Pastor’s sermon was the conclusion to a series called The Trade. His opening question was: “When was the last time you had to chase someone/something?” (My answer was chickens and before that was twins!) Chasing is part of life. Man has an internal drive to pursue – it might be a job, career, success or relationship.
What about our drive to go after God? When was the last time we experienced that? When we seek God we should be aware that a trade is required. Philippians 3:7- 11. Paul explains that all else is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:8-9. Our relationship and pursuit is dependent on faith. Hebrews 11:1 -13. Part of faith is recognizing that the universe was created by God's hand. Hebrews 11:3. And recognizing that the only way to please God is by faith and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Point: Will you trade all of you to pursue all of Jesus?
Press on, chase, pursue. Philippians 3: 12-15. We all need to pray for help to want to press on. Are you willing to give all of you for all of Him? Throw off sin. Throw off distractions. It may require that we simplify life. It may also require that we add prayer and loving others to our life.
We finished the service with communion during which we were advised to contemplate the question: Will you make the trade?
I believe this song fits with the message: Surrender
Verses for Today:Philippians 3:12-15 (NIV)
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, please do help me want to press in to pursue you!
