.jpg)
Intro: Pressing toward the prize of the upward call of God - maturity!
I. PROPERLY ANALYZE YOUR PAST (v. 12a) II. PRESS ON TO MATURITY (v. 12b) III. PUT AWAY THE PAST (v. 13) IV. PRIORITIZE YOUR PURPOSE (V. 14) V. PERSEVERE BY THE RULES (VV. 15-16)
Questions to go deeper with today’s message.
Point I. PROPERLY ANALYZE YOUR PAST (v. 12a)
What are you doing to grow in your knowledge of Christ?
Is there an intensity in your life to know Christ in a real and personal way? What evidence is there to establish your answer?
Are you often defeated by thoughts or memories of your past? How does Paul suggest that you remedy that?
Point II. PRESS ON TO MATURITY (v. 12b)
Are you dissatisfied with your spiritual maturity level? What are you doing to grow in your maturity?
Would you say that you really know Christ? Do you have a desire to know Him more intimately, more passionately? Why not take a few minutes today to pray about your desire to truly know Christ, not just to know about Him, but to truly know Him. After you pray, write how you feel God is responding to your prayer.
Point III. PUT AWAY THE PAST (v. 13)
What does the Scripture mean by the admonition, “forgetting those things which are behind?”
Do you believe most Christians today put as much effort in their Christian life as they do in other pursuits, such as their jobs, hobbies or athletic endeavors?
Do Paul’s words in verse 13 here describe your spiritual devotion? If not, what are you doing about it?
Point IV. PRIORITIZE YOUR PURPOSE (V. 14)
Are you aware that as a believer you will stand before the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10)? Are you ready to stand before Him? What was Paul’s attitude about standing before the Lord?
Point V. PERSEVERE BY THE RULES (VV. 15-16)
Why must we obey God’s rules in pressing on to spiritual maturity? How can we best learn God’s rules?
Why not spend a few moments in prayer talking to the Lord about making it your aim to finish well in your Christian life. After you have prayed about it, write down some thoughts here that will help you recall what you have prayed about and how you will press on in the things of God.
Comments