Press on until you reach Home.

Topic: Press on until you reach Home. 

Text:

"Not that I have already attained, or have already been made perfect. But I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)

Introduction. 

Life is a journey, not a destination reached in a single step. The apostle Paul, despite his remarkable ministry, did not claim to have arrived spiritually. Instead, he admitted that he was still pressing forward. His confidence was not in his achievements but in Christ who had called him.

As believers, we also live between two realities: we are on earth, but we belong to heaven. Therefore, we must keep moving forward until we reach our eternal home.

1. Acknowledge That You Have Not Yet Arrived.

Paul says, "Not that I have already attained..."

Spiritual maturity begins with humility. Those who think they have arrived often stop growing. Every believer still has room to grow in faith, love, holiness, and obedience.:

Never become satisfied with yesterday's spiritual victories.

Continue to pray, study God's Word, and seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

2. Press On with Determination. 

Paul declares, "I press on..."

The Christian life requires perseverance. There will be trials, disappointments, temptations, and opposition. Yet God calls His children to keep moving forward.

The word "press" suggests effort, endurance, and unwavering focus. Like a runner in a race, we must not stop because of fatigue or distractions.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to run with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus.

3. Remember Why Christ Laid Hold of You. 

Paul says he presses on "to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me."

Jesus did not save us merely to escape hell. He saved us:

•To become like Him.

•To serve His kingdom.

•To glorify His name.

•To inherit eternal life.

Every believer has a divine purpose that should shape daily living.

4. Live as Citizens of Heaven. 

"Our citizenship is in heaven..."

Although we live in this world, our true homeland is heaven. Our values, speech, conduct, and priorities should reflect our heavenly identity.

A citizen obeys the laws of his country. Likewise, Christians should live according to God's kingdom and not according to the sinful patterns of this world.

Our greatest expectation is not earthly success but the glorious return of Jesus Christ.

Illustration. 

A traveler living temporarily in a foreign country never forgets where home is. He may work there, build relationships there, and contribute to society, but his passport reminds him that he belongs elsewhere. When the day comes to return home, he leaves gladly because that has always been his true country.

Likewise, Christians are pilgrims on earth. We work, serve, and live faithfully here, but our hearts long for our eternal home with Christ. Therefore, we must not become so attached to this world that we forget where we truly belong.

Conclusion. 

Paul's testimony teaches us three important lessons:

•Never think you have already arrived spiritually.

•Keep pressing forward regardless of obstacles.

•Always remember that your true citizenship is in heaven.

One day the race will end. Christ will return, and those who have remained faithful will receive the crown of righteousness. Until then, keep your eyes on Jesus and continue pressing toward the heavenly prize.

Altar Call. 

Have you become spiritually tired? Have you stopped pursuing God's purpose? Or have you become too attached to this world?

Today, Jesus calls you to renew your commitment. He has laid hold of you for a glorious purpose. Surrender your life afresh, press on in faith, and live as a true citizen of heaven while waiting expectantly for the return of your Savior.

Closing Prayer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us into Your heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have become complacent or distracted by the things of this world. Give us the strength to press on with endurance, to pursue the purpose for which Christ has called us, and to live each day as faithful citizens of heaven. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus until the day we see Him face to face. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

-Kunle Solomon.

Minister.

SheepGate Evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t 

Or call +2347051874707

Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com