SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 3
BIBLE VERSES:
“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 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:7-9)
“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)
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)
NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH (vs. 1-11)
Paul had every reason to put confidence in the flesh because he was circumcised on the 8th day, a people of Israel of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew, a Pharisee, had zeal persecuting the church with legalistic righteousness without fault. But he only put confidence in Christ because he considered everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ Jesus. Instead, he found righteousness through faith in Christ with the power of His resurrection.
PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL (vs.12-21)
Paul gave 3 ways on how to reach the goal of prize in heaven:
- Forgetting that is behind
- Straining toward what is ahead
- Press on toward the goal
LIVES OF THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST
- Their destiny is destruction
- Their god is their stomach
- Their glory is in their shame
- Their mind is on earthly things
In conclusion, Paul reminded the believers that our citizenship is in heaven. Our Lord Jesus Christ is in control. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.
THOUGHTS:
A. PAUL DESCRIBED THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF CHRISTIAN LIFE:
- Past – SALVATION (vs.1-11) – Paul was very religious but his fleshly religion did not assure him of salvation. He was sincere in his Jewish belief that he even persecuted those who did not belong to them. But when he met Christ, he found salvation and considered all this earthly attainment rubbish. He obtained true righteousness through faith in Christ. His personal knowledge of Christ enabled him to experience the resurrection power and the privilege to suffer for Him.
- Present – SANCTIFICATION (vs. 12-16) – At present, Paul is straining toward what is ahead. He is speaking about growth and progress in Christian life. Christian life is like a race that demands practice and perseverance to do the very best in order to win a prize. It is a high calling towards our eternal home in heaven.
- Future – GLORIFICATION (vs.17-21) – The purpose of God creating men is to glorify Him. However, many profound Christians become enemy of the cross because they mind earthly things and live for the flesh. They live for the world and seek to please themselves, thus become the enemy of the cross.
B. When we become member of God’s family, our citizenship is in heaven. That means we have to live for the glory of heaven. Our responsibility is to obey God not men. The future of the citizens of heaven is great. We will be changed to be like His glorious body and it will be a day or reunion, reckoning and reward.
C. Paul had all the impressive credentials – upbringing, nationality, family background, inheritance, orthology, activity and morality to boast. But after his conversion, he realized that all things cannot earn salvation. Salvation is only through faith in Christ.
D. Do not dwell on your past guilt or failures. Realize that you have been forgiven to move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and meaningful life by putting your hope in Christ.
E. Paul gave up everything for the sake of Christ. His accomplishment were all “worthless” when compared witht he greatness of knowing christ. What is your value in life? Is there anything that you have placed above your relationship with Christ?