Godly Goals

Intro:

Review Philippians 3:12 - We should all be ones wanting to “take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of” us.

But how do we do this? That’s the focus of today’s message.

Intro Passage

Describe relationship between Paul and Timothy.

Paul had learned how to take hold of God’s plans/purposes for his life. Now he wanted Timothy to learn how to do the same.

This passage describes the “Godly Goals” Pauls asks Timothy to set, so that he might come to live out God’s plans for himself. These same goals should be set by each of us.

4 Godly Goals

Be An Example Others Can Follow

To “set an example” means to create a pattern or model that can be used by others.

We should aim to live in such a way that we can say to other “follow me.”

Too often, it’s more like, “do what I say, not what I do”

Be Dedicated to God’s Word

The biggest help you have in your journey of following God is His word.

Paul was saying - “Don’t forsake God’s Word!”

Be Willing to be Used by God

Paul reminded Timothy that he had been given spritual gifts.

Discuss spiritual gifts.

given to all believers

meant to be used for the edification of God’s church

You need to serve. In your own ways.

Be Consistently Growing

Just like we talked about last week, your growth should be ONGOING. Tell yourself, “I haven’t yet arrived at my goal.”

Keep gathering in to church. Keep going to Bible studies. Keep asking questions. Keep growing.

How To Stay on Track

Avoid Distractions

I love that Paul told Timothy to avoid listening to rumors and myths.

That stuff is everywhere!!!

Don’t Let Others Tear You Down

When you seek growth, others will seak to tear you down. Just know that it is coming, but don’t let it distract you.

Watch Your Walk Closely

You need to go through regular “routine maintenance” to make sure you’re not following things that aren’t aligning with God’s word.