INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Release the Past
2. Reach for the Present
3. Race toward the Prize
Remarks.
1. This lesson deals with believers striving to succeed – in their pursuit of Christ, and their desire to be well pleasing to God. The motto of the Lexus motorcar is the “Pursuit of Perfection.” To please God we must be in continual pursuit of spiritual maturity. This lesson deals with Paul’s self-confession and desire to succeed in his “pursuit of Christ.” Seeing this is the start of a new year, let's consider Paul's plan for all who are “striving to succeed,” in their pursuit of Christ. He is still in a Roman prison – and still a prisoner of Jesus Christ. He reminds the church of Philippi that he was still striving to reach the mark of spiritual maturity. He writes saying: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (and) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” But what he has resolved to do, are three things. Be ye resolved to do these very same things yourselves.
2. First, “forgetting those things which are behind” or better yet – strive to release the past. He speaks to this in the first few verses of Chapter 3. This is one thing we might want to set forth as a resolution not only for this year; but for our entire life. To set behind us anything that might deter us from a true fellowship with Christ and one another. The things that brought us hurt; we should determine not to find ourselves involved with them again. Old relationships, bad friends and ungodly actions should be set aside. And, let’s with God’s help “overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:21. We must forgive those that have hurt us; or caused us pain. That God might also forgive us and remove the hurt from our lives and give us peace with Him and with others.
3. Second, “reach forth unto those things which are before” or to reach forth to seize the present. Let us also do as Paul, reach forth to the present. That is, to reach forth to the things that lye before us; and to secure God’s current and future blessing. God has placed before us many blessings. They lay before us; but because we are constantly looking back; we are unable to see them now or in the future. We must trust God, and allow Him to bring us to a resolution of old things; that we might be able to receive the blessings of today and tomorrow.
4. Finally, “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” or to race toward the prize. Let us do as Paul – race towards the mark (finish line) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Our race is not yet over! For many it has just began. And all of us must continue our race to the finish line. This we will do with the help and blessings of God; and the care and patience of all the saints. As we race, let us do as Paul suggests elsewhere: "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith," Hebrews 12:1-2. I suggest to you, that some things that keep us from growing in grace and knowledge are not sinful in themselves. There might be “weights” that hinder us in this race. We will speak to these later. But, for now let’s consider our first point, “release the past.”
BODY OF LESSON
I RELEASE THE PAST
A. For Paul this was a time for reflection. The Philippians church supported Paul’s work in Christ from the very beginning. He reflects on these important facts. Some things are worth remembering.
1. Fellowship with the church. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:3-6. There was great joy in Paul’s heart for these saints, who cooperated and communed with him in the work for Christ. They were partners with him; in the work of evangelism.
2. Faithfulness in their support of him. “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity,” Philippians 4:15-16. The stayed the course with him in their financial support of his preaching the gospel throughout the then know world! This church’s continued support permitted Paul “to have strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest he should build upon another man’s foundation,” Romans 15:20.
3. Fruitfulness in those that labour with him. Paul reminds them of the service of others in his work. Timothy and Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:19-30. A good minister will always remember those that contributed to the success of his work.
4. There are some other things worth remembering! See Ephesians 2:11ff; 2 Peter 1:12-15.
B. Some things need to be released. Paul recounts things that he had to release.
1. His citizenship and religious standing, “Of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.” I sat at Gamaliel’s feet, Acts 22:3. But now I reside at the feet of Jesus. Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, testified of Jesus being a great teacher. “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God,” John 3:1-2. Paul sits at the feet of the “great I AM,” John 8:58. See also Exodus 3:13-14.
a. He reached religious excellence in the Jews’ religion. “And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers,” Galatians 1:14.
b. But God had other plans. “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood,” Galatians 1:15.
c. Now I preach a “certified gospel.” “But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which is preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:11-12. Illustrate: Revelation of Christ, Ephesians 3:1-7; How did Christ reveal His plan?
2. His persecution of the church, “concerning zeal, persecuting the church.” “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how beyond measure,” Galatians 1:13. Illustrate: Paul’s persecution of the church, Acts 8, 9. Stephen’s stoning, Acts 7:58-60.
3. His self-righteousness, “As touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” I was well learned in the “traditions of my father’s,” Galatians 1:14.
4. Notice his summation: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (rubbish).”
5. What things have you suffered loss for Christ this year? What are some things you would as Paul – “count as dung” for His sake and the gospel?
C. Paul speaks of his pursuit of maturity. “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended.” “But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind.”
1. I find in Paul’s life and Letters a tremendous sense of encouragement in my pursuit of Christ. And desire to be well pleasing to God.
2. I have to admit as he – I count not myself to have apprehended – but this one thing I do - I will release the past; reach forth to the things present; and race towards the prize – the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
3. Surely a man as strong in the faith as Paul, should have achieved this by now?
D. Paul abandon all for the righteousness of God that is in Christ Jesus. He says:
1. That I may win Christ, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith,” Philippians 3:9. Not like many of his countrymen - the Jews, Romans 10:1-4. Many have zeal – but lack the knowledge of God.
2. That “I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death,” Philippians 3:10.
3. That “if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”
E. Church, what are you trying to release? What is holding you bound? What is it you need to let go – so God can bless you? Review Jesus preaching at Nazareth, Luke 4:16-19. May the Lord help me to:
1. Rise above all the hurt and shame that burdens my soul and spirit daily.
2. Forgive those who wrongfully accuse, criticize and speak evil against me.
3. Forgive myself for the hurt I have caused others; and seek to be at peace with them.
4. To accept your forgiveness; and to rise above the sins that has estranged me from your presence.
5. Never become complacent; and think I cannot live any better than I am right now in the church.
6. Allow the trials of my faith to bring patient and comfort to my life.
7. Give me joy and a reason for rejoice even in my divers’ temptations, trials and sufferings.
(For O’ Lord there have been many; and there no doubt will yet be many more!) These things we will do, if it be the Lord’s will. Let’s now consider what to do with our present condition.
II REACH FOR THE PRESENT
A. “And reaching forth unto those things which are before” let us seize the opportunities of today. For tomorrow is not promised; and yesterday is gone. All we have is today. Let us grasp for the things God has set before us this day! Illustrate: You cannot see opportunities while looking back! Boy walking in the snow.
B. Paul prays for the church’s growth and development. Hear his prayer for the church’s present state:
1. That it may abound in love. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God,” Philippians 1:9-11. Illustrate: Abound, overflowing like the Mississippi river.
2. That the church may be of one mind. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but with lowliness of mind let each esteems others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others,” Philippians 2:2-4. The church should strive to be of the same mind and spirit in all things.
3. That the church may have the mind of Christ, Philippians 2:5-11. Illustrate: Humble, obedient and patient.
4. That the church works out its own salvation. He reminds them of their need “to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12.
5. That the church does “all things without murmuring and disputing,” Philippians 2:14-16.
6. These are things we can strive to succeed in our pursuit of Christ.
C. Reaching for a new found level of faith and hope in Christ. Like Paul:
1. “That we might win Christ, and be found in him, not having our own righteousness, which is self-righteousness through the works of men.” Those things we perceive to be the will of God.
2. “That we through faith in Christ, might obtain the righteousness of God,” or “through the obedience of faith,” Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26. God rewardeth an obedient faith.
3. That we might walk by faith. “For we walk by faith; and not by sight,” 2 Corinthian 5:7. Illustrate: The Man of Faith. He uses words like, “if the Lord wills” or “God will supply all our needs” and “with God all things are possible.” It took men and women of faith to achieve this great building – dedicated to the Lord. You all should be commended.
4. That we might obtain the salvation that come through grace. “For by grace are we saved though faith, and not of yourself, it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
D. Help us Lord to dwell in thy holy tabernacle. David cries: “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Psalms 15:1. And, “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles,” Psalms 43:3. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,” Psalms 119:105.
1. Finally, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place?” Psalms 24:3. Lord I want to stand in thy holy place. I want to behold thy face.
2. John speaks of a great multitude. “Which no one could number of all nations, tribes, people and tongues STANDING BEFORE THE THRONE AND BEFORE THE LAMB, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands…,”Revelations 7:8. Do you see yourself there? Robes of victory; and palms branches for rejoicing and celebration. For Jesus entry into Jerusalem, the people: “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord,” John 12:13. This was symbolic of the people’s celebration and rejoicing during their feast unto the Lord, Leviticus 23:40.
3. One of the elders. “Answered, saying to me, who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from? And I said, Sir you know,” Revelations 7:13. Do you know who there are; and where they came from?
4. So he said - these are they, “…that have come out of great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb…Therefore they are before the throne of God… And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,” Revelations 7:14-17. These are the saints from every generation. And you must picture yourself there – and so live that this promise will be yours also. “God shall wipe away every tear from your eyes.” John was see what would be when the Lord returns; and not what existed at that time.
5. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,” Psalms 107:2. Peter states: “Seeing ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by the tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot,” 1 Peter 1:18-19.
E. Help us Lord to learn how to wait on YOU. David in the Psalms states:
1. “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD,” Psalms 27:14. Your deliverance has come; your blessing has been given and you are the recipient of it. Wait I say on the Lord! Illustrate: Many are preaching a Message of Prosperity. Christ has come to present a message and hope of deliverance.
a. Notice Peter: “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the kindred's of the earth be blessed (both Jews and Gentiles). Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities,” Acts 3:24-26. Abraham’s blessing was that Christ would turn away all from their sins.
b. Notice Paul: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich,” 2 Corinthians 8:9.
c. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, Matthew 6:31-34.
d. Lord we have left all to follow thee. “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's. But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life,” Matthew 10:28-30.
2. And, “Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it,” Psalms 37:34. Wait on his judgment. He will punish our enemies and deliver us from all evil. Wait I say on the Lord!
3. The wise man Solomon: “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee,” Proverbs 20:22.
4. Finally, Paul: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honestly in the sight of all men. For if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:17-21. Beloved, wait I say on the Lord! Let’s consider now the prize – the “high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
III RACE TOWARD THE PRIZE
A. Press towards the mark. “I press toward the mark (finish line) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:14. Remember Paul’s charge that we “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called,” Ephesians 4:1-3.
1. Press – shows energy and resolve. Press – is to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after; to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavoring to acquire.
a. We are exerting our total efforts in this race. This is not a casual stroll, but a struggle. So run that you might succeed. Press on keeping your eyes on Jesus. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:1-2. Illustrate: Weights, i.e., money, position, single, married, beauty and good looks.
b. Run, so as to obtain the prize. “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain,” 1 Corinthians 9:24.
c. Don’t just be in the race – run the race with determination – to make it to the finish line. Don’t keep moving on and off the course. Stay in the race and run with confidence and faith in God to assist you in making it to the finish line.
2. Run lawfully, and according to the will of God. Notice Paul to Timothy: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he might please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully,” 2 Timothy 2:3-5.
3. Run towards the mark – shows direction – the finish line. Make sure you are running towards the finish line.
4. The mark – is the High calling of God in Christ Jesus. That crown of life, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
B. Fight the good fight. He reminds Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses,” 1 Timothy 6:12. Paul did not give out of hope regarding his potential release from prison. He was still desirous on continuing in the faith.
1. I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly, Philippians 2:21. He was expecting to be released from the Roman prison.
2. “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again,” Philippians 1:25-26.
3. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain, Philippians 1:21-24.
C. Continually strive to keep the pattern. Recall I mentioned earlier that we must preach a “certified gospel?” Illustrate: There is a plan for the New Testament Church, in its salvation, worship and government. Why is it that we must discuss this important issue NOW? There are factions among us that deny there is a pattern. Please notice:
1. Admonition to follow the pattern. “Moses when admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount,” Hebrews 8:5, Exodus 25:40. And Jeremiah: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein,” Jeremiah 6:16. See also, Jeremiah 5:30-31; Isaiah 30:9-11.
2. Who has given us this pattern? Notice Paul: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; In hope of eternal life…To Titus…for this cause I left thee…elders in every city,” Titus 1:1-5. It is therefore given by God:
a. Conceived in His mind before the foundation of the world. Not of human or of man-made origin.
b. Commissioned to be preached in due time (first century). This pattern was to be preached by the apostles, ordained of Christ.
c. Committed unto the apostles by the commandments of God our Saviour. This pattern is a commandment, not a suggestion. It has been committed unto the apostles by Jesus Christ.
3. How was it transferred unto us? Oh’, I thought you would never ask!
a. Given by revelation, Ephesians 3:1-7. Illustrate: Revelation, inspiration, examination, and illumination.
b. Holy men of God. “Spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” 2 Peter 1:20-21. Go over there and get this, one of my preaching brethren: “I want to put you in remembrance,” 2 Peter 1:12-14.
c. Apostles wrote by the Holy Spirit the “commandments of the Lord.” “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 14:37. What the apostles have given us as a “pattern for the church” is the commandments of the Lord. Some are suggesting the Holy Spirit is speaking to them; and not to any others.
4. What was manifested through preaching? I suggest, that whatsoever Paul wrote, he preached; and whatsoever he preached he wrote. What did this pattern look like?
a. Here’s what he wrote: “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-16. Paul says Christ gave these gifts (officers). They were to perform two main (operations). They have to accomplished several (objectives), “till we all come into the unity of the faith."
b. Here’s what he preached: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure…And now, brethren, I commend you to God,” Acts 20:28-32.
1) Notice where they are; on the beach at Miletus.
2) He calls for the elders of the church at Ephesus.
3) He reminds them of what he preached and taught while in the city of Ephesus.
4) He tells them to take heed unto themselves; and then to all the flock.
5) He says: “over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with his own blood.”
6) He grants oversight of the church to the elders, Hebrews 13:7, 17 & 24.
7) Even as did the Apostle Peter, 1 Peter 5:1-4.
8) This is the “truth which is after godliness”; ordained before the world began and must be preached “that we might know how to behave ourselves…the pillar and ground of the truth,” 1 Timothy 3:15.
5. What of those who deny or abandon this pattern? “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18. Notice we are to:
a. Mark them.
b. Avoid them.
c. They serve not the Lord Jesus but their own belly. They are greedy for “filthy lucre."
d. And by good words and fair speeches. (Paul does not even call this preaching). It is rhetoric not “sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1.
e. They deceive the hearts of the simple. See Isaiah 9:16, Matthew 22:29, and Matthew 15:13-14.
6. We must contend for the “faith or doctrine once delivered unto the saint,” Jude 3; Philippians 1:7.
D. Attain to His resurrection. This is why we run this race. “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Like Paul, I too strive to attain unto the resurrection of the dead:
1. That I might be cloth upon with a body fashioned liken unto His glorious body, Philippians 3:20-21.
2. That this which is sown a natural body, might be raised a spiritual body, 1 Corinthians 15:44.
3. That this which have borne the image of the earthy, shall also bear the image of the heavenly, 1 Corinthians 15:49.
4. That this corruption might put on incorruption; and this mortality might put on immortality, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58.
5. That I might see Him as He is, and be seen as I am seen in Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure,” 1 John 3:2-3.
6. Paul speaking to that end – says: “For now we see through as glass darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know as even as also I am known,” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We shall know Him even as we are known by Him! And won’t it be Wonderful There?
E. Let us therefore. “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you,” Philippians 3:16. This lends to the idea that some were not yet “perfect” or mature.
1. To be perfect is to be full grown. Complete and mature in the gospel and of Christ.
2. Some are still babes in Christ. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” Hebrews 5:12-14.
3. Lay aside all things. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious,” 1 Peter 2:1-3.
4. Lay aside every weight and sin. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great…lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…,” Hebrews 12:1-2.
5. Run so you might obtain the prize. “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain the prize,” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
6. Keep your eyes on the prize. You cannot look back or with regret. Looking back is sure to end up in one going back, Luke 6:62. Remember Lot's wife, Luke 17:32.
7. God's words to Moses continue to echo to us, as it did to Israel standing before the Red Sea: "Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward," Exodus 14:15. First Infantry “Follow me!”
8. Finally, I’m reminded of Barnabas and his work at Antioch. He charged them to “cleave unto the Lord,” Acts 11:19-26. I charge you “to keep your eyes on Jesus.” Don’t look to these men – and – even unto me. We are going to fail you in some manner – but Jesus will not fail, desert or abandon you, Hebrews 13:3. Remember Paul’s encouragement to the church at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 15:58.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Release the Past
2. Reach for the Present
3. Race toward the Prize
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we noticed Paul’s charge to “forget those things which are behind” or release the past. He spoke to this in the first few verses of Chapter 3. This is one thing we might want to set forth as a resolution not only for this year; but for our entire life. To set behind us anything that might deter us from a true fellowship with Christ and one another. The things that brought us hurt; we should determine not to find ourselves involved with them again. Old relationships, bad friends and ungodly actions should be set aside. And, let’s with God’s help overcome evil with good. Forgiving those that hurt us; or caused us pain; that God may also forgive us and remove the hurt from our lives.
2. Second, he charged us to “reach forth unto those things which are before” or to seize the present. Let us also do as Paul, seize the present. That is, to reach forth to the things that lie before us; and secure our futures in Christ. Before many of us reside the blessings of God. They lay before us; but because we are constantly looking back we are unable to see them now or in the future. We must trust God, and allow Him to bring us to a resolution of old things; that we might be able to receive the blessings of today.
3. Finally, he charged us to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Here he means for us to race forward to achieve the prize – the heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. Let us do as Paul – race towards the mark; fighting the good fight; until we have laid hold of eternal life. And this we will do – “if the will of God say so.” We can do all things through Christ which strengthen us!
C. Invitation. Discuss the gospel plan of salvation.
D. Exhortation. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
E. Motivation. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people, and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to the love of God and the death of his Son. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you, and perhaps for those whom you love, whether they be family or friends.
