paul go ahead and give you the answer. Paul go ahead and give you the answer. Paul is going to tell us that the way to push is going to tell us that the way to push is going to tell us that the way to push through spiritual complacency is to through spiritual complacency is to through spiritual complacency is to literally do what I just said, press on.

literally do what I just said, press on. literally do what I just said, press on. Press forward. It is a it is a military Press forward. It is a it is a military Press forward. It is a it is a military term, it is an athletic term. Paul was term, it is an athletic term. Paul was term, it is an athletic term. Paul was speaking that the church at Philippi speaking that the church at Philippi speaking that the church at Philippi were a bunch of warriors and athletes. were a bunch of warriors and athletes. were a bunch of warriors and athletes. That's who they were, retired warriors That's who they were, retired warriors That's who they were, retired warriors and athletes. And what Paul is saying and athletes. And what Paul is saying and athletes. And what Paul is saying is, hey guys, listen, you haven't is, hey guys, listen, you haven't is, hey guys, listen, you haven't arrived, I haven't arrived, let's push arrived, I haven't arrived, let's push arrived, I haven't arrived, let's push forward. forward. forward. So how do we press on? So how do we press on? So how do we press on? And why should we? And why should we? And why should we? Why shouldn't we just settle into this Why shouldn't we just settle into this Why shouldn't we just settle into this super comfortable building, into super super comfortable building, into super super comfortable building, into super comfortable plush life and just go comfortable plush life and just go comfortable plush life and just go through the motions and sing a few through the motions and sing a few through the motions and sing a few songs? Why should we grow and how do we songs? Why should we grow and how do we songs? Why should we grow and how do we do it? do it? do it? Join me in this passage of scripture in Join me in this passage of scripture in Join me in this passage of scripture in the first verse in chapter 12, excuse the first verse in chapter 12, excuse the first verse in chapter 12, excuse me, verse 12 chapter 3 as we discover me, verse 12 chapter 3 as we discover me, verse 12 chapter 3 as we discover how we can press through spiritual how we can press through spiritual how we can press through spiritual complacency. complacency. complacency. Paul says this connecting it back to Paul says this connecting it back to Paul says this connecting it back to verse 11, "Not that I've already reached verse 11, "Not that I've already reached verse 11, "Not that I've already reached the goal or I'm already perfect, but I the goal or I'm already perfect, but I the goal or I'm already perfect, but I make every effort." That's where we get make every effort." That's where we get make every effort." That's where we get the word that make every effort, that's the word that make every effort, that's the word that make every effort, that's press on. press on. press on. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> "I press on to take hold of it because I >> "I press on to take hold of it because I >> "I press on to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ."

also have been taken hold of by Christ." also have been taken hold of by Christ." We're going to see why and we're going We're going to see why and we're going We're going to see why and we're going to see how we press on. But I want to to see how we press on. But I want to to see how we press on. But I want to pray together as we dive into this pray together as we dive into this pray together as we dive into this passage. passage. passage. Father, this passage is for a lot of people in this passage is for a lot of people in this room this room this room who potentially right now are who potentially right now are who potentially right now are spiritually complacent. They're spiritually complacent. They're spiritually complacent. They're comfortable. They're settled in comfortable. They're settled in comfortable. They're settled in to mediocrity. to mediocrity. to mediocrity. And Father, I pray that they would not And Father, I pray that they would not And Father, I pray that they would not hear from me. That's the last person hear from me. That's the last person hear from me. That's the last person they need to hear from. I pray that they they need to hear from. I pray that they they need to hear from. I pray that they hear from you and your spirit would call hear from you and your spirit would call hear from you and your spirit would call us up and call us out to press on. You us up and call us out to press on. You us up and call us out to press on. You would help us to see how we can do that would help us to see how we can do that would help us to see how we can do that and why we should do that. And Father, I and why we should do that. And Father, I and why we should do that. And Father, I pray that people today would get saved pray that people today would get saved pray that people today would get saved and that the saved would get passionate and that the saved would get passionate and that the saved would get passionate again again again about your calling on their life. And I about your calling on their life. And I about your calling on their life. And I pray all these things in the awesome pray all these things in the awesome pray all these things in the awesome name of Jesus. Amen. name of Jesus. Amen. name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Here's the first reason why you Amen. Here's the first reason why you Amen. Here's the first reason why you and I need to press on, that we don't and I need to press on, that we don't and I need to press on, that we don't need to settle in our relationship need to settle in our relationship need to settle in our relationship spiritually. It's that you and I need to spiritually. It's that you and I need to spiritually. It's that you and I need to press on for our growth, our spiritual press on for our growth, our spiritual press on for our growth, our spiritual growth. If you're not dead, then God growth. If you're not dead, then God growth. If you're not dead, then God still has things he wants to do in your still has things he wants to do in your still has things he wants to do in your life. And you and I join him by pressing life. And you and I join him by pressing life. And you and I join him by pressing on. We God has called us to continue to on. We God has called us to continue to on. We God has called us to continue to become less like us and more like Jesus.

become less like us and more like Jesus. become less like us and more like Jesus. So, he's called us this is the why. This So, he's called us this is the why. This So, he's called us this is the why. This is we are to grow in spiritual growth. is we are to grow in spiritual growth. is we are to grow in spiritual growth. So, now I want to answer how. How do we So, now I want to answer how. How do we So, now I want to answer how. How do we actually keep growing? How do we press actually keep growing? How do we press actually keep growing? How do we press on? Well, Paul gives us three ways that on? Well, Paul gives us three ways that on? Well, Paul gives us three ways that you and I can press on. We're going to you and I can press on. We're going to you and I can press on. We're going to see this from the iPad. So, we're going see this from the iPad. So, we're going see this from the iPad. So, we're going to hop on this passage of scripture. to hop on this passage of scripture. to hop on this passage of scripture. Why is that so small? Why is that so small? Why is that so small? It's little. It's little. It's little. Oh, it's it's big up there. Okay, good. Oh, it's it's big up there. Okay, good. Oh, it's it's big up there. Okay, good. Sweet. All right. So, it says therefore Sweet. All right. So, it says therefore Sweet. All right. So, it says therefore not that I've already obtained it, right not that I've already obtained it, right not that I've already obtained it, right there, or there, or there, or or have already become perfect. So, the or have already become perfect. So, the or have already become perfect. So, the first way that you and I can grow is first way that you and I can grow is first way that you and I can grow is right tucked into that passage of right tucked into that passage of right tucked into that passage of scripture. It's that you and I have to scripture. It's that you and I have to scripture. It's that you and I have to have humility to grow spiritually. have humility to grow spiritually. have humility to grow spiritually. Paul is admitting right out of the gate Paul is admitting right out of the gate Paul is admitting right out of the gate because verse 11 talks about him being because verse 11 talks about him being because verse 11 talks about him being glorified with Jesus. He's talking about glorified with Jesus. He's talking about glorified with Jesus. He's talking about the day that he will be perfect in the day that he will be perfect in the day that he will be perfect in Christ's presence. And then verse 12 Christ's presence. And then verse 12 Christ's presence. And then verse 12 says, "I'm not there yet. I have not says, "I'm not there yet. I have not says, "I'm not there yet. I have not arrived." When you want to grow arrived." When you want to grow arrived." When you want to grow spiritually, it has to begin with you spiritually, it has to begin with you spiritually, it has to begin with you saying I haven't arrived. Spiritual saying I haven't arrived. Spiritual saying I haven't arrived. Spiritual growth is fueled initially by humility.

growth is fueled initially by humility. growth is fueled initially by humility. And the reason why some people here And the reason why some people here And the reason why some people here aren't growing spiritually is that you aren't growing spiritually is that you aren't growing spiritually is that you have become spiritually prideful in have become spiritually prideful in have become spiritually prideful in where you are. where you are. where you are. Oh, I've already led a D-group. I'm I'm Oh, I've already led a D-group. I'm I'm Oh, I've already led a D-group. I'm I'm good now. good now. good now. I've I've capped that that mountain. I've I've capped that that mountain. I've I've capped that that mountain. There's There's now There's There's now There's There's now no more for me to gain. no more for me to gain. no more for me to gain. Spiritual growth is in essence saying Spiritual growth is in essence saying Spiritual growth is in essence saying before God, "I haven't arrived yet. I before God, "I haven't arrived yet. I before God, "I haven't arrived yet. I haven't made it yet. There's still more haven't made it yet. There's still more haven't made it yet. There's still more that I need to grow." The second means that I need to grow." The second means that I need to grow." The second means by which you and I grow is we need grit by which you and I grow is we need grit by which you and I grow is we need grit to grow spiritually. Grit. Look what he to grow spiritually. Grit. Look what he to grow spiritually. Grit. Look what he says here. says here. says here. But, I'm not perfect. Statement of But, I'm not perfect. Statement of But, I'm not perfect. Statement of humility. Then he says this, "But, humility. Then he says this, "But, humility. Then he says this, "But, I I I press on that I may take hold of." This press on that I may take hold of." This press on that I may take hold of." This is a different translation but than what is a different translation but than what is a different translation but than what you've got, but it still works. "But, I you've got, but it still works. "But, I you've got, but it still works. "But, I I on so that I may lay hold of that for I on so that I may lay hold of that for I on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ which also I was laid hold of by Christ which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. That phrase right there, press Jesus. That phrase right there, press Jesus. That phrase right there, press on, is Paul saying again, it's a on, is Paul saying again, it's a on, is Paul saying again, it's a military term. It's an athletic term. military term. It's an athletic term. military term. It's an athletic term. What Paul's saying is, I'm not giving What Paul's saying is, I'm not giving What Paul's saying is, I'm not giving up. Just because it's hard doesn't mean up. Just because it's hard doesn't mean up. Just because it's hard doesn't mean I need to halt. And a lot of people, I need to halt. And a lot of people, I need to halt. And a lot of people, here's the deal, a lot of people in the here's the deal, a lot of people in the here's the deal, a lot of people in the American churches, the first second that American churches, the first second that American churches, the first second that their life gets hard, their spiritual their life gets hard, their spiritual their life gets hard, their spiritual commitments are the first thing they're commitments are the first thing they're commitments are the first thing they're going to quit.

going to quit. going to quit. It's the first thing. It's the first thing. It's the first thing. We need a lesson from our brothers and We need a lesson from our brothers and We need a lesson from our brothers and sisters in Christ in Iran. We need a sisters in Christ in Iran. We need a sisters in Christ in Iran. We need a lesson from our brothers here in this lesson from our brothers here in this lesson from our brothers here in this passage of scripture who's in prison passage of scripture who's in prison passage of scripture who's in prison writing this. We get a hard season and writing this. We get a hard season and writing this. We get a hard season and we quit every spiritual opportunity and we quit every spiritual opportunity and we quit every spiritual opportunity and and responsibility we've got because and responsibility we've got because and responsibility we've got because we're in a TOUGH SEASON. YOU WILL ALWAYS we're in a TOUGH SEASON. YOU WILL ALWAYS we're in a TOUGH SEASON. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE TOUGH SEASONS. HAVE TOUGH SEASONS. HAVE TOUGH SEASONS. THE WORLD WILL BE PLAGUED, YOUR LIFE THE WORLD WILL BE PLAGUED, YOUR LIFE THE WORLD WILL BE PLAGUED, YOUR LIFE WILL BE PLAGUED WITH HARDSHIP AND hurt WILL BE PLAGUED WITH HARDSHIP AND hurt WILL BE PLAGUED WITH HARDSHIP AND hurt all through your Jesus promised it. You all through your Jesus promised it. You all through your Jesus promised it. You want a promise from Jesus? Here's what want a promise from Jesus? Here's what want a promise from Jesus? Here's what he says, the world will come at you, you he says, the world will come at you, you he says, the world will come at you, you will have problems, you will have will have problems, you will have will have problems, you will have hardship. It will always be the case, hardship. It will always be the case, hardship. It will always be the case, but our hardship is never an opportunity but our hardship is never an opportunity but our hardship is never an opportunity or an opportunity or an excuse for us to or an opportunity or an excuse for us to or an opportunity or an excuse for us to stop. stop. stop. The church in America has lost its grit. The church in America has lost its grit. The church in America has lost its grit. Our ability to push ahead. Now, I'm not Our ability to push ahead. Now, I'm not Our ability to push ahead. Now, I'm not saying you drive yourself into the saying you drive yourself into the saying you drive yourself into the ground. Part of having grit is also at ground. Part of having grit is also at ground. Part of having grit is also at times stepping back and taking Sabbath times stepping back and taking Sabbath times stepping back and taking Sabbath and resting. and resting. and resting. But here's the deal, what Paul's saying But here's the deal, what Paul's saying But here's the deal, what Paul's saying is you keep growing when you keep going. is you keep growing when you keep going. is you keep growing when you keep going. You keep growing when you keep going.

You keep growing when you keep going. You keep growing when you keep going. Some of y'all have lost your grit or to Some of y'all have lost your grit or to Some of y'all have lost your grit or to be honest with me, you never had it. be honest with me, you never had it. be honest with me, you never had it. Stuff got hard and so therefore it's Stuff got hard and so therefore it's Stuff got hard and so therefore it's like, okay. But here's the reality. like, okay. But here's the reality. like, okay. But here's the reality. When something gets spiritually hard, When something gets spiritually hard, When something gets spiritually hard, that doesn't give you an excuse to that doesn't give you an excuse to that doesn't give you an excuse to spiritually halt. spiritually halt. spiritually halt. Thank God Jesus didn't have that Thank God Jesus didn't have that Thank God Jesus didn't have that mindset. Woo, these nails kind of hurt. mindset. Woo, these nails kind of hurt. mindset. Woo, these nails kind of hurt. I think I'm going to come on down now. I think I'm going to come on down now. I think I'm going to come on down now. I'm kind of done with this season. It's I'm kind of done with this season. It's I'm kind of done with this season. It's hard. The people around you The people around you need to see the grit in you. Kingdom need to see the grit in you. Kingdom need to see the grit in you. Kingdom grit. grit. grit. But man, I'm going to tell you what, and But man, I'm going to tell you what, and But man, I'm going to tell you what, and I love you guys I love this church. This I love you guys I love this church. This I love you guys I love this church. This is the best church in the world, in my is the best church in the world, in my is the best church in the world, in my opinion, and I've seen a lot of them. opinion, and I've seen a lot of them. opinion, and I've seen a lot of them. But I think a lot of people in this But I think a lot of people in this But I think a lot of people in this church have lost their grit. church have lost their grit. church have lost their grit. We've gotten comfortable We've gotten comfortable We've gotten comfortable because now we're in a nice building, because now we're in a nice building, because now we're in a nice building, air conditioned and paid for. air conditioned and paid for. air conditioned and paid for. Things got hard or easier Things got hard or easier Things got hard or easier and so we lost our grit. and so we lost our grit. and so we lost our grit. Our passion, our fire.

Our passion, our fire. Our passion, our fire. And instead of wanting to run through a And instead of wanting to run through a And instead of wanting to run through a wall for the kingdom, now we don't even wall for the kingdom, now we don't even wall for the kingdom, now we don't even want to open a gate. Oh, being in a D group is hard. I'm Oh, being in a D group is hard. I'm going to quit. going to quit. going to quit. Serving the church is tough. I'm going Serving the church is tough. I'm going Serving the church is tough. I'm going to quit. Reading my Bible in the to quit. Reading my Bible in the to quit. Reading my Bible in the mornings is so tough. I'm going to quit. mornings is so tough. I'm going to quit. mornings is so tough. I'm going to quit. Some of you Some of you, in love, I'm Some of you Some of you, in love, I'm Some of you Some of you, in love, I'm going to tell you this. Your life, going to tell you this. Your life, going to tell you this. Your life, spiritually, has been plagued and spiritually, has been plagued and spiritually, has been plagued and characterized by you starting and characterized by you starting and characterized by you starting and stopping everything. AND PAUL'S SAYING HERE, "PRESS ON!" YOU AND PAUL'S SAYING HERE, "PRESS ON!" YOU WANT TO GROW? YOU GOT TO HAVE GRIT. WANT TO GROW? YOU GOT TO HAVE GRIT. WANT TO GROW? YOU GOT TO HAVE GRIT. If you want to keep growing, you have to If you want to keep growing, you have to If you want to keep growing, you have to keep going. And here's the last trait keep going. And here's the last trait keep going. And here's the last trait that we need in order for us to grow. that we need in order for us to grow. that we need in order for us to grow. This is a little softer. This will help, This is a little softer. This will help, This is a little softer. This will help, okay? okay? okay? It's a little kinder. It's a little kinder. It's a little kinder. You got to balance these two things. You You got to balance these two things. You You got to balance these two things. You need grace. need grace. need grace. Grace. Grace. Grace. In fact, grace is a catalyst for all of In fact, grace is a catalyst for all of In fact, grace is a catalyst for all of these things, for humility and for grit. these things, for humility and for grit. these things, for humility and for grit. Why do I say that? Look at this passage. Why do I say that? Look at this passage. Why do I say that? Look at this passage. So that I may Look what he says. That I So that I may Look what he says. That I So that I may Look what he says. That I may lay hold of may lay hold of may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of that for which also I was laid hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Here's what he means.

by Christ Jesus. Here's what he means. by Christ Jesus. Here's what he means. He's saying He's saying He's saying I keep pressing towards Jesus because I keep pressing towards Jesus because I keep pressing towards Jesus because Jesus pressed towards me. Jesus pressed towards me. Jesus pressed towards me. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I Here's what he's saying also. >> I Here's what he's saying also. >> I Here's what he's saying also. You want to write something down. We You want to write something down. We You want to write something down. We pursue Jesus pursue Jesus pursue Jesus because Jesus first pursued us. because Jesus first pursued us. because Jesus first pursued us. The spiritual life is not about you The spiritual life is not about you The spiritual life is not about you getting better or you doing more for the getting better or you doing more for the getting better or you doing more for the kingdom. It's about you realizing first kingdom. It's about you realizing first kingdom. It's about you realizing first how much the kingdom did for you and how much the kingdom did for you and how much the kingdom did for you and then your response is nothing will stop then your response is nothing will stop then your response is nothing will stop me from running towards the king. me from running towards the king. me from running towards the king. It's realizing the great extent that It's realizing the great extent that It's realizing the great extent that Jesus went to save you, the the agony Jesus went to save you, the the agony Jesus went to save you, the the agony and the brokenness and the humility of and the brokenness and the humility of and the brokenness and the humility of him leaving his crown and his throne, him leaving his crown and his throne, him leaving his crown and his throne, coming to the earth to suffer and die so coming to the earth to suffer and die so coming to the earth to suffer and die so that you could be resurrected back to that you could be resurrected back to that you could be resurrected back to life so that you could have new life in life so that you could have new life in life so that you could have new life in him and then therefore our response is him and then therefore our response is him and then therefore our response is you press towards me, I'm going to press you press towards me, I'm going to press you press towards me, I'm going to press towards you. towards you. towards you. The reason why some of you have gotten The reason why some of you have gotten The reason why some of you have gotten spiritually complacent is because you've spiritually complacent is because you've spiritually complacent is because you've been relying on yourself. been relying on yourself. been relying on yourself. YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE GRACE OF GOD OVER YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE GRACE OF GOD OVER YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE GRACE OF GOD OVER YOUR LIFE.

YOUR LIFE. YOUR LIFE. THAT HE WENT THROUGH INSANE MEASURES TO THAT HE WENT THROUGH INSANE MEASURES TO THAT HE WENT THROUGH INSANE MEASURES TO COME AFTER and save you. And so now the COME AFTER and save you. And so now the COME AFTER and save you. And so now the first time life gets hard, the first first time life gets hard, the first first time life gets hard, the first time the difficult things happen, it's time the difficult things happen, it's time the difficult things happen, it's like I quit. BECAUSE YOU'VE LOST THE like I quit. BECAUSE YOU'VE LOST THE like I quit. BECAUSE YOU'VE LOST THE VISION OF CHRIST GOING THROUGH HELL FOR VISION OF CHRIST GOING THROUGH HELL FOR VISION OF CHRIST GOING THROUGH HELL FOR YOU. YOU. YOU. YOU'VE LOST IT. YOU'VE LOST IT. YOU'VE LOST IT. AND SO PAUL'S SAYING HERE, YOU WANT TO AND SO PAUL'S SAYING HERE, YOU WANT TO AND SO PAUL'S SAYING HERE, YOU WANT TO GROW? GROW? GROW? You've got to have a grander view of You've got to have a grander view of You've got to have a grander view of grace. grace. grace. That man, God didn't send you to hell. That man, God didn't send you to hell. That man, God didn't send you to hell. But he bought you with his blood of the But he bought you with his blood of the But he bought you with his blood of the blood of his son. That's how much you blood of his son. That's how much you blood of his son. That's how much you matter to him. So we grow through humility, grit, and So we grow through humility, grit, and grace. Grace ultimately says Jesus loves grace. Grace ultimately says Jesus loves grace. Grace ultimately says Jesus loves me. Therefore, I love Jesus. We pursue Christ because he pursued us. We pursue Christ because he pursued us. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> When I was in high school, >> When I was in high school, >> When I was in high school, I recognized I recognized I recognized that I was slower than what I wanted to that I was slower than what I wanted to that I was slower than what I wanted to be. be. be. I wasn't as fast as I wanted to be. I I wasn't as fast as I wanted to be. I I wasn't as fast as I wanted to be. I wanted to play college football.

wanted to play college football. wanted to play college football. I wanted to be the best I wanted to be the best I wanted to be the best running back, wide receiver that I could running back, wide receiver that I could running back, wide receiver that I could possibly be. possibly be. possibly be. So, I got one of these out of our old So, I got one of these out of our old So, I got one of these out of our old locker room in Marvel, Arkansas. Rusted locker room in Marvel, Arkansas. Rusted locker room in Marvel, Arkansas. Rusted out, 45-lb weight on top of it. This one out, 45-lb weight on top of it. This one out, 45-lb weight on top of it. This one doesn't have one cuz if I got a 45 on doesn't have one cuz if I got a 45 on doesn't have one cuz if I got a 45 on there, I'd embarrass myself beyond there, I'd embarrass myself beyond there, I'd embarrass myself beyond measure this morning. measure this morning. measure this morning. And here's what I did. And here's what I did. And here's what I did. I ran out or I went out on a lawn mower I ran out or I went out on a lawn mower I ran out or I went out on a lawn mower to our pasture right by my house and I to our pasture right by my house and I to our pasture right by my house and I cut a strip about 5 yd wide and about 30 cut a strip about 5 yd wide and about 30 cut a strip about 5 yd wide and about 30 yd deep. yd deep. yd deep. Real low. Cut it very low. Real low. Cut it very low. Real low. Cut it very low. And then I got my truck and I got this And then I got my truck and I got this And then I got my truck and I got this out of the back of it. I put it down on out of the back of it. I put it down on out of the back of it. I put it down on one end. one end. one end. And then the next morning I got up. And then the next morning I got up. And then the next morning I got up. Nobody told me to. Nobody told me to. Nobody told me to. Nobody was yelling at me to do it. I Nobody was yelling at me to do it. I Nobody was yelling at me to do it. I just got that harness just got that harness just got that harness and I tightened it up while the sun was and I tightened it up while the sun was and I tightened it up while the sun was rising rising rising pop and start running. All the way to the end. And I got here. All the way to the end. And I got here. Yank the thing around. Turned it around.

Yank the thing around. Turned it around. Yank the thing around. Turned it around. Nobody's watching. No crowds. No Nobody's watching. No crowds. No Nobody's watching. No crowds. No Nobody's saying, "Way to go." No Nobody's saying, "Way to go." No Nobody's saying, "Way to go." No Instagram. No Facebook. Look what I'm Instagram. No Facebook. Look what I'm Instagram. No Facebook. Look what I'm doing. Crushing it. Gains, baby. doing. Crushing it. Gains, baby. doing. Crushing it. Gains, baby. Hashtag. Nothing. Hashtag. Nothing. Hashtag. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. I was just out there pulling this sled I was just out there pulling this sled I was just out there pulling this sled over and over. I'd take off and I'm not over and over. I'd take off and I'm not over and over. I'd take off and I'm not going to run cuz yesterday I pulled a going to run cuz yesterday I pulled a going to run cuz yesterday I pulled a muscle in my calf. I'm just being honest muscle in my calf. I'm just being honest muscle in my calf. I'm just being honest with y'all. Literally. with y'all. Literally. with y'all. Literally. No joke. No joke. No joke. And I'd run it down. I'd catch my And I'd run it down. I'd catch my And I'd run it down. I'd catch my breath. breath. breath. >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] >> Cuz if you've ever run these before, it >> Cuz if you've ever run these before, it >> Cuz if you've ever run these before, it literally lights your quads on fire and literally lights your quads on fire and literally lights your quads on fire and at the same time it numbs them. It's at the same time it numbs them. It's at the same time it numbs them. It's awful. I got a buddy right here being awful. I got a buddy right here being awful. I got a buddy right here being like, "Yeah, he's crying." like, "Yeah, he's crying." like, "Yeah, he's crying." I know what you're saying, bro. I know I know what you're saying, bro. I know I know what you're saying, bro. I know what you're saying. what you're saying. what you're saying. AND THEN YOU TURN AROUND. AND I DID IT AND THEN YOU TURN AROUND. AND I DID IT AND THEN YOU TURN AROUND. AND I DID IT AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. COWS AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. COWS AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN. COWS SITTING OUT THERE IN THE PASTURE. Watching me. Watching me. And I I it over and over and over again. And I I it over and over and over again. And I I it over and over and over again. Why? Because I knew Why? Because I knew Why? Because I knew that in order to become better, I had to that in order to become better, I had to that in order to become better, I had to press forward.

press forward. press forward. I had to add a little resistance to my I had to add a little resistance to my I had to add a little resistance to my running in order to run faster. I wanted running in order to run faster. I wanted running in order to run faster. I wanted to be stronger. I wanted to be faster. I to be stronger. I wanted to be faster. I to be stronger. I wanted to be faster. I wanted to be more than I already was. wanted to be more than I already was. wanted to be more than I already was. And what Paul's saying right here is And what Paul's saying right here is And what Paul's saying right here is this, this, this, I hadn't made it. I'm not perfect. So, I I hadn't made it. I'm not perfect. So, I I hadn't made it. I'm not perfect. So, I keep pulling the sled. I keep pressing keep pulling the sled. I keep pressing keep pulling the sled. I keep pressing on. And some of y'all in your spiritual on. And some of y'all in your spiritual on. And some of y'all in your spiritual lives went like this and said, "Ooh, lives went like this and said, "Ooh, lives went like this and said, "Ooh, read my Bible? read my Bible? read my Bible? Nah, I'm good. I'll just go to church." Nah, I'm good. I'll just go to church." Nah, I'm good. I'll just go to church." Oh, be involved in a group, sacrifice a Oh, be involved in a group, sacrifice a Oh, be involved in a group, sacrifice a little bit of my time, open up to little bit of my time, open up to little bit of my time, open up to people? Ah, that's not me. I'm an people? Ah, that's not me. I'm an people? Ah, that's not me. I'm an introvert. introvert. introvert. I'm good. I'm good. I'm good. Get up 15 minutes EARLIER AND PRAY? NAH, Get up 15 minutes EARLIER AND PRAY? NAH, Get up 15 minutes EARLIER AND PRAY? NAH, MAN. I really like to sit in here MAN. I really like to sit in here MAN. I really like to sit in here scrolling social media. I'm good. God has way more in store for you when God has way more in store for you when you pull the sled. you pull the sled. you pull the sled. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Way more. >> Way more. >> Way more. We press on and it's hard. We press on and it's hard. We press on and it's hard. It hurts. It's work.

It hurts. It's work. It hurts. It's work. BUT WE DO IT SO THAT WE GROW. BUT WE DO IT SO THAT WE GROW. BUT WE DO IT SO THAT WE GROW. SO THAT YOU GROW, so that those around SO THAT YOU GROW, so that those around SO THAT YOU GROW, so that those around you grow, and so that this church grows. you grow, and so that this church grows. you grow, and so that this church grows. You know that when you spend time in You know that when you spend time in You know that when you spend time in God's word, it has almost little to do God's word, it has almost little to do God's word, it has almost little to do with you. with you. with you. When this dad right here wakes up and he When this dad right here wakes up and he When this dad right here wakes up and he spends time in God's word, in prayer, a spends time in God's word, in prayer, a spends time in God's word, in prayer, a part of a group, being accountable to part of a group, being accountable to part of a group, being accountable to other men, he's not just doing it for other men, he's not just doing it for other men, he's not just doing it for him. That's selfish. He's doing IT FOR him. That's selfish. He's doing IT FOR him. That's selfish. He's doing IT FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM. He's setting the THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM. He's setting the THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM. He's setting the example for his kids when he walks out example for his kids when he walks out example for his kids when he walks out the door at 6:00 on a Wednesday night the door at 6:00 on a Wednesday night the door at 6:00 on a Wednesday night and they know daddy's going to spend and they know daddy's going to spend and they know daddy's going to spend time with other men where they're going time with other men where they're going time with other men where they're going to read the Bible, they're going to to read the Bible, they're going to to read the Bible, they're going to pray, they're going to push harder, pray, they're going to push harder, pray, they're going to push harder, they're going to confess sin, they're they're going to confess sin, they're they're going to confess sin, they're going to memorize scripture, they're going to memorize scripture, they're going to memorize scripture, they're going to do that stuff. THEY KNOW THEIR going to do that stuff. THEY KNOW THEIR going to do that stuff. THEY KNOW THEIR DADDY'S committed to Jesus even above DADDY'S committed to Jesus even above DADDY'S committed to Jesus even above them. them. them. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Somebody's excited about that. That's >> Somebody's excited about that. That's >> Somebody's excited about that. That's fine. fine. fine. When you're kids, when you wake up in When you're kids, when you wake up in When you're kids, when you wake up in the morning, ALL THIS STUFF IS NOT JUST the morning, ALL THIS STUFF IS NOT JUST the morning, ALL THIS STUFF IS NOT JUST FOR YOU. That may be why some of y'all FOR YOU. That may be why some of y'all FOR YOU. That may be why some of y'all stopped growing cuz you think it's just stopped growing cuz you think it's just stopped growing cuz you think it's just all about you. all about you. all about you. Spiritual growth is never about you. Spiritual growth is never about you. Spiritual growth is never about you. It's about the other people around YOU.

It's about the other people around YOU. It's about the other people around YOU. ONE OF THE GREATEST gifts you can give ONE OF THE GREATEST gifts you can give ONE OF THE GREATEST gifts you can give your kids is you growing spiritually. your kids is you growing spiritually. your kids is you growing spiritually. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> The greatest GIFT YOU CAN GIVE your >> The greatest GIFT YOU CAN GIVE your >> The greatest GIFT YOU CAN GIVE your grandkids is you growing spiritually. grandkids is you growing spiritually. grandkids is you growing spiritually. And guess what? It hurts. And guess what? It hurts. And guess what? It hurts. IT'S HARD. IT'S HARD. IT'S HARD. BUT PAUL SAYS, "PRESS BUT PAUL SAYS, "PRESS BUT PAUL SAYS, "PRESS ON. Press forward for your growth. ON. Press forward for your growth. ON. Press forward for your growth. For you to become better. For you to become better. For you to become better. For you to stop making excuses and stop For you to stop making excuses and stop For you to stop making excuses and stop being complacent. being complacent. being complacent. And I've been there. And I've been there. And I've been there. I've had seasons where I threw the sled I've had seasons where I threw the sled I've had seasons where I threw the sled down and just sat. down and just sat. down and just sat. It's not worth it. It's not worth it. It's not worth it. Here's the last shirt that we see. Here's the last shirt that we see. Here's the last shirt that we see. Here's the last why. Here's the last why. Here's the last why. We press on. Why? Not just for our We press on. Why? Not just for our We press on. Why? Not just for our growth, but to our goal. growth, but to our goal. growth, but to our goal. To our goal in To our goal in To our goal in the Christian life. the Christian life. the Christian life. Look what Paul says right here, Look what Paul says right here, Look what Paul says right here, beginning of verse 13. beginning of verse 13. beginning of verse 13. He says, "Brothers and sisters, I do not He says, "Brothers and sisters, I do not He says, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of consider myself to have taken hold of consider myself to have taken hold of it." So again, just this spirit of it." So again, just this spirit of it." So again, just this spirit of humility. This is Paul, by the way, humility. This is Paul, by the way, humility. This is Paul, by the way, saying, "I haven't arrived yet. I saying, "I haven't arrived yet. I saying, "I haven't arrived yet. I haven't arrived yet." So he goes on and haven't arrived yet." So he goes on and haven't arrived yet." So he goes on and then he says this, "But one thing I do."

then he says this, "But one thing I do." then he says this, "But one thing I do." Look at this. I'm going to hop back on Look at this. I'm going to hop back on Look at this. I'm going to hop back on that. Oh, no, we can just leave it right that. Oh, no, we can just leave it right that. Oh, no, we can just leave it right there. Oh, that's fine. We do this. One there. Oh, that's fine. We do this. One there. Oh, that's fine. We do this. One thing I do." Here's what he says. Look thing I do." Here's what he says. Look thing I do." Here's what he says. Look Look what he says. "One thing I do." So he's saying, "If I If you and I want So he's saying, "If I If you and I want to press forward, we got to do one to press forward, we got to do one to press forward, we got to do one thing." And it's it's two sides of the thing." And it's it's two sides of the thing." And it's it's two sides of the same coin. Here it is. Here's the first same coin. Here it is. Here's the first same coin. Here it is. Here's the first thing. He says, "Forgetting what lies thing. He says, "Forgetting what lies thing. He says, "Forgetting what lies behind." behind." behind." So the first way you and I are going to So the first way you and I are going to So the first way you and I are going to press on towards our goal. Some of y'all press on towards our goal. Some of y'all press on towards our goal. Some of y'all this morning, by the way, are going to this morning, by the way, are going to this morning, by the way, are going to get set free this morning with this get set free this morning with this get set free this morning with this passage of scripture. You have been passage of scripture. You have been passage of scripture. You have been controlled by something for the majority controlled by something for the majority controlled by something for the majority of your life, and this passage, by the of your life, and this passage, by the of your life, and this passage, by the spirit of God is going to set you free spirit of God is going to set you free spirit of God is going to set you free from what's been holding you back. from what's been holding you back. from what's been holding you back. Here's what he says, "Forgetting what Here's what he says, "Forgetting what Here's what he says, "Forgetting what lies behind." Here's the first way that lies behind." Here's the first way that lies behind." Here's the first way that you and I press on towards our goal. you and I press on towards our goal. you and I press on towards our goal. Here's the first subpoint. We press on Here's the first subpoint. We press on Here's the first subpoint. We press on by forgetting what we've done. by forgetting what we've done. by forgetting what we've done. We press on by forgetting what we've We press on by forgetting what we've We press on by forgetting what we've done. Here's what I mean by that. That done. Here's what I mean by that. That done. Here's what I mean by that. That word right here, I'm going to keep it in word right here, I'm going to keep it in word right here, I'm going to keep it in green, forgetting, it doesn't mean that green, forgetting, it doesn't mean that green, forgetting, it doesn't mean that we lose memory of something. That's not we lose memory of something. That's not we lose memory of something. That's not Remember, this was The New Testament was Remember, this was The New Testament was Remember, this was The New Testament was written in Greek, not English.

written in Greek, not English. written in Greek, not English. That word forgetting, the Greek word That word forgetting, the Greek word That word forgetting, the Greek word means to let go of the control of. means to let go of the control of. means to let go of the control of. Not just a mental, oh, I'm going to Not just a mental, oh, I'm going to Not just a mental, oh, I'm going to forget that happened. You can't do that forget that happened. You can't do that forget that happened. You can't do that for the most part. for the most part. for the most part. He's saying, "I'm going to let go. He's saying, "I'm going to let go. He's saying, "I'm going to let go. I'm going to actively let go of whatever I'm going to actively let go of whatever I'm going to actively let go of whatever from my past is controlling me." Here's from my past is controlling me." Here's from my past is controlling me." Here's two things that control us from our two things that control us from our two things that control us from our past. Are you ready for them? Here's the past. Are you ready for them? Here's the past. Are you ready for them? Here's the first thing some of y'all need to let go first thing some of y'all need to let go first thing some of y'all need to let go of. of. of. Sins. Sins. Sins. Some of you in this room are letting Some of you in this room are letting Some of you in this room are letting your past sins define your present your past sins define your present your past sins define your present identity. identity. identity. You're letting what you've done in your You're letting what you've done in your You're letting what you've done in your past determine who you are right now. past determine who you are right now. past determine who you are right now. Your past mistakes, your past failures, Your past mistakes, your past failures, Your past mistakes, your past failures, your past losses, your past losses, your past losses, you're letting that define who you are. you're letting that define who you are. you're letting that define who you are. And what Paul says is, "If you really And what Paul says is, "If you really And what Paul says is, "If you really want to press on towards the goal, you want to press on towards the goal, you want to press on towards the goal, you got to forget what you've done. You've got to forget what you've done. You've got to forget what you've done. You've got to let go of the control that your got to let go of the control that your got to let go of the control that your past sins has on you." Some of y'all past sins has on you." Some of y'all past sins has on you." Some of y'all right now, you can't march forward cuz right now, you can't march forward cuz right now, you can't march forward cuz you are still literally looking back at you are still literally looking back at you are still literally looking back at it. "Oh God, look what I did. I know you it. "Oh God, look what I did. I know you it. "Oh God, look what I did. I know you want me to keep going. I know you want want me to keep going. I know you want want me to keep going. I know you want me to press on, but look at all this me to press on, but look at all this me to press on, but look at all this stuff, God."

stuff, God." stuff, God." Your past sins were nailed to a cross. Your past sins were nailed to a cross. Your past sins were nailed to a cross. And when Jesus saved you, he literally And when Jesus saved you, he literally And when Jesus saved you, he literally looked at you and said, "You are looked at you and said, "You are looked at you and said, "You are forgiven. Past, present, and future. All forgiven. Past, present, and future. All forgiven. Past, present, and future. All of your sins were literally consumed on of your sins were literally consumed on of your sins were literally consumed on the cross, were crucified on THE CROSS. the cross, were crucified on THE CROSS. the cross, were crucified on THE CROSS. YOU WILL NOT HOLD be held accountable YOU WILL NOT HOLD be held accountable YOU WILL NOT HOLD be held accountable eternally for your past sins. You know eternally for your past sins. You know eternally for your past sins. You know that, right?" Some of Y'ALL IN THE that, right?" Some of Y'ALL IN THE that, right?" Some of Y'ALL IN THE CHURCH DON'T. YOU'RE SAVED. HERE'S THE CHURCH DON'T. YOU'RE SAVED. HERE'S THE CHURCH DON'T. YOU'RE SAVED. HERE'S THE DEAL. DON'T EVEN CLAP YET. I'M NOT EVEN DEAL. DON'T EVEN CLAP YET. I'M NOT EVEN DEAL. DON'T EVEN CLAP YET. I'M NOT EVEN DYING. YOU'RE SAVED. DYING. YOU'RE SAVED. DYING. YOU'RE SAVED. YOU'RE SAVED, BUT YOU STILL THINK GOD'S YOU'RE SAVED, BUT YOU STILL THINK GOD'S YOU'RE SAVED, BUT YOU STILL THINK GOD'S GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR SIN. NOW, he may judge you for it and SIN. NOW, he may judge you for it and SIN. NOW, he may judge you for it and may give bring consequences in your may give bring consequences in your may give bring consequences in your life, but when if you are truly born life, but when if you are truly born life, but when if you are truly born again, when you stand before God, you again, when you stand before God, you again, when you stand before God, you know the one thing he's not going TO know the one thing he's not going TO know the one thing he's not going TO MENTION? YOUR SIN. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S MENTION? YOUR SIN. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S MENTION? YOUR SIN. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S GONE. GONE. GONE. HE'S GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR HE'S GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR HE'S GOING TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT YOU DID IN FAITH, NOT WHAT YOU DID WHAT YOU DID IN FAITH, NOT WHAT YOU DID WHAT YOU DID IN FAITH, NOT WHAT YOU DID IN YOUR FAILURES. IN YOUR FAILURES. IN YOUR FAILURES. That is the the the judgment seat of That is the the the judgment seat of That is the the the judgment seat of Christ for the believers is not, "Well, Christ for the believers is not, "Well, Christ for the believers is not, "Well, I remember college?" I remember college?" I remember college?" No.

No. No. Your sins are gone. God's word says he Your sins are gone. God's word says he Your sins are gone. God's word says he separates your sins as far as the east separates your sins as far as the east separates your sins as far as the east is from the west, and guess what? The is from the west, and guess what? The is from the west, and guess what? The east and west don't touch ever. east and west don't touch ever. east and west don't touch ever. Your sins are at the bottom of this Your sins are at the bottom of this Your sins are at the bottom of this eternal ocean. They're gone. eternal ocean. They're gone. eternal ocean. They're gone. But some of you are still living your But some of you are still living your But some of you are still living your your still living in in the present your still living in in the present your still living in in the present identity of your past failures. identity of your past failures. identity of your past failures. And Paul says, "If you want to move on, And Paul says, "If you want to move on, And Paul says, "If you want to move on, you've got to let go of your past. you've got to let go of your past. you've got to let go of your past. You've got to forget what you've done." You've got to forget what you've done." You've got to forget what you've done." But here's the second way. This is even But here's the second way. This is even But here's the second way. This is even more dangerous. more dangerous. more dangerous. Some of you need to forget your sins. Some of you need to forget your sins. Some of you need to forget your sins. Some of you need to forget your wins. Some of you need to forget your wins. Some of you need to forget your wins. Your wins. What do I mean by that? Your wins. What do I mean by that? Your wins. What do I mean by that? Some of you are being controlled right Some of you are being controlled right Some of you are being controlled right now to be complacent because you've done now to be complacent because you've done now to be complacent because you've done something great for God in your past. something great for God in your past. something great for God in your past. Oh look, God, I led worship at one point Oh look, God, I led worship at one point Oh look, God, I led worship at one point in our old church, and so now I'm I'm in our old church, and so now I'm I'm in our old church, and so now I'm I'm good to go. good to go. good to go. Oh look, I I led a D-group last year, Oh look, I I led a D-group last year, Oh look, I I led a D-group last year, Lord. I'll take the next 6 years off. Lord. I'll take the next 6 years off. Lord. I'll take the next 6 years off. Oh Lord, look, I went on a mission trip. Oh Lord, look, I went on a mission trip. Oh Lord, look, I went on a mission trip. I don't have to share the gospel with my I don't have to share the gospel with my I don't have to share the gospel with my neighbors. LOOK, I I I did that last neighbors. LOOK, I I I did that last neighbors. LOOK, I I I did that last week, last year, last month. week, last year, last month. week, last year, last month. It's letting your past wins define your It's letting your past wins define your It's letting your past wins define your present obedience. And I think honestly, present obedience. And I think honestly, present obedience. And I think honestly, that's what's going on in this church.

that's what's going on in this church. that's what's going on in this church. God has done an unbelievable work in our God has done an unbelievable work in our God has done an unbelievable work in our church in 8 years. Not even 8 years yet. church in 8 years. Not even 8 years yet. church in 8 years. Not even 8 years yet. And I think there's a lot of people in And I think there's a lot of people in And I think there's a lot of people in here that were a part of it. And you saw here that were a part of it. And you saw here that were a part of it. And you saw God do unbelievable things. And what has God do unbelievable things. And what has God do unbelievable things. And what has happened is you've gotten complacent happened is you've gotten complacent happened is you've gotten complacent with our past wins with our past wins with our past wins to create a present culture of to create a present culture of to create a present culture of complacency. If you want to run forward, you've got If you want to run forward, you've got to forget your sins and you've got to to forget your sins and you've got to to forget your sins and you've got to forget your wins. forget your wins. forget your wins. Your wins are to the glory of God. Your wins are to the glory of God. Your wins are to the glory of God. Your sins are nailed on the cross of Your sins are nailed on the cross of Your sins are nailed on the cross of God. Run forward. God. Run forward. God. Run forward. There's a reason why the front There's a reason why the front There's a reason why the front windshield in your car is large and your windshield in your car is large and your windshield in your car is large and your rearview mirror is small. rearview mirror is small. rearview mirror is small. Because cars were not designed to drive Because cars were not designed to drive Because cars were not designed to drive backwards. backwards. backwards. And some of y'all are trying to drive And some of y'all are trying to drive And some of y'all are trying to drive your life by looking backwards into what your life by looking backwards into what your life by looking backwards into what you used to do. you used to do. you used to do. That's a great way to have a wreck. The first way that you and I, we press The first way that you and I, we press on is we got to forget what we've done. on is we got to forget what we've done. on is we got to forget what we've done. Here's the second way. Here's the second way. Here's the second way. The second means by which you and I The second means by which you and I The second means by which you and I press on is we press on by focusing on press on is we press on by focusing on press on is we press on by focusing on who we're going to.

who we're going to. who we're going to. Not what we're going to, who we're going Not what we're going to, who we're going Not what we're going to, who we're going to. Look what he says here. to. Look what he says here. to. Look what he says here. Forgetting what lies behind, he goes on Forgetting what lies behind, he goes on Forgetting what lies behind, he goes on to say this, to say this, to say this, and reaching forward to what lies ahead. and reaching forward to what lies ahead. and reaching forward to what lies ahead. There's something coming for him. There's something coming for him. There's something coming for him. There's that word again. I press on There's that word again. I press on There's that word again. I press on towards the goal. What's the goal? towards the goal. What's the goal? towards the goal. What's the goal? I GOT TO FORGET my past and what I've I GOT TO FORGET my past and what I've I GOT TO FORGET my past and what I've done and there's a goal that I'm done and there's a goal that I'm done and there's a goal that I'm supposed to be running towards. What is supposed to be running towards. What is supposed to be running towards. What is it? Look what HE SAYS. THE PRIZE OF THE it? Look what HE SAYS. THE PRIZE OF THE it? Look what HE SAYS. THE PRIZE OF THE upward call of God in Christ Jesus. What upward call of God in Christ Jesus. What upward call of God in Christ Jesus. What Paul is saying is I am not living in my Paul is saying is I am not living in my Paul is saying is I am not living in my past, I'm living towards my future when past, I'm living towards my future when past, I'm living towards my future when God is going to call me home. God is going to call me home. God is going to call me home. THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE LIVING FOR. MAN, I'm THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE LIVING FOR. MAN, I'm THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE LIVING FOR. MAN, I'm a I'm a I'm a in love. Y'all know I love a I'm a I'm a in love. Y'all know I love a I'm a I'm a in love. Y'all know I love you. Cuz sometimes I say hard stuff to you. Cuz sometimes I say hard stuff to you. Cuz sometimes I say hard stuff to you, but y'all been with me long enough you, but y'all been with me long enough you, but y'all been with me long enough to know I'm saying it cuz I love you. to know I'm saying it cuz I love you. to know I'm saying it cuz I love you. But some of y'all, your eyes are on the But some of y'all, your eyes are on the But some of y'all, your eyes are on the wrong prize. wrong prize. wrong prize. You're looking at retirement, you're You're looking at retirement, you're You're looking at retirement, you're looking at an extra zero in your bank looking at an extra zero in your bank looking at an extra zero in your bank account as oh, that's the prize. Let me account as oh, that's the prize. Let me account as oh, that's the prize. Let me tell you something. Let me tell you tell you something. Let me tell you tell you something. Let me tell you something.

something. something. Whatever captures your attention will Whatever captures your attention will Whatever captures your attention will shape your destination, your direction. shape your destination, your direction. shape your destination, your direction. Whatever captures your attention will Whatever captures your attention will Whatever captures your attention will shape your direction. And some of y'all, shape your direction. And some of y'all, shape your direction. And some of y'all, your attention is on your money. your attention is on your money. your attention is on your money. Your attention is on your comfort. Your Your attention is on your comfort. Your Your attention is on your comfort. Your attention is on your kid playing a attention is on your kid playing a attention is on your kid playing a college sport one day. Your attention is college sport one day. Your attention is college sport one day. Your attention is on everything I retirement Oh, once I on everything I retirement Oh, once I on everything I retirement Oh, once I get to retirement, then I I I did it. get to retirement, then I I I did it. get to retirement, then I I I did it. And what Paul's saying here is none of And what Paul's saying here is none of And what Paul's saying here is none of those things are bad, but that's not those things are bad, but that's not those things are bad, but that's not what we're looking towards. We are what we're looking towards. We are what we're looking towards. We are looking to the day that we will stand looking to the day that we will stand looking to the day that we will stand before Jesus and he'll say, "Well done, before Jesus and he'll say, "Well done, before Jesus and he'll say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." But some of good and faithful servant." But some of good and faithful servant." But some of y'all are living in the wrong attention. y'all are living in the wrong attention. y'all are living in the wrong attention. You're focused on the wrong thing and You're focused on the wrong thing and You're focused on the wrong thing and you're running towards it with you're running towards it with you're running towards it with everything you got. And here's what's everything you got. And here's what's everything you got. And here's what's going to happen when you get there. going to happen when you get there. going to happen when you get there. Guess what? It's not going to fulfill Guess what? It's not going to fulfill Guess what? It's not going to fulfill you. you. you. It's not. Your eyes reveal your prize.

Your eyes reveal your prize. What are you looking at? What are you looking at? What are you looking at? What are you running at? What are you running at? What are you running at? Cuz for Paul, one of my professors said Cuz for Paul, one of my professors said Cuz for Paul, one of my professors said this, I thought that was so good. For this, I thought that was so good. For this, I thought that was so good. For Paul, Paul, Paul, the only two days that mattered were the only two days that mattered were the only two days that mattered were today today today and that day. and that day. and that day. Today, the day that he was in, Today, the day that he was in, Today, the day that he was in, whatever that day was, and the day that whatever that day was, and the day that whatever that day was, and the day that he's going to spend eternity with Jesus. he's going to spend eternity with Jesus. he's going to spend eternity with Jesus. That's the only two days that mattered. That's the only two days that mattered. That's the only two days that mattered. And for a lot of us, And for a lot of us, And for a lot of us, we're living in comfort because we've we're living in comfort because we've we're living in comfort because we've forgotten who we're going to go see. forgotten who we're going to go see. forgotten who we're going to go see. Forgotten it. And even if you know that you're going And even if you know that you're going to heaven, look at Paul Paul's not to heaven, look at Paul Paul's not to heaven, look at Paul Paul's not saying, "I I'm fixing my eyes on the day saying, "I I'm fixing my eyes on the day saying, "I I'm fixing my eyes on the day that I get to heaven." Let me tell you that I get to heaven." Let me tell you that I get to heaven." Let me tell you this. There's some American Christians this. There's some American Christians this. There's some American Christians and there's people in this room right and there's people in this room right and there's people in this room right now that you wouldn't could you now that you wouldn't could you now that you wouldn't could you want to go to heaven, but you honestly want to go to heaven, but you honestly want to go to heaven, but you honestly in your heart of hearts don't really in your heart of hearts don't really in your heart of hearts don't really care if Jesus is there or not. care if Jesus is there or not. care if Jesus is there or not. Oh, I want to be perfect. I want to be I Oh, I want to be perfect. I want to be I Oh, I want to be perfect. I want to be I want to have no more sickness. I want to want to have no more sickness. I want to want to have no more sickness. I want to see grandma. I want to see granddaddy. I see grandma. I want to see granddaddy. I see grandma. I want to see granddaddy. I want to be able to go hunt and fish or want to be able to go hunt and fish or want to be able to go hunt and fish or have my mansion. I want all these have my mansion. I want all these have my mansion. I want all these things. It's going to be so great.

things. It's going to be so great. things. It's going to be so great. And right now if you went there, the And right now if you went there, the And right now if you went there, the first 10,000 years you wouldn't even ask first 10,000 years you wouldn't even ask first 10,000 years you wouldn't even ask if Jesus was there. if Jesus was there. if Jesus was there. Cuz heaven is all about you. Cuz heaven is all about you. Cuz heaven is all about you. What God what Paul is saying right here What God what Paul is saying right here What God what Paul is saying right here is like look at heaven's the byproduct. is like look at heaven's the byproduct. is like look at heaven's the byproduct. What makes heaven awesome literally and What makes heaven awesome literally and What makes heaven awesome literally and look at Revelation. It says that there's look at Revelation. It says that there's look at Revelation. It says that there's no sun in heaven. Why? Because the S O N no sun in heaven. Why? Because the S O N no sun in heaven. Why? Because the S O N is there and the light from his throne is there and the light from his throne is there and the light from his throne shines through all of heaven. THE GOAL shines through all of heaven. THE GOAL shines through all of heaven. THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NOT HEAVEN. The OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NOT HEAVEN. The OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NOT HEAVEN. The goal of the Christian life is to bring goal of the Christian life is to bring goal of the Christian life is to bring HEAVEN TO EARTH THROUGH YOUR LIFE, HEAVEN TO EARTH THROUGH YOUR LIFE, HEAVEN TO EARTH THROUGH YOUR LIFE, through your obedience so that one day through your obedience so that one day through your obedience so that one day YOU STAND BEFORE HIM AND YOU say yes, YOU STAND BEFORE HIM AND YOU say yes, YOU STAND BEFORE HIM AND YOU say yes, I'm home with you. I'm home with you. I'm home with you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So we press on by focusing on who we're we press on by focusing on who we're going to. You need to remember one day going to. You need to remember one day going to. You need to remember one day there's a death sentence on your life. there's a death sentence on your life. there's a death sentence on your life. You are going to die. You are going to You are going to die. You are going to You are going to die. You are going to be finished and you're going to stand be finished and you're going to stand be finished and you're going to stand before Jesus. before Jesus. before Jesus. Act accordingly. Act accordingly. Act accordingly. Act accordingly. Act accordingly. Act accordingly. Here's the last way that you and I press Here's the last way that you and I press Here's the last way that you and I press on. We press on by obeying what we've on. We press on by obeying what we've on. We press on by obeying what we've learned.

learned. learned. By obeying what we've already learned. I want you to see this. He goes on he I want you to see this. He goes on he says therefore says therefore says therefore as many as are perfect have this as many as are perfect have this as many as are perfect have this attitude and if in anything you have a attitude and if in anything you have a attitude and if in anything you have a different attitude God will reveal that different attitude God will reveal that different attitude God will reveal that to you also. However, here's where to you also. However, here's where to you also. However, here's where here's where we get this last truth and here's where we get this last truth and here's where we get this last truth and I'm going to hit these first verses that I'm going to hit these first verses that I'm going to hit these first verses that we we we that I skimmed over. However, here's that I skimmed over. However, here's that I skimmed over. However, here's what he says, let us what he says, let us what he says, let us keep living by that same standard to keep living by that same standard to keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Here's what he which we have attained. Here's what he which we have attained. Here's what he means by that. Here the New American means by that. Here the New American means by that. Here the New American Standard what he's ultimately saying is Standard what he's ultimately saying is Standard what he's ultimately saying is that the Christian life is not about you that the Christian life is not about you that the Christian life is not about you gaining more knowledge gaining more knowledge gaining more knowledge alone. alone. alone. It is about you obeying what you've It is about you obeying what you've It is about you obeying what you've already learned. already learned. already learned. You're obeying what you've already You're obeying what you've already You're obeying what you've already learned. I see two types of people in learned. I see two types of people in learned. I see two types of people in the church. Two types of people. The the church. Two types of people. The the church. Two types of people. The first person that's in this room right first person that's in this room right first person that's in this room right now now now carries this low level of like guilt and carries this low level of like guilt and carries this low level of like guilt and embarrassment and frustration because embarrassment and frustration because embarrassment and frustration because they've been in the church for 2 years, they've been in the church for 2 years, they've been in the church for 2 years, 5 years, 50 years, whatever, and they 5 years, 50 years, whatever, and they 5 years, 50 years, whatever, and they just don't know a lot about the Bible.

just don't know a lot about the Bible. just don't know a lot about the Bible. You know, for whatever reason, they just You know, for whatever reason, they just You know, for whatever reason, they just don't know that much about it. And so don't know that much about it. And so don't know that much about it. And so they carry this like low level of like they carry this like low level of like they carry this like low level of like embarrassment and shame. That's why some embarrassment and shame. That's why some embarrassment and shame. That's why some people like they don't pray out loud or people like they don't pray out loud or people like they don't pray out loud or they just don't even start reading the they just don't even start reading the they just don't even start reading the Bible cuz it's like I don't know what Bible cuz it's like I don't know what Bible cuz it's like I don't know what this is about. I see that type of person this is about. I see that type of person this is about. I see that type of person a lot. And what I want to encourage you a lot. And what I want to encourage you a lot. And what I want to encourage you with this is this, with this is this, with this is this, you do not have to know everything to you do not have to know everything to you do not have to know everything to obey something. obey something. obey something. You do not have to know everything You do not have to know everything You do not have to know everything to obey something. Cuz some of y'all in to obey something. Cuz some of y'all in to obey something. Cuz some of y'all in that camp are thinking, "Okay, if I can that camp are thinking, "Okay, if I can that camp are thinking, "Okay, if I can just get more knowledge, more just get more knowledge, more just get more knowledge, more information, if I can just learn a information, if I can just learn a information, if I can just learn a little bit more, then I can really start little bit more, then I can really start little bit more, then I can really start living for God." living for God." living for God." Listen, if all that you have been taught Listen, if all that you have been taught Listen, if all that you have been taught thus far in your Christian life is how thus far in your Christian life is how thus far in your Christian life is how to pray, to pray, to pray, then pray. then pray. then pray. If all that you have been taught thus If all that you have been taught thus If all that you have been taught thus far in your Christian life is how to far in your Christian life is how to far in your Christian life is how to have a quiet time, then have a quiet have a quiet time, then have a quiet have a quiet time, then have a quiet time. time. time. God is not interested in what you know God is not interested in what you know God is not interested in what you know if it doesn't show. if it doesn't show. if it doesn't show. So you don't have to obey everything or So you don't have to obey everything or So you don't have to obey everything or know everything to obey something.

know everything to obey something. know everything to obey something. That's one camp that I want to encourage That's one camp that I want to encourage That's one camp that I want to encourage this morning. this morning. this morning. That that your spiritual maturity That that your spiritual maturity That that your spiritual maturity is not dependent on your spiritual is not dependent on your spiritual is not dependent on your spiritual knowledge alone. knowledge alone. knowledge alone. Now I want to go to the second second Now I want to go to the second second Now I want to go to the second second group of people, okay? Swing the group of people, okay? Swing the group of people, okay? Swing the complete opposite direction. There's complete opposite direction. There's complete opposite direction. There's some people in this room some people in this room some people in this room you've been walking with Jesus a long you've been walking with Jesus a long you've been walking with Jesus a long time time time and you've got some biblical knowledge and you've got some biblical knowledge and you've got some biblical knowledge under your belt. And while these people under your belt. And while these people under your belt. And while these people carry like a low-grade carry like a low-grade carry like a low-grade embarrassment and are kind of plagued by embarrassment and are kind of plagued by embarrassment and are kind of plagued by constantly making excuses for themselves constantly making excuses for themselves constantly making excuses for themselves as to why not they're growing, the other as to why not they're growing, the other as to why not they're growing, the other side is the complete opposite. They're side is the complete opposite. They're side is the complete opposite. They're kind of prideful in what they've kind of prideful in what they've kind of prideful in what they've learned, learned, learned, what they know. what they know. what they know. Oh, I've been through this study and Oh, I've been through this study and Oh, I've been through this study and I've done this and I've done that and I've done this and I've done that and I've done this and I've done that and I've done all these things. And what I've done all these things. And what I've done all these things. And what happens in this group is that they happens in this group is that they happens in this group is that they attribute knowledge of the Bible to attribute knowledge of the Bible to attribute knowledge of the Bible to spiritual maturity. Well, as long as I spiritual maturity. Well, as long as I spiritual maturity. Well, as long as I can keep learning stuff, then I'm can keep learning stuff, then I'm can keep learning stuff, then I'm growing closer to God. That is also a growing closer to God. That is also a growing closer to God. That is also a myth. myth. myth. That's what I call personally the depth That's what I call personally the depth That's what I call personally the depth trap. trap. trap. You'll hear You'll hear people I hear it You'll hear You'll hear people I hear it You'll hear You'll hear people I hear it all the time. I hear it more in this all the time. I hear it more in this all the time. I hear it more in this church than the other side. But it's I church than the other side. But it's I church than the other side. But it's I just want to go deeper.

just want to go deeper. just want to go deeper. I I want to go deeper. I I want to go deeper. I I want to go deeper. I I want I want I want I want more depth I I want I want I want I want more depth I I want I want I want I want more depth in my studies. I I want more knowledge. in my studies. I I want more knowledge. in my studies. I I want more knowledge. I want to go deeper. Equating depth with I want to go deeper. Equating depth with I want to go deeper. Equating depth with discipleship. discipleship. discipleship. My friends, your depth does not mean My friends, your depth does not mean My friends, your depth does not mean that you're any closer to God. I went to that you're any closer to God. I went to that you're any closer to God. I went to seminary with men and women who could seminary with men and women who could seminary with men and women who could parse Hebrew and Greek, who could who parse Hebrew and Greek, who could who parse Hebrew and Greek, who could who could write papers on the exegetical could write papers on the exegetical could write papers on the exegetical understanding of the entire book of understanding of the entire book of understanding of the entire book of Ephesians, and now are not in ministry Ephesians, and now are not in ministry Ephesians, and now are not in ministry because they failed or fell out or are because they failed or fell out or are because they failed or fell out or are not even Christians anymore. not even Christians anymore. not even Christians anymore. Your depth does not equate your Your depth does not equate your Your depth does not equate your discipleship. Why? Because discipleship discipleship. Why? Because discipleship discipleship. Why? Because discipleship is the combination of knowledge and is the combination of knowledge and is the combination of knowledge and obedience. obedience. obedience. Knowledge and obedience. And I see this Knowledge and obedience. And I see this Knowledge and obedience. And I see this happening over and over. Season after happening over and over. Season after happening over and over. Season after season, we have to combat this idea that season, we have to combat this idea that season, we have to combat this idea that as long as I'm going deeper, I'm more as long as I'm going deeper, I'm more as long as I'm going deeper, I'm more I'm more discipled. I'm more discipled. I'm more discipled. I have a doctorate in all this stuff.

I have a doctorate in all this stuff. I have a doctorate in all this stuff. And if I fail tomorrow, And if I fail tomorrow, And if I fail tomorrow, all of that means nothing. You all of that means nothing. You all of that means nothing. You understand that? understand that? understand that? Depth does does not equal discipleship. Depth does does not equal discipleship. Depth does does not equal discipleship. So, what is discipleship? So, what is discipleship? So, what is discipleship? Obedience to what you know. Obedience to what you know. Obedience to what you know. I I to say it like this. Some believers I I to say it like this. Some believers I I to say it like this. Some believers become arrogant because they've learned become arrogant because they've learned become arrogant because they've learned a lot, but the Christian life isn't a lot, but the Christian life isn't a lot, but the Christian life isn't merely learning new truths. merely learning new truths. merely learning new truths. It's becoming increasingly obedient to It's becoming increasingly obedient to It's becoming increasingly obedient to the truths we've already learned. the truths we've already learned. the truths we've already learned. God doesn't care about what you know if God doesn't care about what you know if God doesn't care about what you know if it doesn't show. Learning more without it doesn't show. Learning more without it doesn't show. Learning more without loving more means nothing to God. loving more means nothing to God. loving more means nothing to God. And that's what Paul's saying here. He's And that's what Paul's saying here. He's And that's what Paul's saying here. He's like, "Listen, whatever you've learned, like, "Listen, whatever you've learned, like, "Listen, whatever you've learned, obey." Because the Christian life is not obey." Because the Christian life is not obey." Because the Christian life is not about you learning more and then not about you learning more and then not about you learning more and then not obeying it. Whatever knowledge you've obeying it. Whatever knowledge you've obeying it. Whatever knowledge you've attained to thus far, obey it. attained to thus far, obey it. attained to thus far, obey it. I'm going to invite the band back up as I'm going to invite the band back up as I'm going to invite the band back up as we bring this to a close this morning we bring this to a close this morning we bring this to a close this morning cuz there's what I want you to think of cuz there's what I want you to think of cuz there's what I want you to think of it like this in regard to this and we're it like this in regard to this and we're it like this in regard to this and we're going to bring all this together. going to bring all this together. going to bring all this together. I want you I want to I want to pose this I want you I want to I want to pose this I want you I want to I want to pose this to you and just kind of process this. to you and just kind of process this. to you and just kind of process this. As you grow spiritually, as you learn As you grow spiritually, as you learn As you grow spiritually, as you learn more about the Lord, more about the Lord, more about the Lord, I want you to think about like this.

I want you to think about like this. I want you to think about like this. What do we gain What do we gain What do we gain if we learn more if we learn more if we learn more about the doctrine of justification about the doctrine of justification about the doctrine of justification if we are still holding grudges against if we are still holding grudges against if we are still holding grudges against each other? each other? each other? Oh God, HE'S JUSTIFIED ME. I'M I'M RIGHT Oh God, HE'S JUSTIFIED ME. I'M I'M RIGHT Oh God, HE'S JUSTIFIED ME. I'M I'M RIGHT IN HIS SIGHT. AND yet you're still IN HIS SIGHT. AND yet you're still IN HIS SIGHT. AND yet you're still holding grudges towards people in your holding grudges towards people in your holding grudges towards people in your life that have done you wrong. life that have done you wrong. life that have done you wrong. What does that gain? Nothing. What does that gain? Nothing. What does that gain? Nothing. What do we gain if WE LEARN THE ENTIRE What do we gain if WE LEARN THE ENTIRE What do we gain if WE LEARN THE ENTIRE STORYLINE of the Bible if it doesn't STORYLINE of the Bible if it doesn't STORYLINE of the Bible if it doesn't actually change our story or better yet, actually change our story or better yet, actually change our story or better yet, the story of the people around us? the story of the people around us? the story of the people around us? What do we gain if we learn the whole What do we gain if we learn the whole What do we gain if we learn the whole storyline of the Bible and yet share the storyline of the Bible and yet share the storyline of the Bible and yet share the gospel with no one? gospel with no one? gospel with no one? The answer is nothing. The answer is nothing. The answer is nothing. What do we gain, my friends, if we learn What do we gain, my friends, if we learn What do we gain, my friends, if we learn more about who God says we are if we're more about who God says we are if we're more about who God says we are if we're still saying terrible things about other still saying terrible things about other still saying terrible things about other people? people? people? You're growing and learning and learning You're growing and learning and learning You're growing and learning and learning all these facts and yet at the same time all these facts and yet at the same time all these facts and yet at the same time you're badmouthing someone in your life. you're badmouthing someone in your life. you're badmouthing someone in your life. What do we gain? Nothing. What do we gain? Nothing. What do we gain? Nothing. What do we gain What do we gain What do we gain if we know the UNSEARCHABLE JOYS OF if we know the UNSEARCHABLE JOYS OF if we know the UNSEARCHABLE JOYS OF HEAVEN HEAVEN HEAVEN if we live with a negative, pessimistic if we live with a negative, pessimistic if we live with a negative, pessimistic attitude on Earth?

attitude on Earth? attitude on Earth? The answer is nothing. The answer is nothing. The answer is nothing. And I see it over and over and over in And I see it over and over and over in And I see it over and over and over in the church. I'm going to gain more the church. I'm going to gain more the church. I'm going to gain more knowledge and at the same time become knowledge and at the same time become knowledge and at the same time become less like Jesus. The goal is to learn less like Jesus. The goal is to learn less like Jesus. The goal is to learn more and to love more. more and to love more. more and to love more. The goal is to intensify your worship as The goal is to intensify your worship as The goal is to intensify your worship as your theology is intensifying. So much So much I want to bring this together this I want to bring this together this I want to bring this together this morning. morning. morning. Bringing these two things into one. Bringing these two things into one. Bringing these two things into one. We press on for our growth We press on for our growth We press on for our growth and we press on towards our goal. and we press on towards our goal. and we press on towards our goal. The goal of taking it home. The goal of taking it home. The goal of taking it home. Look at this. Look at this. Look at this. I ran this over and over and over again I ran this over and over and over again I ran this over and over and over again for months. My junior year, my senior for months. My junior year, my senior for months. My junior year, my senior year. In my senior year, we were playing year. In my senior year, we were playing year. In my senior year, we were playing a football game and a football game and a football game and the team we were playing had just the team we were playing had just the team we were playing had just scored. 22 seconds left and we're down scored. 22 seconds left and we're down scored. 22 seconds left and we're down by three points. by three points. by three points. We didn't have a field goal kicker, so We didn't have a field goal kicker, so We didn't have a field goal kicker, so we were in trouble. we were in trouble. we were in trouble. And the whole game, they had not kicked And the whole game, they had not kicked And the whole game, they had not kicked the ball to the They hadn't kicked it the ball to the They hadn't kicked it the ball to the They hadn't kicked it deep. They've kicked it kind of a pooch deep. They've kicked it kind of a pooch deep. They've kicked it kind of a pooch kick. You guys play football, you know kick. You guys play football, you know kick. You guys play football, you know what I'm talking about. Just kind of what I'm talking about. Just kind of what I'm talking about. Just kind of like over there to that one that one guy like over there to that one that one guy like over there to that one that one guy on the side or the other side. They just on the side or the other side. They just on the side or the other side. They just kind of kind of kind of catches it and that's it. Kind of stays catches it and that's it. Kind of stays catches it and that's it. Kind of stays right there.

right there. right there. The whole game they had done that. The whole game they had done that. The whole game they had done that. So, So, So, we gather up. 22 seconds left and my we gather up. 22 seconds left and my we gather up. 22 seconds left and my coach looks at us. No joke, this is what coach looks at us. No joke, this is what coach looks at us. No joke, this is what he said. All right, fellas, look here. he said. All right, fellas, look here. he said. All right, fellas, look here. They're going to pooch kick it. All They're going to pooch kick it. All They're going to pooch kick it. All right? right? right? I don't know what to do after that. I don't know what to do after that. I don't know what to do after that. No joke, that's exactly what he said. No joke, that's exactly what he said. No joke, that's exactly what he said. I [laughter] looked at my teammates and I [laughter] looked at my teammates and I [laughter] looked at my teammates and I was like, I was like, I was like, "What?" "What?" "What?" And he was like, "All right, just don't And he was like, "All right, just don't And he was like, "All right, just don't lose the ball, guys." lose the ball, guys." lose the ball, guys." And we were like, "What? Okay." So, And we were like, "What? Okay." So, And we were like, "What? Okay." So, we're walking on the field and I look at we're walking on the field and I look at we're walking on the field and I look at my buddy, Daron. my buddy, Daron. my buddy, Daron. And I say, "Daron, And I say, "Daron, And I say, "Daron, get me the ball." get me the ball." get me the ball." And he was like, "What?" Or where I grew And he was like, "What?" Or where I grew And he was like, "What?" Or where I grew up, "What?" up, "What?" up, "What?" I I "Give me the ball. I I "Give me the ball. I I "Give me the ball. Give me the ball and I'll take it to the Give me the ball and I'll take it to the Give me the ball and I'll take it to the house." house." house." That was our phrase for the end zone, That was our phrase for the end zone, That was our phrase for the end zone, the house. "Give me the ball, I'll take the house. "Give me the ball, I'll take the house. "Give me the ball, I'll take it to the house." it to the house." it to the house." And so, Daren, sure enough, they catch And so, Daren, sure enough, they catch And so, Daren, sure enough, they catch it they kick it straight to Daren. Daren it they kick it straight to Daren. Daren it they kick it straight to Daren. Daren catches it. He weighs 110 lb soaking catches it. He weighs 110 lb soaking catches it. He weighs 110 lb soaking wet. wet. wet. And the end zone is this way, and here's And the end zone is this way, and here's And the end zone is this way, and here's what Daren does.

He starts running towards our sideline. He starts running towards our sideline. OUR FANS ARE GOING, "WOW! WOW! WOW!" OUR FANS ARE GOING, "WOW! WOW! WOW!" OUR FANS ARE GOING, "WOW! WOW! WOW!" HE GETS TO THE MIDDLE OF the field. I'm HE GETS TO THE MIDDLE OF the field. I'm HE GETS TO THE MIDDLE OF the field. I'm 15 yd back there, and he pitches it like 15 yd back there, and he pitches it like 15 yd back there, and he pitches it like an option. an option. an option. It's the longest option in recorded It's the longest option in recorded It's the longest option in recorded history, I think. history, I think. history, I think. And I cuz I thought he was going to hand And I cuz I thought he was going to hand And I cuz I thought he was going to hand it to me. I catch the ball, it to me. I catch the ball, it to me. I catch the ball, and I take off. and I take off. and I take off. This way, that way, this way, that way. This way, that way, this way, that way. This way, that way, this way, that way. And as the buzzer goes off, I'm at the And as the buzzer goes off, I'm at the And as the buzzer goes off, I'm at the 5-yd line, and I'm running in the end 5-yd line, and I'm running in the end 5-yd line, and I'm running in the end zone. Last try. Last try. We won. We won. We won. We won. We won. We won. Now, why did I tell you that story? Now, why did I tell you that story? Now, why did I tell you that story? To brag about my old college uh high To brag about my old college uh high To brag about my old college uh high school days? No. I'm literally limping school days? No. I'm literally limping school days? No. I'm literally limping up here right now cuz I went on a 1-mi up here right now cuz I went on a 1-mi up here right now cuz I went on a 1-mi run, and I tore my calf. run, and I tore my calf. run, and I tore my calf. I can't do that anymore. That's not me I can't do that anymore. That's not me I can't do that anymore. That's not me anymore. I'm telling you that I'm telling you that because I when that moment happened, because I when that moment happened, because I when that moment happened, when that that 22 seconds was left on when that that 22 seconds was left on when that that 22 seconds was left on the clock, I knew that I was ready.

Because when no one else was looking, Because when no one else was looking, this is what I was doing. this is what I was doing. this is what I was doing. I was growing. I was building. I was I was growing. I was building. I was I was growing. I was building. I was gaining. So, that when that moment came, gaining. So, that when that moment came, gaining. So, that when that moment came, bro, I took it to the house. bro, I took it to the house. bro, I took it to the house. What Paul's saying here is, "Look, we What Paul's saying here is, "Look, we What Paul's saying here is, "Look, we keep growing. We keep pushing forward. keep growing. We keep pushing forward. keep growing. We keep pushing forward. We keep We keep We keep gaining knowledge, but also following gaining knowledge, but also following gaining knowledge, but also following that up with obedience. We keep pushing that up with obedience. We keep pushing that up with obedience. We keep pushing forward because one day we're called to forward because one day we're called to forward because one day we're called to take it to THE HOUSE. OUR GOAL is him. take it to THE HOUSE. OUR GOAL is him. take it to THE HOUSE. OUR GOAL is him. And so, And so, And so, this morning this morning listen, some this morning this morning listen, some this morning this morning listen, some of you are here and you're not growing. of you are here and you're not growing. of you are here and you're not growing. You're not growing. You are not pressing You're not growing. You are not pressing You're not growing. You are not pressing forward. You are living a life of forward. You are living a life of forward. You are living a life of complacency. And so, my call to you, my complacency. And so, my call to you, my complacency. And so, my call to you, my encouragement to you, invitation to you encouragement to you, invitation to you encouragement to you, invitation to you is the altar is open for you to lay down is the altar is open for you to lay down is the altar is open for you to lay down whatever excuse, whatever past sin, whatever excuse, whatever past sin, whatever excuse, whatever past sin, whatever past win, whatever is holding whatever past win, whatever is holding whatever past win, whatever is holding you back, the altar is open for you to you back, the altar is open for you to you back, the altar is open for you to say, "I'm done with that." I'm done with say, "I'm done with that." I'm done with say, "I'm done with that." I'm done with it, God. I'm pressing forward. it, God. I'm pressing forward. it, God. I'm pressing forward. Some of you need to just get a fresh Some of you need to just get a fresh Some of you need to just get a fresh vision for where you're going towards. vision for where you're going towards. vision for where you're going towards. The end goal is not your retirement. The The end goal is not your retirement. The The end goal is not your retirement. The end goal is not your stable finances.

end goal is not your stable finances. end goal is not your stable finances. The end goal is not your children in The end goal is not your children in The end goal is not your children in college. THE END GOAL is Christ. college. THE END GOAL is Christ. college. THE END GOAL is Christ. YOU STANDING BEFORE HIM. AND SO, YOU YOU STANDING BEFORE HIM. AND SO, YOU YOU STANDING BEFORE HIM. AND SO, YOU NEED TO ALIGN YOUR LIFE INTO THAT NEED TO ALIGN YOUR LIFE INTO THAT NEED TO ALIGN YOUR LIFE INTO THAT MOMENT. MOMENT. MOMENT. And then lastly, some of you are here, And then lastly, some of you are here, And then lastly, some of you are here, man, and and just being totally honest man, and and just being totally honest man, and and just being totally honest with you, you can't press on because with you, you can't press on because with you, you can't press on because you've never paused and bowed your knee you've never paused and bowed your knee you've never paused and bowed your knee to Jesus and asked him to save you. to Jesus and asked him to save you. to Jesus and asked him to save you. You know about him here. You don't know You know about him here. You don't know You know about him here. You don't know him here. him here. him here. You've never pressed on in your life You've never pressed on in your life You've never pressed on in your life because you've never pressed pause long because you've never pressed pause long because you've never pressed pause long enough to surrender to Jesus in enough to surrender to Jesus in enough to surrender to Jesus in repentance and faith. And there's going repentance and faith. And there's going repentance and faith. And there's going to be pastors here this morning that to be pastors here this morning that to be pastors here this morning that want to talk to you about you giving want to talk to you about you giving want to talk to you about you giving your life to Jesus this morning. You your life to Jesus this morning. You your life to Jesus this morning. You making that commitment to be baptized at making that commitment to be baptized at making that commitment to be baptized at some point. Some of you are stuck some point. Some of you are stuck some point. Some of you are stuck spiritually because you've been saved, spiritually because you've been saved, spiritually because you've been saved, but you've never been baptized. but you've never been baptized. but you've never been baptized. You're hung up. You're hung up. You're hung up. Whatever it is, this altar is open for Whatever it is, this altar is open for Whatever it is, this altar is open for you to lay down your excuses, your you to lay down your excuses, your you to lay down your excuses, your complacency, your passiveness, and your complacency, your passiveness, and your complacency, your passiveness, and your comfort and a walk out of here pressing comfort and a walk out of here pressing comfort and a walk out of here pressing on. Because life is too short and God is on. Because life is too short and God is on. Because life is too short and God is too big for you and I to live in our too big for you and I to live in our too big for you and I to live in our excuses, our past, or our comfort.

Let's press on. Let me pray for us. Let's press on. Let me pray for us. Father, I pray this morning in the Father, I pray this morning in the Father, I pray this morning in the powerful name of Jesus powerful name of Jesus powerful name of Jesus >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that you would do >> that you would do >> that you would do a powerful work right here in this room. a powerful work right here in this room. a powerful work right here in this room. That people would lay down their That people would lay down their That people would lay down their complacency, [music] their excuses, complacency, [music] their excuses, complacency, [music] their excuses, whatever it is that's holding them back, whatever it is that's holding them back, whatever it is that's holding them back, they would lay it down. And that this they would lay it down. And that this they would lay it down. And that this church would be a church that presses church would be a church that presses church would be a church that presses on. on. on. That we press on focusing on Christ. That we press on focusing on Christ. That we press on focusing on Christ. So, Jesus, you do what you want to do So, Jesus, you do what you want to do So, Jesus, you do what you want to do this morning among these people. this morning among these people. this morning among these people. Among your church. Among your church. Among your church. And I pray all these things in the And I pray all these things in the And I pray all these things in the awesome and powerful name of Christ. awesome and powerful name of Christ. awesome and powerful name of Christ. Amen. Amen. Friends, I want you to stand Amen. Amen. Friends, I want you to stand Amen. Amen. Friends, I want you to stand in your response to Jesus this morning.