Running Well into the New Year

Running Well into the New Year: Philippians 3:1-14

Main idea: The Work of Christ both humbles us and empowers us in our spiritual race.

The New King James Version (Chapter 3)

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

I. In the new year, we must guard against viewing our sanctification based on outward works alone (1-3)

The New King James Version (Chapter 3)

4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

II. In the new year, we must find humility not self-confidence in our past works (4-11)

The New King James Version (Chapter 3)

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

III. In the new year, we must run with confidence built instead of the work of Christ (12-14)

1. Where are you placing your confidence?

2. Do you view yourself as having “made it” or are you letting the work of Christ drive you to humility?

3. Are you trying to add to the acceptance that we already have in Christ?

4. Are you in need of God’s strength as you see to endure the race before you?