Keep Growing!
The Christian life is a journey of faith and courage, resisted by Satan, but requiring us to press onward toward our goal in Christ Jesus.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the Christian life is a continuous journey towards God, marked by growth and progression despite the opposition from Satan. He highlights the necessity of faith and courage to overcome obstacles, as illustrated by Paul's determination in Philippians to press on toward the heavenly goal. Tozer encourages believers to adopt a mature perspective, letting go of the past to fully embrace their calling in Christ. The sermon calls for steadfastness in faith as a means to navigate the challenges of spiritual growth.
Text
One thing taught throughout the Bible, and particularly in the New Testament, is that the Christian life is a progression, a journey of the redeemed soul toward God.
Another is that Satan stands to resist every step and to hinder the journey in every way possible. To advance against his shrewd and powerful opposition requires faith and steadfast courage. The epistles call it "confidence."
In his Philippian epistle Paul declares his own determination to advance against all obstacles. He says in effect that while he is not yet perfect and has not yet attained unto the goal set before him, he is putting the past behind him psychologically as well as chronologically that he may go on to find in Christ his all in all. "I press on toward the goal," he says, "to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Then with a fine disregard for apparent self-contradictions he urges, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things" (3:15).
Sermon Outline
- The Christian Life is a Journey
- Overcoming Opposition
- Pressing Onward
- Paul's determination to advance
- Leaving the past behind
Key Quotes
“I press on toward the goal, to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — A.W. Tozer
“All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must have faith and courage to overcome the opposition of Satan.
- We should leave the past behind and press onward toward our goal in Christ Jesus.
- Maturity in Christ involves taking a view of things that is confident and forward-looking.