Rev. Dr. A. A. Obe (JP)
January 1, 2023
2023 MY YEAR OF PRESSING FORWARD UNTO GLORY AND ENLARGEMENT.
TOPIC: 2023 MY YEAR OF PRESSING FORWARD UNTO GLORY AND ENLARGEMENT.
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14; 1CHRONICLES 4:9-10
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14- 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
1CHRONICLES 4:9-10 – 9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
DEFINITIONS:
Pressing forward:
1. This is the process of letting go of the comfort of what we feel familiar and reaching towards something unknown.
2. Pressing Forward with God means we are walking towards our divine purpose.
3. This is also talking about making Christ the central focus of your thoughts and actions.
4. Biblically: This is pushing away the temptations and cares of the world and keeping the commandments with exactness (John 14:15 – 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.).
Glory:
1. Praise, honour or distinction extended by common constant.
2. Worship, praise, honour and Thanksgiving.
3. Something of great beauty and splendour.
4. Glory is a characteristic of God, seen in both the Old and New Testament, description of God and His presence.
5. Glory biblically refers to the beauty and greatness of God both physically and for us, experienced spiritually.
Enlargement:
1. This is the act of increment, expansion or amplification.
2. Process of development of growth, whether in your business, family, or finances etc.
3. Biblically, this is the process when we grow spiritually and also enlarge in every size.
4. To extend in limit, to expand in bulk, to enlarge on every sides of life.
How do we press forward?
1. We must press forward in holiness.
2. We must press forward in righteousness.
3. We must press forward in our service to God.
4. We must press forward in our commitments in the house of God.
5. We must press forward in Tithe and Offering.
6. We must press forward in our attendance in Church activities.
7. We must press forward in fellowship with God.
What to gain:
His glory will shine upon your life (Isaiah 60:1; Isaiah 8:1-6).
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Isaiah 8:1-6 – 8 Moreover the Lord said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.
2 And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.
3 And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.
4 For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.
5 The Lord spake also unto me again, saying,
6 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son;
Your coast will be enlarged (1Chronicles 4:9-10).
1Chronicles 4:9-10 – 9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
You will become prosperous (Philippians 4:19).
Philippians 4:19 – 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Rev. Dr. A.A Obe