Living Toward a End Goal
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Intro
Good morning my friends, how are you today? I trust and hope you have had a good week.
So much happens in the course of a week, and we are all to familiar with that… Life gets busy and there are so many demands on our time. So many things we want to do… and of course so little time.
But in consideration of the events of our week...
But let me ask you a question -
So How did you do this week? How would you say you lived in front of God and man?
Would God give you an A? B? or is the score getting lower?
As a child of God we are called to live our faith, to take the very gospel with which we are saved and then apply it to our days and live for Jesus. We are equipped to do that… The moment we are saved the Holy Spirit indwells us and there we go…
We begin this new life surrendering our self to God and living for Him. And we do this “living” with the end goal in mind. I don’t just mean heaven. I mean fulfilling our purpose in this life.
We are to use our life, our means (all of us) to further the gospel message to everyone we can, with every breath we can....
This is where our zeal should be… we are always passionate about many things in life, and so it should be about Jesus and His kingdom…
So Philippians chapter 3, Verses 12-16 is our core, but we will look at bit at a few verses before these...
So lets look at , verses 12-16
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.
Now just a little bit of background here. Paul is in prison at this point. He is not sure what is happening, not sure what his ultimate fate will be but I am sure he wonders if death is near.
But He has no regrets in regard to living for Jesus… He has been faithful. We can be the same, we can live the same.
What do you have regrets about right now?
So what can we do?
1. Make it Your Goal to Know Jesus More and More....
1. Make it Your Goal to Know Jesus More and More....
When you look at the life of the Apostle Paul we see that He loved Jesus. He loved his life in Him, He loved serving the Lord and His desire was to know Him more and more each day.
There my friends is a awesome desire, to know Him, to walk so close to him that He hear His every word to you and to be blessed to walk in His presence.
Look back at verses 9 and 10 there in chapter 3, I love this passage...
9 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— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Looking at these two verses… notice what Paul says there, verse 9. as Paul is speaking of His relationship with Christ he says… “And be found in him...”
To be found in Him refers to being present with Christ, it was a active ongoing relationship. Not a past one.. it was active and alive. And as Paul walked with the Lord, each day it grew.
And as Paul walked with the Lord, each day it grew.
That’s what supposed to happen.... Relationships are meant to be active and alive, growing more and more. And when you consider life long friendships you have experienced so much that you really do know our friends.
Paul has been walking with the Lord for around 30 years by the time we find Paul here with the Church at Philippi. And if His death is near, we know it might be in the mid 60’s A.D.
In the scope of verse 9, the relationship is one that comes exclusively because of Jesus and his grace, His righteousness that is given to us is not because of us, our works or efforts… Paul says not because of His righteousness. It is all because of Jesus.
And as we continue, Paul says his desire is to know Him more and more… Look back to verse 10...
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
This idea of knowing Christ is more than just being found in Him, it runs much deeper in that Paul has a deep desire to know Christ in a life changing, life shaping way…
And Paul links this to two expressions… the power of the resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings.
When you look at the Old Testament saints, they had a desire to know God, to be close to Him in a way they knew God and His way.
13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
We share in the knowledge of God in a greater way through Christ Jesus. So as I said Paul mentions two ways… First is the resurrection of the dead,
As a child of God we have the ultimate desire to see the resurrection, to be a part of it. It is the next step of our existence with Christ. We have been changed here, but physically we long for this body being changed and to be in His presence. At that moment we will know Him..
And secondly, the fellowship of His sufferings. Now I don’t think anyone has a desire to suffer, but Paul had already and knew He would suffer more… Yet, in difficulties and yes even in death we share in Christ’s life and death as well.
In each of these, Paul and yes, us- we have the joy of knowing Him all the more.
As I think about living for Christ each day i have the desire to do my best, knowing with each passing moment I can be more and more like Him, in all that I do. And with each day I am moving closer to being found in Him face to face and perfect.
Make it your goal to know him more and more...
And lets move to our second thought....
2. Let Go of Your Failures
2. Let Go of Your Failures
As we walk through our days with our Lord, from the point of our conversion unto the point we see Jesus, each day is different.
Some days are victorious, we have lived correctly in front of God and man. And then there are days were failure comes and we fail, we are discouraged and defeated.
As we grow in Christ the enemy is all the more after us, seeks to hurt us and disqualify us from the race.
So as we look back and remember our mistakes, our failures or disappointments, understand they are great teaching points, but they don’t dictate who you really are..
Think about it like this, every great quarterback has thrown an interception. But that doesn’t land him on the bench… they go back and look at the play, see what happened, and they learn from it so that it is less likely to happen in the future.
And the quarter back cannot let that one event get into his head, or he is defeated … he has to move forward and do better.. remain patient and aggressive in his plays.
Paul speaks to this....
Look at our text again, verses 12-13
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,
Look at what He says there...
Paul will be the first to remind anyone.. I’m nothing special, a sinner that is saved by God’s grace.
And because of that Paul says I keep pressing on, pushing forward.. and listen to His reasoning for not giving up.. Christ didn’t give up, he Made Paul and humanity for that matter His, He died for them.
God owed us nothing, not one morsel of food, provision of funds or life itself… But He loved us, and sent His son into the world as a ransom for sin, giving His life for ours, so that we would not die but have eternal life.
But here is where we find Paul’s words.. The one thing he does is say I forget what is behind or in the past and focuses on the journey ahead.
I love this… When Paul tells us he is forgetting the past… Not that He loses sight of it and the lessons God has shared with him along the way. Instead.. Paul allows this to be known but not dwelt upon, not allowing it to paralyze and hinder him…
The past is good for teaching, it is good to remember to help us not make the same mistakes twice… but we cannot dwell there.
If we stay in the past we have no forward movement and eventually we die.. We have no hope of to grow into encouraging each other toward success is what helps us live
When you think about life on a linear scale, start at 0 and then go forward, we are always moving forward my friends, never backward… Why? You cannot win a race in if you are not running well my friend...
So let go of the past and strain forward toward victory...
Let me ask you a question?
What holds you back?
Is it a lack of self confidence, is it personal sin, is it something someone did or said that pushes back…
Let go so that you can push forward....
And this is my last thought for today…
3. Push Forward....
3. Push Forward....
3. Push Forward....
The best part of any race is the finish.. you want to know why? You see the finish, you know who the winner is my friends...
Last Monday we saw the finish of the Daytona 500, I knew people who were late getting to basketball practices and other events because they were trying to see the end of it..
Life is compared to a race by the apostle Paul. It is a journey from the day of our birth until the day life ends. But I want to remind you that if you are a born again believer we have had a pit stop if you will, a stop for fresh tires and new fuel at the moment of our new birth and they changes how we finish the race.
Let go back to our text....
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.
Paul says that I press on..... you see when you choose to let go of the past, and press toward what lies ahead of you you have set your direction and yes your future. You are establishing the blessing in your heart to do what it takes to win.
Paul says he strains ahead, a runner has a clear mind, he focuses all his attention toward what is ahead and it is with great effort he is at work… it is a struggle to bless and help the Kingdom of God come into this world.
The goal is the finish line, coming across as a victor!
Paul had one role model, it was Jesus. Jesus demonstrated obedience and determination and finished the race set before Him, to die and become the sacrifice for sin, to redeem the world from its sin. He stepped across the finish line a champion.
So my friends be like Jesus and make it your determination to finish well.
It will be difficult, it will be hard at times, it might be sacrificial as you push to do as they Lord commands but the end result is what we are looking for...
The upward call of God is to take this wonderful life he has given us and push forward, and do everything we can to see that His kingdom comes into the hearts and lives of those He places before us.
I will not be easy, it will be a challenge at times, it might stretch you at times, and certainly there will be times when you feel like I cannot do this… I cant finish.
I will remind you that Jesus finished the race and as such you can finish as well.
Are you ready to push onward!
Are you ready to reach toward the finish line and win… not just for you, but for your family and for His kingdom and Jesus himself.
What is stopping you..
Do you need to pit, refocus, regroup, lay aside some sin or something that weighs you down… fear, doubt… and begin a new today and win the race~ There is still time to win.
If you want tooo..
I want too....
I want you to win as well!
Lets pray
13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
2
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 9 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— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
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.
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
89 Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
113 I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
137 Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. 11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.
12 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
-33
Psalm 119
1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
2 Tim 4:1-8