Message Action Plan
Talk It Over
Diving DeeperScripture to Read:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, 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 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 3:12–14 (NIV)
Key Points:
| Best Vs. Better | ||
| IS ABOUT PERFECTION | IS ABOUT PROGRESS | |
| IS DEMORALIZING | IS INSPIRING | |
| IS FOR A FEW | IS FOR EVERYONE | |
| IS RARELY ATTAINABLE | IS ALWAYS DOABLE |
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7–8 (NIV)
I will choose …
1. The DEEPER "WHY" over the SURFACE MOTIVATION.
Reflection Question:WHY does this MATTER TO ME?
ACTION PLAN: Draw out a chart with three columns. In the first column, write out a few of your goals. In the second column, write about the deeper motivation is behind your goals. In the third column, write out what God may do in you and through you if you achieved these goals.
2. The VITAL FEW over the TRIVIAL MANY.
Reflection Question:What ONE THING, if it were better, would make everything better?
ACTION PLAN: Spend a few minutes each day this week praying and listening for what areas of your life the Spirit of God is convicting you to make changes. Write down these areas (ideally 2 or 3) and set ONE achievable growth goal!
3. The DOABLE GAINS over the ILLUSIVE GAP.
Reflection Question:Where can you make PROGRESS over the next three months?
4. The BRIGHTER FUTURE over the UNCHANGEABLE PAST.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Reflection Question:How does your view of the FUTURE shift knowing GOD GOES BEFORE YOU?
ACTION PLAN: Make an effort to go somewhere beautiful this week. Sit and reflect on how God helped you make progress in different areas of your life. Bring a journal to write these areas down and, when done, spend time celebrating and thanking God for His goodness and provision, looking forward into the future.
Never Walk AloneBy Hillsong Worship
Every hour, every minute
You have always been there
You are faithful and you always will be
In every triumph, every failure
You are loyal to me
You are faithful, and you always will be
I have never walked alone
I've never been abandoned
You are my inheritance
You are my strength and shield
And I have confidence
You go before me
You're my deliverer
I know I never walk alone
Weekly Action Steps
Check in on your spiritual health: http://www.saddleback.com/healthassessment
We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com for free spiritual resources.
We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him. Because of your faithful generosity, we have been able to provide food and supplies to over 600,000 people in Southern California during this COVID crisis. Give at saddleback.com/give.
We meet in small groups to discuss what we have heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 83000, visit our website at www.saddleback.com/joingroup, or emailsmallgroup@saddleback.com.
Listen to our "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" podcasts from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn.
