A SURRENDERED LIFE: PART 2 (A Satisfied Life)

Pre-sermon Reading

Philippians 3:8–12 ESV

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 and be found in him, 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— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 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.

Introduction

Our culture is pretty polite in the sense that we do not like to make anyone, especially kids, feel bad, when they get a low grade or when their team loses. We tell them they did a fantastic job, even if they get 3rd or 4th place in a contest…or maybe just honorable mention. When people run a marathon but don’t make it to the finish line, we give them kudos for giving it the old college try — or for doing their best.

Have you ever said, “I did my best!”, when, truth be told, you probably could have done much better?

In many circumstances, our best is not enough. Just because we “tried” doesn’t make everything all good, in some cases. If you go in for surgery, and the surgeon does a horrible job, nearly killing you in the process, you won’t appreciate the fact that he “did his best!”

Just because I “tried my best” does not give me a pass.

“Do or do not…there is no try!”

Here’s what we know…yes, we can usually do better than we realize, if we would just try a bit harder. However, an honest look at ourselves reminds us that there is always room to do better…we will never reach perfection in this life.

Paul claimed to be blameless…but he wasn’t proud of it.

Philippians 3:4–6 ESV

though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

PRAYER

Paul found no real satisfaction in his previous “blameless” life — he had a lot to brag about — his religious zeal and commitment would normally be something to be proud of

When Paul surrendered his life to Christ, on the road to Damascus, he discovered, in Christ, a place of true satisfaction. A satisfaction that arose out of his surrendered life of following Christ

Big Idea: A surrendered life frees us to know the satisfaction of living in Christ: blessed, becoming more like Him, happily motivated to surrender every part of ourselves to Him

Transitional: When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are...

I. SATISFIED TO BE FOUND IN CHRIST

Exposition: In verse 8, Paul compared his previous religious blamelessness as garbage…worthless. His real treasure is now found in Christ alone…His love, grace, and mercy.

He did not find any comfort in his “blamelessness.” His “blamelessness” did him no good when standing before God

He counted his seeming perfection as worthless...

Philippians 3:7–9 ESV

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 and be found in him, 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—

Being in Christ brings true value to your life

Being in Christ means people see Christ in you

Being in Christ means He is your permanent address

Being in Christ means He is the one who makes you righteous

Being righteous means being “in the right with God.”

Paul is saying that, “in Christ, by faith, it is possible to stand under divine scrutiny, and to secure the verdict, “Paul is in the right.” “Paul is all I require Him to be!” “Paul is righteous!”

Application

As you surrender your life to Christ each day, you will discover that your life is in Him —

When your permanent address is Christ Himself, your surrender brings satisfaction

Surrender to Christ…He becomes your righteousness as you lean into Him

Transitional: When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are...

II. SATISFIED TO BECOME MORE LIKE HIM

Exposition

Philippians 3:10–11 ESV

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Become more like Christ by knowing Him

Know Christ by pursuing a deeply intimate relationship

Become closer to Christ through the power of His resurrection

Application

A surrendered life in Christ...

You seek Him in every way you can…to be more like Him

You make time, take effort, make sacrifices to pursue Him

He becomes the center of your passion, effecting every other part of your life

Transitional: When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are...

III. SATISFIED TO SATISFY HIM

Exposition

Philippians 3:12 ESV

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.

Surrender to Christ transforms my perception of life

Surrender to Christ means I am His own

Surrender to Christ means I make Him my own

Application

Seek to see life through the eyes of Christ—His life, suffering, death, and resurrection — His heart for the world

Surrender everything — do you belong to Him — Everything He did for you was to make you His own son or daughter — member of His family —

When yo press on to obtain everything Christ has for you — that means you seek satisfaction in Him and that you also seek to satisfy Him

Challenge

A surrendered life frees us to know the satisfaction of living in Christ: blessed, becoming more like Him, happily motivated to surrender every part of ourselves to Him

Communion