TEXT: Jer. 7:23-24; Heb. 11:32-40

INTRODUCTION: To get to our goal which is heaven, we need to keep on pressing forward. Why? Because going forward will always lead to making the goal. Going backward will never lead to the goal, but would always take you far from it. May the Lord quicken our understanding as we study in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1. THE BLESSING IN PRESSING FORWARD.

Phil. 3:12-15; II Tim. 4:7 -8; II Pet. 1:8-11; Heb. 10:25; Heb. 12:14; Col.1:28; Eph. 4: 13.

God’s blessings are for those who press forward:

(i) You will discover you have not arrived.
(ii) Sooner or later you will arrive safely to your goal.
(iii) You can achieve these blessings by going forward in Bible study to
discover that Holiness and perfection is the key to Heaven.

2. DANGERS IN BACKSLIDING.

Exo. 14:8; Gen. 19:26; Luke 9:61-62; Gal. 5:1; Rev. 2:4; Luke 11:24-26; II Tim. 4:10.

There are dangers ahead for looking back:

(i) Enemies are at the back of every Christians.
(ii) Backsliders are not fit for the Kingdom of God.
(iii) They will nbso become slaves to the devil again.
(iv) There will be no more love for God in their lives.
(v) The devil has a free access to come into their lives.
(vi) They will be worldly-minded.
(vii) Their end will be worse than their original state.

3. EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO PRESSED FORWARD.

Num 14:2-10; 11 Tim. 4:7-8; Acts. 20: 24; Zech. 4:6-9; John 17: 4; John 19:30.

(i) Joshua and Caleb;
(ii) Paul the Apostle;
(iii) Zerubbabel;
(iv) Jesus Christ, our Lord.

4. DISCUSSION: What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are pressing forward toward the goal?

Date: 15 December 2010