“Pressing On” Into the New Year

Philippians 3:1-4:1

January 11, 2026

The Christian life is not about standing still, nor about reinventing ourselves every January. It is about pressing forward toward Christ.

Let us not chase achievements, but chase Christ.

• Scripture says there’s immense power in knowing God.
• 2 Peter1:3 “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.”
• This knowledge is also practical
• Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

• Philippians 3:3 “For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort …”
• True children of God are by those who:
• Worship by the Spirit of God. – Consistently have God on your mind,
• Praise what Christ Jesus has done for us.
• Put no confidence in human effort.

Spiritual Knowledge of Christ comes in many forms (Charles Spurgeon)

• Personal Knowledge – You don’t know Jesus through anyone else; you must know him for yourself.
• Intelligent Knowledge – You must know Christ as God’s Word reveals him, not what you perceive.
• Affectionate Knowledge – Knowing Jesus means loving Him.
• Satisfying Knowledge – Means that God’s grace is enough.
• Exciting Knowledge – The more you know about Jesus, the more you want to know.
• Joyful Knowledge – When you truly know Christ, you know he has you; nothing can come against you. His grace is enough.

Ask Yourself: Do I know the Lord as I should, in every aspect of my life? Do I know him today, at this very minute?

• The new year is not about becoming a new person—Christ has already made us new.
  • The question is what we are pressing toward:
• Our decisions this year should be shaped by eternal citizenship, not temporary comfort.

The call for the new year is not to be unique, but faithful.

Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I know that the penalty of my sin is physical, spiritual, and eternal death. I acknowledge that I can’t do anything about my situation. But I know that You came to pay the penalty for my sin. I trust in You alone as the One who died in my place. I repent of my sin and trust in You alone as the only One who can place me in an eternal relationship with the living God. I desire to be Your child. I desire to live as Your child. In Your name. Amen.

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