Running The Right Race

Philippians 3:12-16

Introduction:

Most of you know that the summer Olympics last year happened. A time to celebrate the best athletes in the world. My wife and I watched some of it, specifically the swimming, gymnastics, and track (running). The event we watched that blows my mind every time I watch it is the one with the hurdles in it. The men and women are running full speed and yet somehow are leaping over the hurdles while doing that. They know what race they’re running. They know they’re in the event where they’re not just running around a track but also have to be prepared to jump over hurdles.

As I was studying and preparing for today's message in Philippians, Paul's writing reminded me that we need to be aware of the race that we are running in this life. We need to examine our walks with Jesus. I have a simple question: Are we focused on the calling that God has given us as followers and disciples for Jesus Christ or are we focused on chasing gold medals and achievements that one day moth and rust will destroy? What race are we running?

The text we are about to read from Paul is going to help us hone in on our walk with Jesus. What a great day God has given us to do this today!

Read the text:

Philippians 3:12-16

Walk through the text:

POINT ONE: Remember The Calling

Read Verse 12:

Paul is going back to verses 10-11 (re-read those again) to emphasize he has not achieved this, it’s an on-going pursuit as we talked about last week. As a religious pharisee, he was seen as “blameless” but now he is saying he has not arrived at all!!

Paul is emphasizing the fact that he has not arrived in his faith or walk with Jesus. If someone has during his time, it was Paul. Shackled in a roman prison for his faith and boldness in claiming who Jesus was and had done for him.

Because Christ Jesus has made me his own- This happens when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!

There is always room to grow closer to Jesus (remember it’s a relationship). Commit to this habit for the rest of your life

Read Verse 13:

Other translations say: “Have not achieved it or have not taken hold of it”

Before Jesus, that is what’s behind us. Everything you did and were before Jesus is what's behind you.

The two things that are behind Paul are:

His religious credentials (being circumcised, of the tribe of Benjamin)

His religious achievements (pharisee, seen as blameless)

For Paul there was NO going back. When you have Jesus in the present, you have ALL you need.

Paul then says “Reaching forth unto those things which are before”

To do God’s will, to walk with Jesus, to move the gospel forward and let it run free course as Paul said in 2nd Thessalonians, that is what was ahead for Paul and that is what we should strive forward to do today and everyday God allows breath in our lungs.

We as believers should have a hope and a joy that should be contagious for the dark world we currently live in. Those around us everyday should know something is different about us and His name is Jesus.

POINT Two: Remember The Race

Read Verse 14:

When you know the calling on your life as a believer, the race ahead looks pretty clear. The race that Christ has called us to is evident. We are to spread the gospel and make disciples.

One commentator said this “The prize is the upward call of God. The prize is the call itself, not the benefits that come from the call or any other thing. The prize is being able to run the race at all, working with God as a partner to do the work of His kingdom.”

God chose to have a relationship with us. The CREATOR of the universe. And He wants to use us in this life for our good and His glory. THAT is the prize itself, don't ever lose sight of that.

“Keep your eyes on the prize.” Right now as you look at your life, truly ask yourself what your eyes are focused on. Is it Jesus and the calling He has given you or is it something else that you think is important? For years my eyes were fixed on the wrong thing.

Read Verse 15:

God will remind us when we get off track. Thank God for the Holy Spirit inside of us.

Illustration: Think of it as a spiritual “check engine” light, signaling that something is wrong beneath the surface. When that happens, pay attention.

Read Psalm 139:23–24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

One commentator said: “He who thinks he has everything, has nothing”

Paul loved the Philippians enough to remind them to stay focused on the task at hand. He urged them to be mindful not to think of himself/herself more than he/she really is.

POINT Three: Remember The Savior

Read Verse 16

Let us be of the same mind. There is a special unity in a church when the whole congregation is focused on serving Christ, sharpening each other's swords, and lifting each other up in the race Christ has set before us. In a world full of division, commit today to stay united.

Paul is clear to remind them of their calling to Christ. Sometimes we need to be reminded, especially when our lives get busy. This is your reminder today!

Unite under Christ, work together, remind each other as believers, brothers and sisters, the Calling you surrendered to when you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

If you know you have been called, why haven’t you answered? Commit today to answer and see what God can do in you and through you.

Applications:

Run the course set by Jesus Christ

Pray for God to remove any obstacles

Conclusion:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!