Reaching Forward

Psalm 134:2 CSB

2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord!

2 Samuel 6:14 CSB

14 David was dancing with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod.

(verses for men’s prayer announcement- are we willing to lead lifting up our hands in front of the Lord? Are we willing to lead praising God with all of our might?)

Introduction

Philippians 3:12–21 CSB

12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. 17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things, 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

Main Point: Citizens of Heaven live out the Gospel Every Day.

Recap of Philippians 3:1-11. Philippians 3:10-11

Philippians 3:10–11 CSB

10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Body

This morning we are looking at a really powerful section of Philippians. Like I said last week, Philippians is really Paul’s handbook on discipleship.

Last week we saw Paul talk about what his goal in life is. He counts everything as a loss for the sake of knowing Jesus! He challenged the Philippians- and us- to do the same.

Now in Philippians 3:12-21 we get to see some of the larger impact of this.

Check out Philippians 3:12 with me.

Philippians 3:12 CSB

12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Paul immediately states that he has not accomplished the goal, nor is he perfect.

Remember what the goal is- the goal is KNOWING JESUS MORE!

This is not a goal that we can complete on earth. But yet, how often do we act as though we have hit a point of complete spiritual maturity? The truth is that we have not hit that point yet! We will never FULLY BE ABLE TO REACH THE GOAL OF KNOWING JESUS UNTIL WE ARE UNITED WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN!

There’s only one way therefore that this goal changes- we stop running after Jesus. We settle. We decide that we’re mature enough. We decide that we know Jesus well enough, that we’ve brought enough glory to God.

Paul is warning us against that attitude!

That’s why he says, “I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO TAKE HOLD OF IT!”

Paul will not quit running after God and he has a powerful WHY.

We all have to have a WHY for the sacrifices we make- like going to the gym. Paul’s got a very powerful WHY in this pasage!

He will not stop running after God- in good and hard times- BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN TAKEN AHOLD OF BY CHRIST JESUS!

Grasp that! JESUS HAS TAKEN HOLD OF PAUL, SO EVERY DAY PAUL MAKES IT HIS FOCUS TO RUN CLOSER TO JESUS

He will never stop doing that because of Jesus’ love for him!

Let me just ask- is that true in our lives? Or have we plateaued where we’re content with our walk with God.

Our walk with God is kind of like the stock market- it always goes up or down, forward or backward. It doesn’t stay still.

The MINUTE that you stop running after JESUS, is the MINUTE that you start sliding away from Jesus!

PLEASE GRASP THAT!

This is is true whether you’re 7 or 107, or anything in between!

WE HAVE TO RUN AFTER GOD EVERY SINGLE DAY!

There can be absolutely no excuse!

Understand, the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE, THE CREATOR OF YOU, WHO LOVES YOU AND CARES ABOUT YOU HAS TAKEN HOLD OF YOU!

HOW COULD WE DO ANYTHING BUT RESPOND BY RUNNING AFTER HIM?

Here’s really what Paul is getting at is that we are BELOVED BY GOD!

I don’t know if we think about that enough. But God loves you. I don’t just mean that as a blanket statement. GOD LOVES YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO GOD CREATED!

YOU ARE BELOVED, YOU ARE CARED FOR DEEPLY!

And what better response could we have to GOD’S DEEP, PERSONAL LOVE, THAN TO RUN AFTER HIM?

Hope and Daniel at the KC airport (Good old MCI)- when you miss someone you love, you RUN TO THEM! You don’t just sit back and be like, “Wow, that’s a thing. They are coming. Interesting. I should probably just scroll on my phone.” No!

YOU DRIVE TO THE AIRPORT EARLY WITH FLOWERS IN HAND AND YOU PICK THAT GIRL UP FROM THE AIRPORT!

But sometimes we pursue human love so much while neglecting running after God. Cornerstone, RUN AFTER GOD! PURSUE GOD!

Look at verses 13-14 with me. Philippians 3:13-14

Philippians 3:13–14 CSB

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Do you see what Paul says? He isn’t saying that he’s perfect. But he’s saying that EVERY SINGLE DAY HE STRIVES TO FOCUS JUST A LITTLE MORE ON JESUS!

EVERY SINGLE DAY! JUST A LITTLE MORE FOCUS ON JESUS!

But look at what else Paul says again. He says that he HASN’T TAKEN HOLD OF THE PRIZE YET!

This is so important that Paul has now said it twice in two verses!

But here’s the one thing that he does do- he forgets what is behind him and runs forward, PURSUING THE PRIZE, PURSUING THE FINISH LINE!

Paul isn’t saying that he denies the past, instead, he’s saying, “I RUN FROM MY SINFULNESS AND I RUN TOWARDS WHAT GOD HAS FOR ME!”

It’s a hard example, but it’s also simple. WE HAVE TO RUN FROM SIN!

If I’m totally honest, we are really good at walking slowly parallel to sin while staring at it and considering giving in. We let ourselves be around our temptations, we float through life just going through the motions not being grieved by sin, we don’t really take sin seriously because we are already saved and more.

But what if that wasn’t how we approached sin? What if we ACTUALLY RAN AWAY FROM SIN AND RAN TOWARDS GOD?

It would look different for us, that’s for sure.

It might look like blocking social media, or blocking certain websites, or finding an accountability partner, or something else. It might look refocusing how we use our time.

Here’s what it will definitely look like- it will look like remembering our WHY, just as Paul did in verse 12!

I can also promise that it will lead to our lives looking different! Addressing sin CHANGES US!

After all, the prize for running after Jesus isn’t COMFORT, it’s ETERNITY WITH JESUS!

I just want to challenge us- do we understand the race that we run? We don’t run a “rat race,” we don’t run the “American Dream race,” instead, we are called to run a race where the goal is ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HELPING AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE COME TO KNOW JESUS!

I’ve shared the story of C.T. Studd before who gave up the fame of being the best cricket player in the world to be a missionary, but I love what he said. He said, “Some people want to live within the sound of church or chapel bells; I want to run a rescue shop, within a yard of hell.”

Cornerstone, our life isn’t about ease. It isn’t about comfort. Our life is about knowing and loving Jesus more and helping others do the same!

AS WE PURSUE OUR GOD-GIVEN GOAL, WE WANT TO BRING AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITH US!

The Race within the Race

When you’re competing, you need to set smaller goals. Example of a race (run a consistent 5k), or of a team making a comeback late in a game (cut this 10 point game to 6 points in the next 2 minutes). We could call this a race within the race, or a game within a game.

There’s something like that for us as Christians. If our big goal is to GRASP HOLD OF THE PRIZE, which is eternity with Jesus, then what do we do while we run the race towards eternity?

This is where we have to look at our world and care about our world.

See, our race within a race is to bring the truth of the GOSPEL to the WORLD around us!

While we run towards ETERNITY WITH JESUS, WE HAVE TO BRING OTHERS WITH US!

It’s really a daily rhythm. That’s what evangelism needs to be. It’s not just something that we do if it’s convenient, it must be a part of our lives, whether we’re on the elevator with Camacho, or with our neighbor talking about deeper things in life. Whether it’s your neighbor, or Camacho at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Chicago, or Brandy at Impact Life, we HAVE TO MAKE EVANGELISM A DAILY RHYTHM!

Who’s Your One tie-in (this is why we have those resources- we have them to help you run the RACE WITHIN THE RACE!!)

So, who are you investing in, inviting, involving, and igniting with? If you don’t have someone, then you need to consider how you are running the race.

And here’s a bonus- we run this race together. So bring up your person you are pursuing with the Gospel to your community group! Bring them up to your friends. Pray for them today at lunch!

RUN THIS RACE TOGETHER, REACHING PEOPLE AS YOU GRASP AT THE EVERLASTING PRIZE!

Philippians 3:15-17

Look at verses 15-17 with me. Philippians 3:15-17

Philippians 3:15–17 CSB

15 Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. 17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.

Paul challenges the Philippians to SEEK GOD FIRST AND TO LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL!

Verse 15 can sound a little confusing, but it’s really just Matthew 6:33 said in a slightly different way.

Matthew 6:33 CSB

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

The Philippians are instructed to SEEK GOD AND TO LIVE UP TO THE GOSPEL!

It’s a challenge for US really- notice that Paul includes HIMSELF IN THIS- do we live as though the GOSPEL IS EVERYTHING, or do we live as though the Gospel is just a Sunday morning thing.

Here’s the truth of the Gospel.

Gospel- THIS IS THE TRUTH- ARE WE LIVING UP TO IT?

Look at verse 17 with me for a minute. Paul challenges the Philippians to imitate him and to imitate people who live according to what he taught!

I said last week that Philippians is like Paul’s handbook on discipleship. this is another example.

He teaches the Philippians not only with words, but also with his LIFE!

He is challenging the Philippians to LIVE LIKE HE DOES AND ALSO TO LIVE LIKE THOSE WHO LIVE LIKE HIM!

Can I just be honest? There’s a lot of boldness in this. To say something like that, your life REALLY HAS TO REFLECT JESUS! It can’t be half-in!

This is also a great example of spiritual generations. See, Paul discipled people in Philippi. Then they made more disciples. As the disciples of the disciples of Paul brought people to know Jesus, eventually new believers didn’t know Paul!

BUT, they could see HOW Paul lived from other people!

This is why a church needs to be intentionally intergenerational, made up of people from MANY DIFFERENT GENERATIONS!

It’s so easy for us to group only with people LIKE OURSELVES, but when we do that, we lose out on so much! For instance, we lose out on the wisdom of more mature believers!

But at the same time, if we don’t spend time with younger believers- and I mean spiritually younger, not just age younger, then we miss out on the energy and passion that they have!

WE NEED ONE ANOTHER TO IMITATE CHRIST!

We need to live TOGETHER!

The Example of the Race

Does your life reflect the reality of Jesus? If not, then imitate Paul as he imitates Christ.

I want to just speak bluntly to myself and our church leadership first, and to everyone second.

If you are a leader in the local church and you can’t say, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” and think that you’re pointing that person in a good direction, then full stop. Just stop! Step back, step away, step down. There’s no excuse, there’s no alternative. If your walk with God isn’t solid then just get out!

It’s harsh but it’s true. This is James 3:1

James 3:1 CSB

1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.

There’s a high standard. And if you’re aspiring to ministry leadership, you have to understand that. Everything you do is under a microscope. And that’s part of it! That’s part of leading God’s people. It’s biblical to say, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

And that means that people have to see you A) imitate Christ and B) need to see what that actually looks like!

You will be under the microscope.

Now, to speak more broadly, I’m going to challenge everyone here this morning with this. Because here’s the truth- you might be THAT ONE PERSON in your neighborhood who can reach someone with Jesus. It’s legitimately possible.

I want you to GRASP THAT and understand that. Please! Please understand this- people are watching how you live. When you do stupid things and walk in sin, when you’re a jerk, when you’re selfish, when you’re condescending, etc. it’s not just a reflection of you; it’s a reflection of JESUS!

THE WORLD TAKES YOUR ACTIONS AND SAYS, “THAT’S WHAT JESUS IS ABOUT.”

FRIENDS, IF YOU CANNOT SAY IMITATE ME AS I IMITATE CHRIST, then CHANGE IT!

Do something about it! GET INTO GOD’S WORD- go dive into Titus 2 (turn there) and grow in these areas! TALK TO GOD! GROW IN YOUR FAITH!

I’m not saying you have to be perfect, but TAKE STEPS TO GROW TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS! Don’t settle for mediocrity as a Christian where you just wait for something good to go on. GROW CLOSER TO GOD TODAY!

Philippians 3 slams the door shut on cultural christianity. If we’re truly saved, then our lives should reflect that.

Otherwise, we need to honestly evaluate our salvation! That’s hard and that’s heavy, but that’s not my idea, that’s straight out of Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21–23 CSB

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’

WHAT DO OUR LIVES SAY?

DOES OUR CHURCH AND EVERYTHING THAT WE DO SCREAM, “IMITATE US AS WE IMITATE CHRIST” or does our church scream country club, division, hurt, pain, chaos. This is something that we need to be always wrestling with and constantly seeking to grow in!

We should long for our church to first and foremost scream that we are followers of Jesus, ahead of any preference, or anything else!

Philippians 3:18-21

Check out this final part of our passage with me. Philippians 3:18-21

Philippians 3:18–21 CSB

18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things, 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

Philippians 3:18-21 makes something really clear- either you are WITH JESUS, or YOU ARE AGAINST JESUS!

Look at the language used here: SOME LIVE AS CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, but others live as ENEMIES OF THE CROSS!

That’s strong wording!

There is NO dual citizenship in heaven. Either you are a citizen of heaven, or you are an enemy of the cross.

Let’s look at the characteristics of each.

the enemies of the cross is defined by being:

Destined for destruction

Governed by their physical desires

Their glory is found in shameful acts

They are focused on fleshly things

Let me summarize those four statements like this- they live an EMPTY LIFE THAT LEADS FURTHER INTO BROKENNESS!

There is NO HOPE IN THIS LIFE!

To be blunt, this is where so many of our neighbors are. My neighbors, your neighbors, our neighbors, our friends, are these people!

They may live pretty chill lives, but God doesn’t let people into heaven because they are a chill guy.

Either you are a citizen of heaven or you are not. There is NO in between!

Now, compare that list to the characteristics of the citizens of heaven.

Here’s how citizens of heaven are characterized:

They wait for Jesus

They rely on Jesus to be transformed

That’s a very different list!

Let me point out the simplest reality- it’s different because being a FOLLOWER OF JESUS IS DIFFERENT!

Being a follower of Jesus ultimately is not about us!

It can be so easy for us to be like, “Well, I’m a christian, so this is why I’m better.”

But that’s not biblical!

Biblically, we should say, “I’m a Christian, so I’m entirely reliant on JESUS AND I RELY ON JESUS IN EVERY WAY! I FIGHT MY SIN THROUGH JESUS, I REACH PEOPLE WITH THE GOSPEL THROUGH JESUS, I LIVE EVERY SINGLE DAY SEEKING TO LOVE THE POEPLE AROUND ME THROUGH AND IN RESPONSE TO JESUS!”

Here’s our last application section of the day.

Citizens Run the Race

Am I willing to let Jesus transform me?

Am I willing to identify not by my talents, or hobbies, or giftings, but on being a citizen of heaven?

REMEMBER- EVERYTHING ELSE IS A LOSS!

WILL I PICK UP MY CROSS AND RUN THE RACE? Luke 9:23

Luke 9:23 CSB

23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Matthew 19:16–22 CSB

16 Just then someone came up and asked him, “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” he said to him. “There is only one who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he asked him. Jesus answered: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; 19 honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. 20 “I have kept all these,” the young man told him. “What do I still lack?” 21 “If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard that, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

We read the rich young ruler and so often we want to apply it to other people. But what if it’s us?

What if WE ARE THE RICH YOUNG RULER? We aren’t willing to pay the price, to make the sacrifice, to give up our time, our comfort, our money.

We aren’t willing to give God our firstfruits (like we looked at last sunday in Malachi 3), and instead we want to keep all of that for us while we give God what’s left over.

Well, if that’s us- and I’ll be honest, I’m guilty of this, because spoiler alert, we all are; then we need to repent!

We need to live out Philippians 3:7

Philippians 3:7 CSB

7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.

And we need to REFOCUS OUR LIVES and GIVE GOD THE SPOT IN OUR HEARTS THAT GOD SHOULD OCCUPY; the #1 spot!

Practical- Philippians 3:7 exercise.