The Gift of “Now”

December 15, 2024

Introduction:

Text: Philippians 3:12-14

- Paul considers everything he used to value as worthless compared to knowing Christ and having faith in Him.
- Paul’s approach to living out a life of faith:
  - Not yet arrived.
  - Not focusing on the past.
  - Keep moving forward.

Main Idea: Each moment is a gateway to new possibilities.

I. The Essential Question: “What Am I Going to Do Now?”

The essential question we face every day.
“Now” is our workstation.
Athletes focus on “now” to improve performance.
When making a wrong turn, look for the nearest place to turn around.
Processing “now” involves choosing how to look at and respond to our feelings and circumstances.
- Options: Ignore feelings, sublimate them, be proactive in love, confide in someone, talk to the Lord, analyze them.
This perspective allows us to engage the present moment with purpose and a biblical mindset.
Recognize we have options and be alert to the enemy’s tactics.
Safeguard: Understanding our “always” status.

II. Our “Always” Status

Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
In Christ, believers are perpetually in a state of forgiveness, acceptance, and love from God.
Our “always” status means no baggage from the past and no barrier between us and God.
Confession is about receiving God’s consolation and growing in trust, not about getting right with God.
God’s dealings with us always come from a place of affection and acceptance.
Even when suffering consequences, God cares for us.
Galatians 2:20 – Living with reliance on Jesus and His work.
Jesus’ sacrifice secures our confidence in God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s sufficiency.
God’s favor was established through Christ, and His promises are always with us.
Each moment is a gateway to new possibilities.

III. The Grace Difference

Grace is unconditional, immutable, unwavering.
Human promises can fall apart, but God’s promises remain.
Love involves risk (Isaiah 65:2-3)
- God’s love is given with the hope of our response.
- – God’s enduring patience with us.
Jude 21 – Keep yourselves in the love of God by believing and embracing it.
Each moment is a fresh start with God’s grace.

Conclusion:

We are as spiritual or unspiritual as we are in the moment.
Accept the grace of the gospel, engage with your “now,” and let each moment be a fresh start.
Each moment is a gateway to new possibilities.