Philippians 3:12-16 - “Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one things I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 

 

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.

 

Jeremiah 29:13-14 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

 

Indices for Spiritual Evolution

1. What are you sacrificing?

Romans 12:1 - “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

 

2. What are you mortifying?

Galatians 5:24 - “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

 

3. What are you yielding to?

Galatians 5:16 - “Let me emphasise this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.”

 

Examples from the Patriarchs & our Lord Jesus Christ

- Abraham pressed to have Isaac

- Joseph pressed and became prime minister in Egypt

Prayer Points

1. 🔥Self-Denial and True Discipleship

2. 🔥Prayer for Transformation and Renewal