The Integrity of Pressing On

Message Summary:

In this powerful message, Chuck Swindoll explores the essential difference between holding religious beliefs and possessing deep-seated convictions. Using the life of the Apostle Paul as a primary example, Chuck explains that while beliefs are valuable, they only become convictions when they are tested and refined in the fires of adversity. Drawing from Paul’s journey from a persecutor on the road to Damascus to a prisoner in Rome, this message emphasizes that “pressing on” requires a tenacity that refuses to quit when life becomes difficult.

Chuck illustrates the necessity of suffering through several poignant stories, including the graduation address by Chief Justice John Roberts and the wisdom of Dr. John Walvoord. The sermon highlights that God often uses our “thorns in the flesh” to keep us humble and to demonstrate that His grace is sufficient in our weakness. Rather than viewing misfortunes as obstacles, believers are encouraged to see them as “messages” that teach justice, loyalty, and compassion. To truly press on, one must rid their life of distractions and focus on the essentials of faith, setting their mind to finish the race well regardless of the trial.

Message Key Facts:

• The Conversion of Saul: A look at Paul’s transformation from a “household name” of terror to a bold preacher in Damascus, and eventually a prisoner who evangelized the entire Palace Guard (Acts 9).
• The Difference Between Beliefs and Convictions: Chuck recalls Dr. John Walvoord’s concern that seminaries were graduating students with too many beliefs and not enough convictions.
• The Thorn in the Flesh: An analysis of Paul’s “stake” or sharp pain that he begged God to remove three times, only to be told, “My grace is all you need” (2 Corinthians 12).
• Chief Justice John Roberts’ Six Wishes: A unique commencement story where Roberts wished the graduates “bad luck” and “betrayal” so that they might learn the value of justice and loyalty.
• The Five Disciplines of Pressing On: 1. Rid life of distractions. 2. Spend energy on essentials. 3. Set the mind to endure tests. 4. Focus on scriptural goals. 5. Discipline yourself to finish well.

Message References:

• Philippians 1:12–14: Paul explains how his imprisonment helped spread the Good News.
• Philippians 3:12–14: The central call to forget the past and “press on” toward the heavenly prize.
• Acts 9:10–16: The Lord’s specific calling for Paul, including the promise of how much he must suffer.
• 2 Corinthians 12:7–10: The revelation of the “thorn in the flesh” and the power of God in human weakness.
• Galatians 1:15–17: Paul’s period of isolation and preparation in Arabia.
• 2 Timothy 3:14: The encouragement to continue in things learned and become “convinced” of.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll