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Philippians Sermon

Joy-filled Pursuits – Philippians 3:15-21

Today’s passage Philippians 3:15-21

Throughout the letter of Philippians, Paul is encouraging us to live a joy-filled life, and as he is addressing the heart issues and giving us Kingdom perspectives he is also helping us with practical bits of advice to reach our goal, the goal to know Christ and live the kind of life God intended for us to live – Blessed, Joyful, Satisfactory and Wonderful.

The passage we are looking at today is one such portion where Paul is giving us helpful, practical advice and therefore I urge you to pay close attention and receive it with an open heart because who knows this could be a life-changing moment for you today.

Practical Advice #1: Seek to be Mature in your Faith 

In verse 15, Paul writes “Let those of us who are mature”, in KJV version it says “those of us who are perfect”.

In this statement, Paul is addressing to those who are mature because he intends that some in the church are mature, but what exactly does Paul mean when he uses the word ‘mature’ or ‘perfect’.

In the worldly sense, the word mature & perfect would in relation to a person who has achieved the highest level of intellect and maybe the highest level of perfection in everything he does. 

But that’s not what Paul would define it, because he would not claim to have achieved that level of perfection himself. In 3v12, Paul writes “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.”

Here’s how Paul explains maturity in 1 Corinthians 13:11, he says “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

According to Paul, to be mature is to move out of the baby state and continue growing from being a baby to a man.

To Paul a mature person is not baby Christians, they are not the ones who stopped growing in their faith after they first became a believer, instead, they are the once who continue to grow in their knowledge of the Gospel.

As per Paul’s statement in v15 “they are the one’s who think this way”, in saying so he is referring to what he said earlier in 2v5-8 saying “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[awho, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[bbut emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

According to Paul, a mature Christian is the one who has the mindset of Jesus; one who is continually emptying himself at the throne of God’s grace and one who continues to stay humble and obedient to the point of death. 

Paul is expecting us to be found mature as we grow in our Christian life and in verse 16 he says “let us hold fast to what we have attained”. 

Paul also refers to those who think otherwise in v15, those who are immature. They are men who are still babies; they can maybe articulate the Gospel in words but are far away from real heart transformation.

Brothers and sisters, here’s how we know we are still baby Christians. 

 Baby Christians are Lazy – Hebrews 5:11 “We have so much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.” 

“Slow to learn” is the translation of the Greek word, “Lazy.”

Baby Christians know little about the content of the Bible – They fail to meditate and investigate the Scriptures that has the power to set us free from all our bondages. Psalms 119:36 – He inclines our heart to his word, Psalms 119:18 – He opens our eyes of understanding, Psalms 90:14 – He satisfies our souls. These are all nutritious food for the nourishment of our spiritual being to grow to be a man.

Baby Christians Handle the Word of God Poorly – 

2 Corinthians 2:17 – For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

They read the word just like everyone else but misapplies it by adding human understanding and even go about teaching the same to others.

Baby Christians have inadequate knowledge of Christ – As Paul mentions in Philippians 3:10-12, they know not the power of His resurrection, and they fail to participate in the sufferings of Christ.

Baby Christians are Christians whose attention is still dominated by earthly things – Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things.”

Baby Christians are those who are unwilling to pay the cost of being a follower of Jesus – Luke 14:33 “those of you who do not give up everything cannot be my disciple.”

Yes, it is possible to attain joy-filled Christian life but not if we are failing to grow in maturity and hold fast to who we have received. And we grow in maturity when we grow into an intimate relationship with Christ and the church.

Practical advice #2: Imitate those who imitate Christ 

In verse 17, Paul goes on to say “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”

As you all must have already figured out, it is not easy to live a Christian life; there will be challenges along the way, there will be doubts and confusion in our mind, there will be circumstances that will pull us down, there will be persecution as a follower of Christ. 

God is not unaware of all that we go through; in fact, his grace and providence (help) are always with us. With full confidence, we can join with King David and say “Even though I walk through the valley of shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for he is with me” “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

One such providence that God has given us to combat fear, doubts, challenges and confusion are the faithful men and women of God he’s placed in our lives.

And that is why Paul is saying “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”, and “imitate those who walk according to the example you have in me”. Like the example of Timothy & Epapharaditus as we learned from their lives in the earlier passages.

In difficult times, it could be hard sometimes to see Christ and follow his example at all times, in our wretchedness, pride, frustrations and sadness we can fail to Christ in our situation. And what Paul is suggesting, which I don’t see as unbiblical, is that in such cases imitate Godly and faithful men who are imitating Christ. 

In doing so, we are not looking at people as an authority but as examples who follow the real authority. Not for authority but for inspiration. 

Which means we don’t make an idol out of the person we are imitating, but we are watching them respond to fear, doubt, frustration, confusion, suffering and disaster that honours Christ, and we do the same.

  • Imitate the men and women in the Bible.
  • Imitate the men and women in Church history who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Gospel, who trusted God in their hard circumstances and honoured him. Read their stories and find your inspiration.
  • Imitate you immediate Church leaders who God has placed over you as shepherds
  • Imitate you fellow brother & sister who walk faithfully alongside you.

We can attain a joy-filled life if we seek and imitate Godly men.

Practical Advice #3:  Watch out for the enemies of the cross of Christ

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

And finally, in this passage, Paul also advises us to watch out for the enemies of the cross of Christ. And just as sorrowful is Paul as he is saying these words, I am sad too in telling you that Yes, there exist, men who seem to be godly men from outside, who seem to say the right things, quote scriptures, pray earth-shattering prayers, but they are enemies of God. Jesus calls them “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing”, the agents of the devil himself, Jesus said you would know them by their fruits.

Here’s how Paul helps us identify such men:

  • Their God is their belly – People who believe that this life on earth is all about eating, drinking, and being merry and become gluttons, alcoholics, and seekers of pleasure rather than seekers of God.
  • They glory in their shame – People who boast of those things of which they ought to be ashamed.
  • Their minds are set on earthly things – People who are taken up in the pursuit of their sensual and earthly enjoyments rather than in Christ.

Paul is urging that we chose wisely the men whom we imitate.

And finally, Paul closes this chapter with a word of encouragement and giving us hope for the future.

As we walk faithfully as mature Christians, ones who’ve been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus. Pressing on in all circumstances, imitating one another in the Lord, be watchful of wolves. 

Our final destiny is going to be even more glorious and mind-blowing. 

We will be citizens in heaven, transformed into glorious bodies.

It’s up to us what choice we make to get us there.

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Philippians Sermon

Joy-filled Goals – Philippians 3:12-14

Do you have goals in life that excite you so much, goals that don’t make you sleep at night? Here is a man who is just crazy with his goal in life, he is none other than apostle Paul.

Who is Apostle Paul?

  • Roman citizen
  • Hebrew of Hebrew
  • Pharisee (Perfect Law keeper)
  • Persecutor of Christian
  • Apostle to Gentiles
  • Missionary
  • Miracle Worker
  • Leader
  • Author
  • Tentmaker (entrepreneur)
  • Beheaded for His goal in life.

Why I want to preach this sermon. (Purpose)

1. You will develop a desire to know more and more of Christ.

2. You will set priority in your life and pursue the things that matter most in life.

Before we get into the first point I want you to know the tense of Salvation

  • Past – Justification (God Declare you righteous)
  • Present – Sanctification (process of cleaning)
  • Future – Glorification ( We will receive glorified body)

Please turn with me to Philippian 3:12-14.

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I presson so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

1. Pursuing to KNOW more of Christ.

The main focus of chapter 3 is knowing more of Jesus. V. 3: 8, 10, 11.

8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of KNOWING Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

10 I want to KNOW Christ—yes, to KNOW the power of his resurrection andparticipation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Examples:

  • Zacchaeus the tax collector climb up sycamore tree to see Jesus. (His life was changed)
  • Nicodemus a Pharisee and a member of Sanhedrin come to Jesus at night. (His life was changed)
  • Son of Korah: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

A question to ponder:Did you really Know Christ? Matthew 7:21-22?

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Application:

Did you know Jesus? if yes? Did Jesus know you? Did He really know you?

How will I know I am truly born again believer.

1 John 2: 3-6. says –
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.

This is how we know we are in him:

6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

We cannot claim that we are born again believer and didn’t obey Him, the Bible said we are a liar and the truth is not in us.

Your action or your fruit will prove that you are a true believer.

Application:

If you are Born again believer, my question Are you pursuing to know more about Jesus.

Let us learn from Apostle Paul, He chases to know more and more of our Dear Saviour.

And If you are confused about your faith in Christ, come to father soon before it is too late, He is lovingly waiting for you to come home, come home.

Let’s move down to our second point, shall we read verse 13 and 14.

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2. Pursuing the goal for the prize. 13, 14.

Remember one day we all will all stand before God and give account for the life we live. Remember one day God will reward you for what you have done on earth.

Remember it is not just eternal life we are receiving but God will reward all of us.

Apostle Paul knows so well about the great reward for him so He keep chasing and pressing toward the prize God has for him.

Remember, Bible promise us 5 crowns for believers:

  1. The Incorruptible Crown ( Those who faithfully finish the task mission. ) (1 Cor. 9:24-25)
  2. The Crown of Rejoicing ( Soul winner ) (1 Thess 2:19.)
  3. The Crown of Life (those who went severe hardship, testing and tribulation, physical death) (Rev. 2:10)
  4. The Crown of Righteousness ( those who live righteous life and those who wait upon His coming) (2 Tim.4:8)
  5. The crown of Glory (Pastors/ teachers of the word of God) (1 Pet. 5:1-4)

How should we pursue

  • By forgetting the past
  • Past achievement / Success has nothing to do with present and future,
  • Past guilt and sin. – Paul mean to say that we should not live in the past, if we are to achieve our goal in life we should forget the past and focus and march forward toward the goal.

Romans 8:1, 2 Cor 5:17, Heb. 12.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18.

Illustration:

Apostle Paul sacrifice his life for gospel,

At last he said,“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7.

Few life application

  • William Carey
  • Hudson taylor
  • David Livingstone
  • Adoniram Judson

Application:

Are you pursuing for the upward call?

What have you done for the Lord?

Let us remind ourself today that focusing on the goal God has for us is the things that matter most in life. “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. the night is coming, when no one can work”. John 9:4.

1 Corinthian 15:58.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Conclusion :

We have seen two points under the topic Joy filled Goal.

1) Pursuing to know more about Christ

2) Pursuing the goal for the prize.

As children of God let us pursue to know more about our saviour and keep growing in the Lord and let us focus to the goal God has set for us.

May God give wisdom to all of us.

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Faith Quest

How do I know he is the guy whom I need to marry?

Let’s start by talking a bit about what Scripture tells us what marriage actually means.

Ephesians 5:31–33
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

God’s Word tells us first that when a man and a woman marry each other they become one flesh. The implications of this are significant. We longer live for our selves but for the other person. We walk through life with this person in humility and with a heart that puts their needs before ours, we do this mutually.

Marriage is nothing short of a profound mystery because of what it actually means. Marriage is a picture of Jesus Christ’s love for his bride…the church. This might sound a bit strange that Jesus has a bride, and it may sound even stranger to find out it’s called the church.

The church is simply the people of God, whom Jesus has died for and saved, and who have committed their lives to him. Listen to the first part of that last sentence carefully…Jesus died for the church. Now that is ultimate humility and sacrifice.

As the church, we gladly love and serve our Lord Jesus because of his willing sacrifice for us that joins us back to the Father who created us to glorify him in all that we do. So that’s the picture we have. The groom, Jesus sacrificing for his bride, the church. A beautiful picture of sacrifice and loving submission.

Ephesians 5:25–28
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Now to your answer. How do you know who to marry? With all this background let me ask you a question. Is this man someone who will lovingly, sacrificially, humbly, walk with you for the rest of your life, putting your needs before his? Because Scripture tells us he is to love you as Jesus loves the church.

I’m not saying he has to be perfect, because that’s not possible. But when he fails, and he will, does he exhibit the humility to ask for your forgiveness and forgiveness of God? This kind of man, Susan, is a man you can love and grow old with.

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