Here’s My Story pt 2- Pressing On

Philippians 3:8–11 “…I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Philippians 3:12-21.

Paul wants to be found ready when Christ returns.

He knows his sanctification is not complete.

Colossians 1:24 BSB

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

v12- not there yet- SANCTIFICATION

The Tenses of Salvation

process of sanctification is slow, varied, and individualized

Romans 13:12–14 “12 The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.”

Paul’s resolution- PRESS ON to make it his own.

Reason- Jesus pressed on to make me His own.

v13-14- I press on to the goal!

humility- not by my own strength

forget what lies behind

live in Christ’s forgiveness

holy revulsion

Your past may explain you, but it does not DEFINE you!

v16- don’t forget the lessons you’ve learned

Walk the Pattern

v17-18- typos- type, pattern, example. (to walk in someone’s footsteps)

be a willing learner (be a willing teacher)

base your ideal on Jesus (infallible), not on a mentor (fallible)

seek out those who have experience (this requires humility)

DANGER: “I’ll figure it out for myself.”

v 18- Some walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

v20—21 - Our citizenship is in heaven