One Thing

One thing I know:
God is . (Matthew 1:22-23)

One thing I ask:
To be . (Psalm 27:4)

One thing I do:
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

Forgetting what is behind:

Epilanthanomai = forgetting

Forgetting the bad stuff is desirable; we all want to forget. Paul says he selectively forgets both the and the . (Philippians 3:4-6)

Why is it so hard to forget? Because we have a in the back seat!

When the devil reminds you of , remind him of .

You silence the enemy with . (Matthew 4)

Straining toward what is ahead:

Epekteinomenos = to overextend oneself; to stretch one’s muscles to the limit for the sake of the

Leaning into the pressure of the wind, through the promise of God’s protection, allows our eyes to be fixed on the finish line of .

A great verse for your steering wheel:

“Forget the former things;
       do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
       Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
       and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Small Group Questions

1. Where did you encounter God in the first week of 2022?
2. What is one thing you know about God, for certain?
3. What is your “one thing”?
4. What is a specific memory from the past that you need to capture and forget?
5. What is your strategy for dealing with the enemy the next time he reminds you of your past?
6. Read all the scriptures listed in the outline. Where do you find hope in these words from God?
7. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week? Suggestion: tailor your request around Philippians 3:13-14.