Wednesday, 1/30/19 – Pressing on…

So… what is that “place for you” to which I said yesterday the Holy Spirit was the One to lead you? To where are you being led by that “still, small voice” (See 1 Kings 19:11-23)? Ultimately the destination of every believer is home… our true home, heaven… with our exalted Lord. But where is He leading today?

“What does God want me To do?” is a question I hear often from many believers in our Lord Christ.

I find some great insight into this in Paul’s ambition as he explained it to the Philippians. He wrote,

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.… “
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:12, 14)

This is one of my favorite passages, as you can probably tell by my “Press on…” sign-offs through the week. The very words suggest moving forward despite opposition… as if running a marathon against a very strong headwind… just keep going, eye on the prize at the finish line. Press on…

Well, that’s all a very nice analogy, but what does it look like in reality? Just what is Paul “pressing on” to do… to be?

You know, I don’t think Paul himself precisely knew! What he says in essence is, God has something in mind for me… and while I don’t know what it is exactly at this point, what I do know that if God has a plan for me, then that’s the plan I want to pursue!

How did Paul figure out the day-to-day steps of that plan? I think by following everything we’ve said the past two days: He was sensitive to the Voice of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“…the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” (Acts 13: 2,3)
“…kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” (Acts 16:6)
“ ….but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” (Acts 16:7)
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)

How do we know what step to take next? The same way we started out on this journey, by faith!

“…After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3)
“…we live by faith, not by sight.” (1 Cor. 5:7)
“…continue to work out your salvation…” (Phil. 2:12)

You’ve raised your sails and caught the wind of the Spirit, so why would you stop and try to sail your ship on dry land?

No getting around it, you’re going to need the Holy Spirit.

Press on…

Note: To listen to Pastor Steve’s most recent message on the Holy Spirit, go to the Lincoln Baptist Church website, click on Media and select from the list.