These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Forgetting What Lies Behind

• Who we were: Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 13:11; Philippians 3:2-6.
• What happened to us in Christ: Colossians 2:11-15; Ephesians 2:4-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17.

I Press On

• Philippians 3:6, 12, 14. “to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire.” See Romans 12:13, 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11.

For the Prize of the Upward Call

• See 1 Corinthians 9:24.
• The prize we strive for is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, and it consists of so much, that no sermon can fully describe it. It is a call to know Jesus Christ, and the power of his resurrection.  (Philippians 3:10)
• What are we called to in Christ? To salvation, Matthew 9:13; To repentance, Luke 5:32; To follow Jesus, Matthew 4:21; Freedom, Galatians 5:13; Hope, Ephesians 4:4; Unity, Colossians 3:15; Into His kingdom and glory, 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Holiness, 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:15; Salvation through sanctification, 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Eternal life, 1 Timothy 6:12; A holy calling, 2 Timothy 1:9; Endurance, 1 Peter 2:21; To bless others, 1 Peter 3:9; God’s eternal glory, 1 Peter 5:10; God’s glory and excellence, 2 Peter 1:3; To be called children of God, 1 John 3:1, Matthew 5:9.
• The Upward Call: God has called you upward.  This is directional, not positional.
• See also Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 11:1-12:2; 1 John 3:1-2.
• The key motivation in our effort is found in Philippians 3:12, “because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” We progress from a position of victory, motivated by the finished work of Christ, and His promises to us.

Invitation

• How will you respond to today’s message?
• What steps will you take to keep your eye on the prize?
• What biblical role model (in addition to Jesus) inspires you to press on? What steps will you take to be more inspired?

Just for Fun