Philippians 3:7-17 Single focused / moving forward

Light. Focus it and it will cut through steel.

We have a lot of light. We need to focus. On Him.

He is our focus. The church has many things to do. Many places to get distracted. Many options. Many interests from the many people who make it up.

Yet, there is only one focus. One way to not lose your way.

Focus on Christ. He is the single focus.

He is the center of all we do.

If we are not doing it with Him in mind, we have lost our way.

So Paul reminds the Philippians.

(ESV) Philippians 3 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.

I. Single focused: Not about me

A. My accomplishment is nothing Phil 3:7-9a

Philippians 3 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. …

1. Decided what was important – willing to let all things go

2. May actually lose all

Philippians 3 8 ... 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, …

3. More than an internal thing – he actually lost it – then you find out if your commitment was real

B. Knowing Christ is great value Phil 3:8

Philippians 3 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

1. Found true worth in Christ – not really a sacrifice after all – on the back side

C. Real righteousness in Christ Phil 3:9b

Philippians 3 9 … 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—

1. Truly was transformed – before God – in practice

2. More than an academic thought – actually experienced it

3. But started with letting it go

II. Single focused: All about Him

A. Know Him Phil 3:10a

Philippians 3 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

1. Paul’s focus was on Christ

(ESV) Philippians 1 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

a. Seeking purpose

b. Popularity of purpose driven life book

2. Knowing about Him

3. Responding to one’s knowledge of Him

4. Experiencing Him

a. Feel His presence

b. Bask in His love and affirmation

c. Sense His leadership

d. Gain His help

B. Experience His empowerment Phil 3:10b

Philippians 3 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

1. Enabled Christ to raise from the dead – this power at work in us Eph

2. The power to transform lives

3. Already have experienced this power when one is saved

4. Transforms ones entire life to no longer be enslaved to sin

C. Share His suffering Phil 3:10c

Philippians 3 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

1. Part of being with Him / like Him - rejection

2. Join in the rejected life - in this world – suffering/never complete

a. Not a part of this world

b. This world is no longer the source of my satisfaction

c. Will never be home here

D. Be like Him Phil 3:10d

Philippians 3 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

1. In death

2. In life

3. In living

III. Single focused: Perspective of life

A. Haven’t arrived Phil 3:12-13a

Philippians 3 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. …

1. Have not arrived

2. Deep influence of sin / motives / selfishness

B. Let go of the past Phil 3:13b

Philippians 3 13 … But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

1. deliberate and continuous forgetting

2. the opposite of ‘remembering’ (anamnēsis), which, as a biblical term, carries the important dynamic meaning of a recalling from the past into the present of an action which lies buried in history, in such a way that the result of the past action is made potently present.

3. a glance at the apostle’s past life, whether in regard to his Jewish prerogatives which are enumerated in verses 5–6, or in reference to his past experiences as a Christian, the successes and failures, triumphs and miseries which came to him as an apostle.

4. not regard it as having any bearing or influence upon his present spiritual outlook or conduct.

5. The successes

a. The progress I have made / The victories I have won

6. The defeats

a. Times I have failed / The failures

C. Energetically pressing on Phil 3:13c

Philippians 3 12 … but I press on to make it my own 13 … 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.

1. Energy – Effort

a. terse: ‘but—one thing’, hen de. He is evidently much moved as he dictates. His thought is agitated, his speech staccato, his words abrupt

b. - not a passive activity

c. straining towards what is ahead. It is the picture of a runner who strains every effort to press forward in the race

d. Press on - a hunting word meaning ‘I pursue’ - foot-racing. It is a strong expression for active and earnest endeavour. - ‘pursue and overtake’, ‘chase and capture’. - concerned to strain every nerve to pursue the ideal before him ‘run without swerving’

2. Intentionality – action on purpose - hard work - exhausting

D. The mark of spiritual maturity Phil 3:15-17

Philippians 3 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.

1. Seek to be around the spiritually mature / Imitate the godly