Pursuing Christ Daily: Pressing Toward the Mark

What keeps us following Jesus with the same hunger we had when we first came to faith? On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Robert Swan shared a message on running the Christian race with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Teaching from Philippians 3:7–16 and Romans 8:5–13, he asked whether we are pursuing Christ daily or letting our own desires pull us away from Him.

In this message

• Counting past gains as loss to know Christ (Philippians 3:7–11)
• Forgetting what lies behind to run the race ahead (Philippians 3:12–14)
• Living out the biblical truths we already know (Philippians 3:15–16)
• Setting our minds on the Spirit instead of the flesh (Romans 8:5–8)
• Putting sin to death through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9–13)

Forgetting the Past and Pressing Forward

Robert Swan pointed out that the Apostle Paul had every reason to boast in his religious accomplishments under the law. Yet after meeting Christ, Paul counted those gains as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus. Robert Swan asked the room what happened in Paul’s life that caused him to value knowing Jesus over his prior credentials. A congregant answered that it was the Damascus road, where Paul was struck blind and healed. That turning point proved that righteousness cannot be earned by human pedigree; it comes through faith in Christ alone.

Paul openly admitted that he had not reached spiritual perfection. Robert Swan used the illustration of a runner in a race who keeps looking backward and risks stumbling instead of focusing on the finish line. Dwelling on past failures whispers that change is impossible, while resting on past spiritual victories makes us careless. Even when a small ceiling water drip interrupted the sanctuary and a small bin was brought to catch it, Robert Swan kept our attention on pressing forward. As we heard in The Apostle Paul, Faithful to the Finish, Paul never coasted on old memories; he kept his eyes on the goal.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV)

Living Out the Truth We Already Have

Spiritual maturity means living up to the truth God has already given us. Robert Swan asked why it is often easier to learn what the Bible says than to put it into daily practice. A church member noted that habits formed over decades make immediate obedience difficult. Robert Swan agreed and put it plainly: “Knowing something and living it out are two different things.” We can easily understand commands to forgive and tell the truth, yet still hold onto grudges or make excuses when tested.

Guarding the Heart Against Created Things

Turning to Romans 1:21–28, Robert Swan explained that human rebellion begins when people refuse to honor God or give Him thanks. When the heart turns from the Creator, it worships created things instead. A member noted that putting anything above God is idolatry. Robert Swan illustrated this with someone buying a new car and spending hours washing and waxing it until it consumes their thoughts. When good things take God’s place, persistent rebellion can lead to God giving people over to their own desires to face the painful results of sin.

Walking by the Power of the Holy Spirit

In Romans 8, Paul contrasts a mind set on the flesh with a mind guided by the Spirit. Robert Swan told the room that this battle happens in ordinary moments. He shared a scenario where someone speaks harsh words to you. The impulse of the flesh is to strike back with an angry insult. In that moment, a believer must choose whether to surrender that anger to God or let the flesh rule. It takes the Holy Spirit to choose forgiveness over revenge.

We cannot overcome sin through sheer willpower. Robert Swan noted that the Holy Spirit lives inside believers to supply the strength to put sinful habits to death. He reminded us that “Jesus doesn’t call us to earn our salvation.” Instead, He calls us to trust Him, submit to His Spirit, and follow Him daily.

This week

1. Bring an old regret to the Lord in prayer and leave it behind so you can move forward.
2. Pick one Bible truth you already understand and put it into practice today.
3. When an angry impulse rises, pause and ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to respond with kindness.

Questions to think about

• What past mistake or past success is keeping you from growing closer to Jesus right now?
• Are there good things in your life that are competing with God for first place in your heart?
• How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than your own willpower when facing temptation?

Related messages

• The Apostle Paul, Faithful to the Finish
• Grace That Restores, Not Shames
• A Steadfast Heart: Holding Fast to God

Coming up: In His Presence — The Story of Obed-Edom on October 18, 2026.

If you are looking for encouragement in your walk with God, we invite you to plan your visit and worship with us this Sunday at Little Falls Chapel.