Joyful Completion IVVV

I believe that one a Christian can always do is share their testimony.

Testimony: 1. When Jesus saved me. 2. What the Lord has done in my life since.

Our testimony never ends. Christians always have a story to share.

In the book of Acts, Paul shared his testimony several times.

My favorite version of his testimony is found in Philippians 3:1-11

READ Philippians 3:1-11

Philippians overview. Verse 1 repeats his prior teaching.

In this passage, Paul communicated 3 messages from his personal testimony.

1. There is one gospel that brings salvation (v. 2-3)

Paul urged the people to beware of the false teachers.

Judaizers = Believed in Jesus for salvation but believed a person has to follow Jewish customs to be saved.

“You must be circumcised” (Covenant sign with God)

In verse 3, Paul brought in a statement that would have infuriated the Judaizers.

True circumcision is worshipping by the Spirit and boasting in the work of Christ.

As a pastor, once of the most common behaviors I see in people involves trying to impress God with our religious behavior. “I say one thing and act in another.”

Real believers are saved because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual activity will not bring us into a right standing with God.

We related to the God on His standard and not one we just make up.

When we know true salvation, we can have a true confidence as a Christian.

2. My relationship with Jesus defines me more than my accomplishments (v. 4-8)

Paul lists his impressive religious pedigree. If anyone was able to have confidence in their own behavior, it was Paul.

Circumcised… 8th day. - Raised from the cradle in Jewish faith.

Israel - Covenant name of elect.

Benjamin - Small, esteemed, kept out paganism, 1st King, temple, holy city.

Hebrew - Spoke Hebrew and Aramaic.

Pharisee - Religious elite.

Zeal - Hated Jesus and persecuted church.

Blameless - Strictly observed the law.

What if someone doubted my Texas heritage?

To Paul, none of his past accomplishments compared to His relationship with Jesus.

He counted it as loss. Food to be discarded from the table.

Even in suffering.

The only reason a person would experience suffering and loss for something only makes sense if that “something” is worth it.

Jesus is worth it!

Knowing Jesus is better than any accomplishment and worth having no matter how much suffering we experience.

Are your eyes open to see how valuable Christ truly is.

3. Christ lives in me. (v. 9-11)

Paul’s greatest passion was knowing Jesus more.

The closer he came to Jesus, the more he would become like Christ.

He had experienced the transforming resurrection of Jesus in his daily life.

He could even grow through the difficult times by doing what Jesus did on earth.

Why are Christians able to overcome anything that happens to them? Christ is with us and in us!

Are you going through a tough time?

Christ invites you to get to know Him better through it.

He will hurt with you, and you will get to know Him better in the process.

We are called to an intimate relationship with Jesus.

What does your testimony share with others?