1. Reaching Forward

2. 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

3. Review 1.What life in Christ is primarily about 2.Forgetting what is behind 3.Reaching forward to what is ahead 4.The mind of the mature Christian 5.The prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

4. Pressing Toward the Goal Reaching Forward – 6

5. “Pressing” What Does It Mean? 1.Determination – decisiveness, commitment 2.Diligence – hard work 3.Perseverance – never giving up Galatians 6:9

6. Message of Hebrews Hebrews 3:6 Hebrews 4:1 Hebrews 4:9-11 Hebrews 6:11,12 Hebrews 10:23 Hebrews 10:36-39 Hebrews 12:1,2

7. Do We Have What It Takes? Matthew 13:18-23 Some have simply not chosen the kind of character that’s necessary No ROOT CHOKED with worldly concerns

8. God is Not Neutral Toward Our Needs God can work in us what is well pleasing in His sight –Hebrews 13:21; Jude 24,25 God is a faithful God –1 Peter 4:19 Whatever God expects us to do, He will help us do –Philippians 4:13 God eagerly awaits the chance to bless the person whose heart is turned toward Him

9. Don’t Despise the Daily Grind Grateful for the work that God gives us Patience continuance in doing good - Romans 2:7 Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” It’s the daily strivings that count, not the momentary heights

10. We Must Undergo “Training” Training = teaching to follow Spirit willing, flesh weak Matthew 26:41 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Discipline

11. One Thing We Can Always Do Whatever else we can or can’t do, there is always one thing we can do We can refuse to give up! The positive choice is always possible

12. My Prayer for You Make Him the Source, the Center, and the One who encompasses every delight of your soul. Refuse to be satisfied any longer with your meager accomplishments. Aspire to a higher, a nobler, and a fuller life. Upward to heaven! Nearer to God! -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

13. My Challenge to You 1.Never stop reaching for the future God wills for you in this life 2.But above all, never stop reaching for heaven

14. Set Your Hope Fully 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ We won’t get to heaven without disciplined thinking

15. What I Hope You’ll Do What is the one thing that, if you did it consistently, would make the greatest difference for good in your relationship with God? Do it!

16. Reaching Forward