The Joy of Looking Forward

The Joy of Looking Forward

Pastor Terry Wilcox

Philippians 3:12-16

Philippians 3:12-16
“The good old days”??

It is the future that worries us!

Matthew 6:34

Paul had another perspective: Joy results from “…straining toward what is ahead…” – v.13b

1. Paul had a sanctified dissatisfaction – Philippians 3:12-13
   Paul compared himself with himself and Jesus

   As one who was “mature” in Christ, he also knew that God was not done perfecting him.

   Two dangers of self-evaluation:
     a. Thinking ourselves better than we are.
     b. Thinking ourselves worse than we are.

2. A compelling focus. –  v.13b
   “But one thing I do” – NIV
   “I do have one compelling purpose” – TPT
   “But I focus on one thing” – NLT

   There is nothing more important than pursuing God’s plan for your life!

3. Joyous believers focus on the future. 
   “To forget” in the Bible means not to be influenced by or affected by. – Hebrews 10:17
   “To forgive and forget” is a nice cliché, but it doesn’t reflect reality.
4. Achieving any worthwhile goal requires determination.
   The Greek verb translated “I press on” carries the idea of intense endeavor. – Philippians 2:12

   Two attitudes to avoid:
     a. I must do it all.
     b. God must do it all.

Personal Notes