Philippians 3:12-21

Introduction:

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.

Good examples

Belong to Christ

In the life of this person, every day and action is motivated by belonging to Christ

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I am not my own, 1

but belong with body and soul,

both in life and in death, 2

to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. 3

Let’s think of the truths of Scripture for the believer

God has chosen you Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 1:4 LSB

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love,

God will keep you till the end

John 6:37 LSB

37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.

Press On in their walk

The type of person you are looking to imitate is someone who is driven to make progress in their faith

Sorrow for their sin

Desire to Change

Real results are happening

Philippians 3:14 LSB

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The goal of your walk with Christ should be the prize of entering into what is called glorification, perfect body, no more sin, no more suffering, perfect happiness

Why is that said to be a goal for the Christian? Is it possible to fail at this goal?

Is it possible that if you fail to press on towards Christ, you will not make it to glory

If you somehow get pulled into a sinful downward spiral of life, get so entangled in the way of the world, reject Christ, become an atheist, can you lose your salvation and no longer be forgiven for your sin? The biblical answer may surprise you.

This question comes up because why does Paul say I make it my goal to get to heaven essentially.

John 8:31–32 LSB

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Bad Examples

Enemies of the cross of Christ

Headed towards destruction

god is their belly

Glory in Shame

Minds set on earthly things.

Conclusion:

Are you careful of who you follow? Do you follow the examples of those that are God’s or those focused on the earthly

Are you reminding yourself if you are a believer that you belong to God?

How can you press on towards the prize of Christ today?

I pray that in spite of living in a world full of enemies of the cross, that we would press forward toward knowing Him. Let’s pray.