SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
READ: Philippians 3 (Focus vs. 12-21)
MEMORY VERSE
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 esv
BACKGROUND
Sometimes surprisingly spiritual messages turn up in unexpected places, like in a comic book, for example. Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of such iconic heroes as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and many others.
The famously smiling man with sunglasses had a personal catchphrase that he used to sign off in monthly columns in Marvel comics for decades—the word excelsior.
In a 2010 tweet, Lee explained its meaning: “ ‘Upward and onward to greater glory!’ That’s what I wish you whenever I finish tweeting! Excelsior!” I like that.
Whether Stan Lee realized it or not, his use of this unusual catchphrase certainly resonates with what Paul wrote in Philippians as he admonished believers to look not behind but ahead—and up:
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14 esv).
We can easily become entangled in regrets or second-guessing past decisions. But in Christ, we’re invited to relinquish regrets and to press upward and onward to God’s greater glory through embracing the forgiveness and purpose He so graciously gives us! Excelsior!
By: Adam Holz
INSIGHT
Paul is driven by his urgent passion “to know Christ” (Philippians 3:10). He wants to “know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection” (vv. 10-11).
Being transformed to be like the resurrected Christ requires us to pursue that goal with everything we have (vv. 13-14, 17). Yet even as we “press on toward the goal” (v. 14), we know it’s only possible through complete reliance on God, who will one day resurrect believers to finally reflect Christ perfectly (v. 21). By: Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
Why do you tend to look forward or backward in your life and in your faith? How can you let go of past mistakes and move forward?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
We can easily become entangled in regrets or second-guessing past decisions. But in Christ, we’re invited to relinquish regrets and to press upward and onward to God’s greater glory…”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“…I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the GRACE of God” Acts 20:24
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiveness. Thank You that You invite me to move forward, upward, and onward for Your glory.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I PRESS” Joyous Celebration
I press
I press towards the mark of the high calling yeah
I press towards the mark of the high calling
I’m pressing on to reach my goal
I press towards the mark of the high calling
I press, I press, I press
I forget those things, that are behind me
And I stretch myself to what’s ahead of me
I press towards the mark of the high calling
I press, I press, I Press
I will never give up, I will never give up
I will never give up, I will never give up
I press towards the mark of the high calling
I press I press I press
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
ACTS 15
