The deep intimacy we share with God in challenging seasons is unlike anything we experience during the easier moments of life.
Sermon Title: GO FOR GOLD
Sermon Text: PHILIPPIANS 3:12-21 (ESV)
Sermon Series: PHILIPPIANS: FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY
By: PTR NESTOR SY
Sermon Notes:
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-21 ESV
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we all run a race.
I. Determine Your Direction
Where are you going?
The path you pursue points to your progress.
“While Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back, I am probably the only one ever turned into bronze for looking back.”
John Landy (1930-2022)
In the Christian life, no one is ever done; rather, everyone is someone God intends to be used in the present.
straining forward | Greek: epekteinó
“to extend, to stretch forward.”
“I am ready to go anywhere provided it be forward.”
David Livingstone (1813-1873)
II. Follow Faithful Figures
Where are you following?
WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?
None of us ever reaches a point where we can say, “I can do this on my own.”
WHO IS FOLLOWING YOU?
III. Spot the Saboteurs
Where are your enemies?
destruction | Greek: apóleia
“destruction, loss.”
MATTHEW 7:15-16 ESV
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Not every relationship is beneficial.
IV. Recognize your Roots
Where are you?
CITIZENS ARE EAGER FOR JESUS TO RETURN TO THE EARTH.
await | Greek: apekdechomai
“to expect eagerly, wait for eagerly, look for.”
One of the ways to tell a person is really a citizen of a kingdom is that he or she wants to see the King.
CITIZENS EXPECT A GLORIOUS TRANSFORMATION OF OUR EARTHLY BODIES.
transform | Greek: metaschématizó
“to change in fashion or appearance.”
“The traveler sees the little things of earth, but the citizen of heaven sees the big things that are coming.”
G.K. Chesterson (1874-1936)
It is not about finishing last or finishing first, but about finishing well.