I Press On - Lofty Goals
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened by comparing famous national ambitions—President Kennedy’s pledge to land a man on the moon and President Reagan’s appeal to tear down the Berlin Wall—to the church’s own lofty spiritual goals. The teacher then linked these historical examples to the yearly theme “I press on,” grounding the discussion in Philippians 3:12‑14, where Paul admits he has not yet reached perfection but strives toward the heavenly calling. The lesson moved to practical application, highlighting Paul’s instructions in Philippians 3:17‑19 to imitate godly examples, stay connected with the faith community, and confront those who reject the cross with tears and compassion, as echoed in 1 Corinthians 11:1. Personal stories, such as a mountain hike that required a guide in a sudden blizzard, illustrated the necessity of spiritual mentors and small‑group accountability. The teacher urged the class to identify their own “trail guides,” participate in a care‑group survey, and pray for the health of the ministry leader Richard, emphasizing that pressing on requires both personal effort and communal support.
Key Scriptures
Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it yet. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal of the heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.