SF055 - A CALL FOR CHRISTIAN EXCELLENCE (Philippians 3 7-14)

SF055

A CALL FOR CHRISTIAN EXCELLENCE

Philippians 3:7-14

INTRODUCTION

God is looking for ordinary people with extra ordinary faith!

“The world is yet to see what God can do through a man completely sold out to Him.” D.L. Moody

God longs to do supernatural things through His people.

God has not limited us, we have limited God by limiting ourselves!

God is looking for some modern day Apostle Pauls...

What does it take to become a Christian of Excellence?...

1A.       COMMIT TO PRAY DAILY

(James 4:2)  You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

2A.       ASK GOD FOR AN ENLARGED VISION

(Proverbs 29:18)  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

3A.       PLAN FOR GREATER COMMITMENT

This Requires Greater Availability!

The Rich Young Ruler - Matthew 19:16-22

He limited himself because he was not totally available to Christ!

4A.       ESTABLISH BIBLICAL PRIORITIES

Philippians 1:21-26

5A.       PLACE AN EMPHASIS ON PERSONAL PREPARATION

(2 Timothy 2:15)  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

6A.       DEVELOP A GODLY ATTITUDE

(Philippians 2:5)  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

(Romans 12:1‑2)  "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God‑‑this is your spiritual act of worship. {2} Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is‑‑his good, pleasing and perfect will."

(Philippians 4:8)  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable‑‑if anything is excellent or praiseworthy‑‑think about such things.

7A.       PRACTICE BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

(Malachi 3:8)  ""Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."

Time - Tithe - Talent

8A.       PARTICIPATE IN OUTREACH EACH WEEK

(Isaiah 6:8)  "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!""

9A.       BE AN EXAMPLE OF FAITHFULNESS

(Daniel 6:10)  "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

10A.     ESTABLISH A PATTERN OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Philippians 4:4-9; 12-13

APPLICATION

Excellence requires...

Commitment

Consistency

Work

Sacrifice

The good news is that Christ has done the hardest part already - He died for you!

Now He asks you to do your part - Live for Him