PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL | To Live is Christ Series

The Christian life isn't a sprint—it's a marathon. And if you're feeling exhausted, if you've stumbled, or if you're wondering whether you can finish, this message is for you.

In this episode, we explore Philippians 3:12-16, where the Apostle Paul—one of the most influential figures in Christian history—admits twice that he hasn't "arrived." If Paul wasn't perfect, neither are you. And that's the point.

Join us as we discover three critical race facts for running the Christian marathon:

1. Progress Not Perfection - Why the goal isn't flawless execution but forward motion
2. Forget What's Behind - How to cut the rope on the "garbage barge" of your past
3. Reach for What's Ahead - Why the Christian life was designed for linear progression, not circular ruts

You'll hear the inspiring true story of Cliff Young, a 61-year-old potato farmer who showed up to a 543-mile ultra-marathon in overalls and galoshes—and won. You'll learn about Beth Anne DeCiantis, who crawled across the Olympic qualifying finish line on her hands and knees with three seconds to spare.

And you'll be reminded that even if you've fallen, even if you've struggled, even if you're exhausted—you can get up, and you need to get up, because all of us are rooting for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why Paul used athletic imagery throughout his letters (1:30)
• The powerful illustration of church as a spiritual "aid station" (6:45)
• What "forgetting what lies behind" actually means (and doesn't mean) (19:20)
• The garbage barge metaphor that will change how you think about the past (24:10)
• How unforgiveness and bitterness slow your spiritual progress (26:30)
• Three questions to evaluate where you are in the race (34:00)
• The incredible Cliff Young story and what it teaches about endurance (43:15)
• Hebrews 12:1-2 and practical next steps (51:40)

KEY SCRIPTURES:

• Philippians 3:12-16 (Primary Text)
• Hebrews 12:1-2
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
• 2 Timothy 4:7
• Galatians 5:7
• Ephesians 6:12

QUOTES FROM THIS MESSAGE:

"The goal is progress, not perfection. You will never win the race by being content or satisfied with where you are."

"Unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, selfishness, or any other sin is like a garbage barge that you have been towing behind the ship of your life. Cut the rope that connects you to that garbage and watch it fall behind you. Let it go!"

"The Christian life was never intended to be stagnant. It was never meant to be the same old, same old, status quo existence. It was designed for linear progression that constantly moves us to new heights of intimacy with Jesus Christ."

"Even if you've fallen, even if you've struggled, even if you're exhausted, we don't want to see you eliminated. We want to see you invigorated and motivated to keep going."

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What "garbage barge" from your past do you need to cut loose today?
2. Where do you see God calling you to make progress (not perfection) in your spiritual life?
3. How can you adopt a "forward-focused" mindset instead of constantly looking over your shoulder?
4. What practical step will you take this week to "press on" toward becoming more like Christ?

NEXT STEPS:

✓ Identify one area where you're seeking perfection instead

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