The Goal
Notes
Transcript
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
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. 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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Who is Paul?
Who is Paul?
a redeemed human being who also happens to be an apostle used by God mightily to write much scripture
vs 4-6 is who Paul was the Michael Jordan of the pharisee’s who’s self-righteous pride was his downfall
vs 7-11 is who Paul was after his conversion. He is in Christ and is knowing Christ partaking in Christ’s sufferings.
Philippians 3:12a
Philippians 3:12a
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect,
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.
What does Paul mean by that?
the enigma of knowing Christ but not quite there yet
Strikes a serious blow against sinless perfectionism. Most of us would think Paul to be one of the perfect ones. Paul says Nope not me. Christ only is perfect
Echoes 1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
vs 4-6 where he was 7-11 where he aught to be 12-15 where he is reaching towards the aught to be
Philippians 3:12b
Philippians 3:12b
but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
What is Paul trying to make his own and why?
“it” refers to vs 7-11 cos Christ made me His own
echoing what John 1John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
It was Christ with His blood who bought me
with His blood He cleansed me
with His blood declared me righteous
He moved heaven and earth to save us
How can you not but make Him your own
How is this accomplished? Eph 4:22-24
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
this is not a once and done thing but continuous
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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
It is likely that Paul had no use for sports when he was a Pharisee but seems to tolerate it now for he uses it in his illustrations
they are the best illustrations
What is the prize Paul is looking towards?
to know Christ completely
to be perfect as Christ is perfect
to be completely conformed into the image of Christ
Conclusion
Conclusion
the struggle is real!
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you
Spiritual mountain top close to God prayer life good
God giving you rest for the coming battle
God’s not done with you yet. more to teach you
comfort
comfort
if you are in a battle you are not alone
to struggle is the life of a Christian even the greats
For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life
don’t get discouraged but keep fighting keep reaching
