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Pressing On: Finding Renewal in Christ

Philippians 3:12-14

As the Advent season comes to a close, we pause to reflect on the incredible significance of Christ’s first coming. Christmas is a time of celebration, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought unparalleled newness to the world:

  • New Life
  • New Adam
  • New Mercies
  • New Relationship
  • New Covenant
    • With it, new Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

This season isn’t just about looking back; it’s about recognizing the transformative power of Christ that continues into the new year. As we approach a fresh calendar year, it’s a fitting time to evaluate our lives and seek God’s guidance for renewal.

Reflecting on the Past Year

The new year offers a natural pause for reflection. Take a moment to look back on the past year and ask yourself:

  • Are you where you thought you’d be spiritually, emotionally, or personally?
  • Was this year marked by growth, or was it a season of disappointment, struggle, or hardship?

Being honest in this evaluation is crucial. It’s a chance to identify areas that need attention or improvement and consider what aspects of life you haven’t fully surrendered to God.

Moving Beyond Resolutions

Many of us set resolutions for the new year:

  • Reading through the Bible
  • Getting healthier
  • Saving money
  • Exercising regularly

While these goals are worthwhile, they should never overshadow the ultimate pursuit of every Christian: an intentional determination to grow closer to Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul’s Perspective

In Philippians 3:12-14, the Apostle Paul provides profound insight into this pursuit:

  • Philippians 3:12 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
  • Philippians 3:13 “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,”
  • Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul admits that he hasn’t reached perfection or a complete relationship with Christ—and that’s okay. What matters is his persistent effort to move forward, motivated by Christ’s redemptive work.

Pressing On Despite Challenges

Paul’s words remind us that the Christian life is not about achieving perfection but about persistence. Pressing on means overcoming obstacles such as:

  • Distractions
  • Lies
  • Worldly pressures
  • Laziness
  • Internal struggles

What fuels this persistence? Paul’s motivation lies in the fact that Christ Jesus has made him His own. Our relationship with Christ, born out of His life, death, and resurrection, is both the source and the goal of our spiritual growth.

Forgetting What Lies Behind

Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind. This doesn’t mean erasing our memories but refusing to let past failures, mistakes, or even successes define us. Too often, we allow:

  • Our past sins to discourage us.
  • Our past achievements to make us complacent.

Instead, we are called to focus on the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Whether this past year was a spiritual “hot streak” or a season of wandering, the call remains the same: Press on.

A Call to Action for the New Year

As you consider your goals for the coming year, prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else. Ask yourself:

  • Where is the Holy Spirit calling me to grow?
  • What areas of my life need to be surrendered to God?
  • What steps will I take to press forward in faith?

Consider practical steps such as:

  • Being more intentional in prayer.
  • Digging deeper into Scripture.
  • Fellowshipping with other believers.
  • Serving others more faithfully.
  • Witnessing to the lost.

Holy Discontent: A Hunger for More

Don’t settle for spiritual stagnation. One of the greatest tragedies is becoming content in your walk with Christ. Instead, strive for holy discontent—a deep hunger for more of Jesus:

  • More depth
  • More breadth
  • More height
  • More of Him

A Final Encouragement

As you step into the new year, let your primary resolution be this: to know Christ more deeply, experience Him more fully, and live for Him more intentionally. Center your life on God’s purposes, leave behind what hinders you, and press forward with renewed passion.

Take heart in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Let this promise inspire you to press on in faith, trusting that God is at work in you and through you, shaping you for His glory.