Reaching Forward

Philippians 3:13,14 . . . forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. New King James Version

Review What life in Christ is primarily about Forgetting what is behind

Reaching Forward to What Is Ahead

Strong Language Philippians 3:13 Reaching forward – NKJV Straining every nerve for that which lies in front – TCNT Stretching out to the things that are before – BBE Straining forward to what lies ahead – RSV Struggling for what is ahead – CEV Much more than a couch-potato or a “convenient” Christian would do!

Reaching for the “End” 1 Peter 1:9 Telos (“end”) Culmination 2 – 4 – 1 – 5 – 3 Consequence (result, goal) 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 The Christian doesn’t dread death any more than a runner dreads to reach the finish line Telos (“end”) 1 Peter 4:7 We are talking about reaching forward to eternity, not any particular future in this life We need to be very open as to goals in this life 1 Peter 1:9

A Healthy Attitude Toward the Future The next step is always the most important For the Christian, the best is yet to come Romans 8:18 Heaven is worth whatever it takes Philippians 3:7-11

Let’s Not Forget Today We must be more than “dreamers” While our THINKING must be toward the future, our DOING must be done today We must be more than “dreamers”

The Power of Perspective Forward-“oriented” Putting the EMPHASIS in the right place Adopting a basic PERSPECTIVE Contentment Yearning The Power of Perspective Different perspectives Remainders, leftover books vs. limited supply Marriage as a duty vs. marriage as a privilege Philippians 2:5 - Hebrews 12:2

Choose This Day Your Outlook Already Present kingdom Earnest of inheritance Happiness now Death, end of earthly happiness Reaching backward Not yet Eternal kingdom Full inheritance Glory in eternity Death, end of earthly training Reaching forward

To depart and be with Christ . . . is far better Do We Really Believe It? To depart and be with Christ . . . is far better Philippians 1:23

What Is Your Honest Inward Attitude? Desire only God’s glory? Philippians 1:20,21 Yearn for God’s rule and His righteousness? Matthew 6:33 Long to be with Christ, face to face? John 14:1-3 Groan for heaven? 2 Corinthians 5:2

How Important Is It to Us? Will we be among those “who have loved His appearing”? 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Are we “straining every nerve for that which lies in front”? Philippians 3:13 1 Cor 16:22 – Maranatha! O Lord, come!

Reaching Forward