Not There Yet

Philippians 3:1-4:1

1) Demonstrate how Family Ministries is Really Church Ministry – Discipleship in the family of God

2) Soak in the text here from Paul

a. Respond to His appeal – THIS ONE THING I DO

b. Embrace the truth that God has Purpose in this ‘Process of Growth’ through our imperfect lives!

Central Truth: God has PURPOSE in this PROCESS of Growth!

God could have made us perfect!

God could have made all of this easier, better, ….

We Want Results Without Process

Strength Without Struggle, Knowledge Without Learning, Gain Without Pain, Reward Without Investment

Or Just Tired

THE WORLD IS CAUGHT IN PASSIONLESS, DESPAIR ITSELF!

Patricia Chen, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas

five common strategies that the people claimed had raised their motivation. They were:

• Recognizing personal relevance:

• Recognizing societal relevance:

• Building familiarity: Acquiring new knowledge

• Gaining practical experience: Finding mentors and changing the environment:

TRANSFORMATION vs. TIPS and TRICKS!

Central Truth: God has PURPOSE in this PROCESS of Growth!

PAUL was “In process” too!!

-Main Appeal – Philippians 3:13-15 and 4:1

Philippians 3:13-15

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,

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

-Overview - Philippian 3:1-4:1

4:1 – THUS: Stand Firm in the Lord – In this manner, according to what has been stated

Rejoicing in the Lord – 3:1

4:4 - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Not circumstances, or self, or anything less than Him

Though all things have been given for us to enjoy – 1 tim 6:17

Rooted in nothing less than Christ – 3:2-11

Those who teach otherwise Reject!

Our own patterns of flesh – Correct!

Regular growth 3:12-16

Not captured by weakness, failure, and the past focused forward!

Jesus Christ has made me His own!!

Walking images of His grace even through our growth!

Relationships on the same path. 3:17-21

Imitating Paul

Keeping our eyes on Christ – On those who are pursuing Him with us!

HOW HOW HOW!?

Through the Process

1) I NEED to have the W_ORD__ in my Life! Philippians 3:1

Equip – Assist – Come Alongside

2) I NEED to GUARD__ against trust in anything other than Christ! Philippians 3:2-11 Jeremiah 17:9-10

Equip – Assist – Come Alongside

3) I NEED to Focus FORWARD_! Philippians 3:12-16

Equip – Assist – Come Alongside

4) I NEED the FAMILY of GOD! Philippians 3:17-4:1

Equip – Assist – Come Alongside

Questions:

Am I ‘In Christ?’

Where is my focus in the process?

What is my ‘General Focus?’

Self or Sacrifice, Me or Christ

What am I holding onto or tripping over?

Will I give it to Him?

Am I trying to do this on my own?

Who can I partner with and look to here to help?