Running the Right Race

Introduction

Eric Liddell is probably best remembered by Americans for two things. The first was his winning of the gold medal for Britain in 1924 for the 400 meter race as well as other medals and honors he achieved as an Olympic track runner.

Is second well known claim to fame was the movie, Chariots of Fire which was a story of two Olympians from 1924; Liddell as well as Harold Abrahams, an English Jew. Both fought to overcome prejudice due to their faiths. This movie aired in 1981 and was nominated for 7 Academy Awards of which it won 4 of them. The original musical score also won and continues to be used for various purposes today due to its recognition.

Eric Liddell’s strength was the 100 meter race. However, months before the Olympics it was announced that the 400 meter race would take place on Sunday. Eric Liddell was unwilling to race on Sunday due to his faith. So he chose to run in the 400 meter race which was not his strength. His chance of winning dropped considerably and previous races showed his time to be average at best. However, on that special day when the race took place, Liddell beat all previous records and set a world record, winning the gold medal for Britain.

This may be what we most know him for, but in heaven Eric Liddell is important for much more. He risked the gold medal in order to honor God’s Sabbath. He later became a missionary to China and lived there until his death in 1945. The last year or two of his life was spent in an interment camp where he worked himself to death ministering to the needs of others in the camp. Like Paul, Eric Liddell knew the right race to run and how to run it to completion.

Today, you will learn the secret to this race also. Look with me at Philippians 3:12-4:1

Philippians 3:12–4:1 NIV

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for the teachings of Paul. This man lived full out for you. He lived what he preached. He was zealous for his religion, but when he discovered the truth, he instantly let go of all he had achieved previously to take hold of a relationship with you. May we do the same. As we seek to understand this passage today, we ask for You to guide us. To make clear Your message to us. May we have ears to hear and hearts to listen so that we too, can obtain the prize You have for us at the end of this journey. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

Running the Right Race

Paul is concerned for the lack of unity that is plaguing the Philippian church. There are things that are pulling their focus from the right things to the wrong things. From outside, there are Judaizers telling them they are not doing things right and need to be circumcised as well as other Jewish practices they must adhere to in order to be truly saved. From inside, they are experiencing conflict among their members. All these things are pulling their focus from the truth and robbing them of their joy.

Last week we began looking at...

IV. Obstacles to the Christian Faith

which Paul highlights in chapter 3 of his letter. The first we looked at last week was that there were people calling themselves Christian that were putting their confidence in the wrong places.

A. Confidence in the Wrong Place

That is, they were putting their confidence in the things they did with the “hope” of achieving salvation. This gave them a false senses of confidence built on self-righteousness. He may work to impress people but it was a waste of time as they would never achieve salvation this way.

Salvation is a gift from God. There is nothing that we can do in and of ourselves to become righteous. We just cannot do it. Therefore, God provided the means and offers it as a gift. We demonstrate we desire that gift by repenting of our sins. That is, we are truly sorry for our sin and we desire to change. God then gives us the gift. We are gifted with salvation and Christ’s righteousness is then credited to our account. Our sins are credited to Jesus on the cross where our sin is dealt with permanently.

This process of salvation is what is called “justification.” We are justified before God. It is as if we have stood before His court. We have demonstrated our sorry over our sin and are willing to pay the penalty however, we have no ability to pay the price. So, God put the penalty on His Son, Jesus, and Jesus death on the cross paid the penalty for us.

However, things do not go back the way they were. If we are truly repentant, we have no desire to go back to our life the way it was. We begin a journey. This journey is guided by the Holy Spirit now living within us. When we repent, three things happen all at once. We are justified which I just spoke about. We are adopted into God’s family. He becomes our Father and we become His children. And we begin to experience a regeneration. That is, our life is changed. We begin a new life. We do not feel the same as we did before. We see things differently and we desire different things. This regeneration is evidence of the Holy Spirit living within us, changing us. But just as a new born baby begins a journey of life, so do we begin a journey of growth in this new life. This is what Paul is talking about today as he demonstrates that we have...

B. A Need for Christian Maturity (Philippians 3:12-16)

Last week I spoke some on this. I talked about how we often have two crisis experiences in our Christian walk. The first is when we become of our need for God. It is that moment when we repent and ask Jesus to save us from our sin. It encompasses all of those things I just spoke of; justification, adoption, and regeneration.

The second crisis comes because we are maturing in our Christian walk. Unfortunately, the names given it in the past have been misleading. People often deny it due to the name without true understanding of what is behind the name. It has been referred to as sanctification or at times Christian perfection. People jump on the name of perfection and think we are saying we become perfect, but that is not what is meant by that at all.

Allow me to give a couple illustrations that I feel better convey what this is.

First, look with me at our young adult years. When we turn 18 years old, we are excited to have our independence. We feel we are now “mature” enough to make our own choices and do our own thing. However, later when we are in our later 20’s or sometimes even our early 30’s, we become aware of just how immature we were back then. We begin to understand just how much we still must learn. This understanding of our lack of maturity is the beginning of our true maturity and it is an ongoing process. The more we learn, the more begin to see just how much we still do not know. As we continue to learn, we continue to mature. Unfortunately, some people get stunted in this process because they are not willing to admit they do not know it all.

A second illustration I would relate it to, has to do with marriage. Marriage is not easy. However, in a healthy marriage there is a point in time when you have an ah-hah moment realizing that your love for this person has grown to a place where you love them more than life itself. For you, there is no turning back. This does not mean you have become perfect in your marriage or that your spouse is perfect. It does not mean you will treat each other perfectly every time. It does not mean there will never be any more trials you will go through together. It just means you have come to fully realize how important that person is to you. You are in the relationship until that moment when death do you part.

To me, these represent in some ways, what sanctification is. It is a moment of fuller realization of what God has done for you and continues to do for you. It is realizing that you have come to love Him more than life itself. He has become your all.

At this point, Paul begins to share maturity process. The first is…

1. Dissatisfaction with your status quo (vv 12-13a)

Philippians 3:12–13 NIV

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Paul was not satisfied with what he had accomplished as a Christian. Not in his knowledge nor his mission. He continued to strive to learn more, to understand more and to do more. Not in competition with others but for self-improvement. He wanted to grow.

The Christian faith has always been at the top in our nation. Over the years there has been an ever growing decline. One of the reasons for this, in my opinion, is that many have never pressed on to mature in their Christian faith. They are satisfied with where they are at. They find a church that entertains them. They come on Sundays, but do not participate much beyond attending the sermons or fellowship events.

There are others in the church that do become involved in order to show themselves faithful. They look around them and feel satisfied because they are doing more than Joe and Jane Doe around them. So they are content that they have done their part.

Paul is not seeking to impress others. Paul is working hard to prove himself. Paul is working hard for one reason and that is his...

2. Devotion to God (13b)

“One thing I do...”.

“One thing” is a phrase that is important to the Christian life. “One thing thou lackest,” said Jesus to the self-righteous rich young ruler (Mark 10:21). “One thing is needful,” He explained to busy Martha when she criticized her sister (Luke 10:42). “One thing I know,” exclaimed the man who had received his sight by the power of Christ (John 9:25). “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after,” testified the psalmist (Ps. 27:4). Too many Christians are too involved in “many things,” when the secret of progress Philippians 3 is to concentrate on “one thing.”

What is the “one thing?” It is “running the Christian race.” We do that not by looking at what others are doing but by looking to God and inquiring what He wants me to do. God has a call on each of our lives. He has gifted each of us with certain gifts which he expects us to use to do the work He has called for us to do.

What has God called you to do? If you can answer that question, you are doing good. You have purpose and focus. However, if you are a Christian and you cannot answer that question then there is a problem. In such cases one of two things happen that are wrong. Either you are sitting doing nothing for God or you are more likely doing more than you should trying to satisfy God. Neither brings satisfaction.

Some people are doing the wrong thing because they feel they should be doing something. However, they are in the wrong place and hindering the right person from doing their job.

If any of these fit your life, you need to search for your place. Ask God how He wants you to serve Him. Talk to your pastor, they can assist you in discovering the gifts God has given you and find potential places to serve.

Next, Paul points our focus on a...

3. Direction (13c)

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”

In Bible terminology, “forget” does not mean to “not remember.” That is not possible, nor is it healthy in most cases. It means, “no longer influenced by or affected by.”

I had a friend who had an affair with a particular man in her younger days. Later, she was happily married, yet she ran into this man. The man encouraged her to go to a hotel with him. She said it was like her body shifted into automatic motion reacting and doing what it was trained from her past. Afterwards, she was miserable. She gained power over it by confessing it to God and to her husband. In doing so, she was able to put it behind her. She did not forget it, but it no longer held her captive and she has lived a very genuine Christian walk ever since.

Our past has no hold on us if we turn it over to God. Knowing what we have left behind allows us to celebrate in the freedom we have gained. Because of our past, we understand just how incredible God’s gift of salvation is and we strain toward what is ahead.

In a foot race, the finish line is made clear with a ribbon. The racer sets his or her eye upon it giving them focus and desire to gain it. As they come up close, they push their chest out as far as they can in eagerness to cross the line.

We are not running away from our past, but our past spurs us to desire that glorious finish. It is the finish line we are focused upon.

I am not a runner. Running has never been something I liked to do. I was into softball not track. One of the reasons was running was in short sprints. However, if I were to run a race to win. I could not do so lackadaisically. If I did, I would quickly give up. I could only finish if I were determined to do so.

4. Determination (14)

Determination is another important key to Christian maturity. Paul show us this kind of determination in verse 14.

Philippians 3:14 NIV

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

In verse 12 Paul says, “I press on to take hold...” and here he says, “I press on toward...”. This verb means, “intense endeavor.” The Greeks used it to describe a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey.

Paul was zealous about what he did. We should be the same.

When I was a young teen, I often felt out of place when I was with my friends outside of church. Wherever we went, whatever we did, there would be times when we sat talking. Everything I talked about was linked with my Christian faith. But my friends would become tired of talking about the church or spiritual things. Sometimes, I felt they got tired of me because they did not want to think about those things. The difference between them and me was I was passionate about God. He was everything to me. He was part of every part of my life. Even when I stumbled and left the church and became pregnant out of wedlock. It was my love for God that brought me back. I missed Him. I was debating with Him the whole time I was living another life. I came to realize that I loved Him too much and He was too important to me to give up to live that other life. I recommitted my life to Him. It was a week later that I found I was pregnant. However, I had peace in that moment when I realized it. I knew I had done wrong, but I also knew I had done what I needed to make it right and that God had forgiven me. He would help me despite the natural consequences that would happen because of my disobedience.

Determination is important to Christian maturity. Also important is...

5. Discipline (15-16)

Philippians 3:15–16 NIV

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Paul says, “live up to what we have already attained.” As we read God’s word we begin to understand that God has certain expectations of us. He has given guidance and direction in how we are to live our lives. As we understand these things, we are in turn to obey them. To apply these standards to our lives. This is what we call “discipline.” Our world does not like this word because it means we must exercise self-control. That means making hard choices made mentally and spiritually instead of the emotional choices that are easy and feel good for the moment.

If you listen really carefully, you will notice that the television is always telling us to live by our emotions. “Luke, follow the force! Listen to your inner emotions.” Of course, the dark force was listening to negative emotions while “the force” is supposed to be the good stuff. However, emotions are easily manipulated and can deceive us.

Another reason our emotions can be dangerous as they are controlled by “our will” not necessarily God’s will. One of the key components of the sanctification experience is that in that moment we surrender “our will” completely to God. From that point on, we choose God’s will in all things. His Spirit directs us in the will of God. If we reject discipline, we will never get to this point.

Paul’s desire was not only for himself, but for others. He wanted them to understand the truth and to have the joy and peace that he had. What he says next in not in critical judgement of self-righteousness, but from the ache of watching people walking a road that would lead to their destruction. In the last few verses of this chapter we find a...

C. Recognition of the False Claim to Freedom (3:17-21)

Once again, Paul returns to the false teachings that are being taught and points to the damage that they do as well as their earthly origin compared to the Christian’s heavenly citizenship. In verses 17-19 Paul to...

1. The lie of an earthly mindset (17-19)

Philippians 3:17–19 NIV

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

It is easy to assume that Paul is boasting when he says, “follow my example.” This is not the first place he says this. However, he is not directing them to be “mini-me” of himself. He is saying follow my example in that I follow Christ. Christ is the ultimate example. The “us” he is referring to are himself, Timothy and Epaphroditus for which he had previously spoken in this letter. The three of them have set all earthly priorities behind them to follow Christ. In other words, we imitate the passion, the desire, the focus and obedience to Christ. However, when it comes to our function within the church, it will be different. We have different gifts, different calls of service. We should not try to be someone else, but they can inspire us in their devotion to Christ in doing what they are called to do.

However, we need to be picky in who we admire. There are many who call themselves Christian. They may even do good deeds but is it with the same passion and devotion? Do their lives demonstrate the Fruits of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5?

Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

In 1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul warns...

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Paul once again says “many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Remember, he is not talking about unbelievers here. He is talking about those claiming to be Christian yet teaching things that are adverse to Christ’s teachings. Unfortunately, he numbers theses as “many.”

Jesus at times indicates the numbers who do follow Him will be small. in Luke 12:32 Jesus says, “little flock.”

Luke 12:32 NIV

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

And in Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13–14 NIV

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Why so few? Because only a few are willing to set aside the things of this world in order to wait for the wonderful things to come in the next.

Paul is not be self-righteous or judgmental here. In fact, we see what is different between being self-righteousness and righteousness here. When one is self-righteous, they see themselves as better than another. However, when the judgment is righteous it is accompanied by lamenting. Paul cries over these. He cares that they are deceived and that they are deceiving others because he cares that they are headed for destruction.

So, what sets the true follower apart from the crowd called “Christian?” It is their citizenship. Look with me at...

2. The truth of the heavenly citizenship (3:20-21)

Philippians 3:20–21 NIV

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Have you noticed that Paul continually comes back to Jesus. Paul’s focus is on Christ. It is through Christ that Paul gained his heavenly citizenship. Paul had the best of two worlds. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews as we saw last week. He was the top branch in always; a Pharisee, a Benjamite, a student of the best teacher. On top of that, he was a Roman citizen. This offered him many perks in life. Yet he gave it all up to be an alien in his nation becoming a follower of Christ and placing his citizenship in heaven. What made that citizenship so appealing? Jesus is there and that is enough. However, Jesus takes it further and transforms our bodies to be like His. These weak bodies to be something very special. In the King James it is translated “vile body.” The true translation literally means, “body of humiliation.” In a twinkling of an eye, our “bodies of humiliation” will become “bodies of glory.” There will be no “body shaming” in those days. All bodies will be perfect. I do not know about you, but I want my citizenship to be there.

Paul says Jesus will bring everything under his control. Some translate it using the word “subdue.” The meaning is, “to arrange in rank.” In other words, we will have proper priority. So much of our time on earth is wasted on useless activities. These “activities” turn our attention away from Christ. These activities serve no purpose, they are just wasted time. However, in heaven, all things will be in their proper order including what we spend our time on. It will not be wasted time but will be purposeful to all our well being.

Conclusion

Citizenship is important. When you travel to another country, it is essential that you have a passport that proves your citizenship. None of us wants to suffer the fate of Philip Nolan in the classic tale The Man Without a Country. Because he cursed the name of his country, Nolan was sentenced to live aboard ship and never again see his native land or even hear its name or news about its progress. For fifty-six years he was on an endless journey from ship to ship and sea to sea, and finally was buried at sea. He was a “man without a country.”

Where is your citizenship found? Is it here on earth? Are you focused on earthly priorities or heavenly ones? Is Jesus your God or is your stomach your god as Paul says. You are just seeking to fulfill your desires and ambitions for the things on this earth.

I watched two reported “Christian” movies in one night this week. One was excellent. The gospel of Jesus Christ was central to the whole story. In the end, a young boy who had been struggling with his faith, gave his life to Jesus. It was an excellent Christian example. It was called, “Run the Race” and was produced by Tim Tebow and his brother.

The second was not what I would call “Christian.” It was clean. It did not have any bad language in it. The story made you feel good. It promoted making good “moral choices.” The characters prayed. However, there was no gospel message. Christ was never mentioned. God was not mentioned beyond prayers for thanks or need. A mother dying of cancer was asked why she prayed by her daughter and her response was, “it makes me feel good to give thanks for something.”

Matthew 7:13–14 NIV

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Where is your citizenship today? Are you walking that wide path? You pray and it feels good. You do good deeds and it feels good yet it is wasted effort because your citizenship is here on earth.

Or are you on that narrow path because you know right where you are going. Your sights are on Jesus and He and His purposes are central to all you do.

If you know for sure you are on the narrow path, I believe you are. However, if you are uncertain that you are, then maybe you need to do a little self-evaluation. Just how far are you willing to follow Jesus? If Jesus came to you like the rich young man and said, “sell all you have and follow me” would you do it? If you pause on that question, maybe you should look a little closer.

The Psalmist said...

Psalm 139:23–24 NIV

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Are you willing to pray that prayer today? If you do, you may move from running the rat race to running the right race. The one that wins the true prize.

Precious Father,

You know that I answered that question many years ago now. It has lead me to move to many places. It has taken me away from family and brought me back again. It has meant I had to lay my dreams and ambitions on an altar and instead find Your dreams and ambitions for my life. And I can truly say that I have had no regrets in doing so.

Father, I pray for each person watching this video today, that you would speak into their lives helping them to see what you would wish to reveal to them. It may be that they find peace and give you praise. It may mean that they feel concern and perhaps even a little fear. For these Father, I pray that they will hear your truth and lay down their fear and their ambitions and fully put their trust in You, so they to can know they are citizens of heaven just temporarily located here on earth.

Thank you for dying on the cross so we are able to have this choice. Thank you for demonstrating for us all that we need to know and do to live as citizens of heaven. Thank you for Your Spirit which now lives in us, speaking to us, and guiding us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.