CHOOSING EXCELLENCE Over Loss-IV—Php. 3:7-16
Attention:
David & Paula Eddins were career foreign missionaries to Sri Lanka. They were commissioned on June 29, 1993. They were certain of their calling to the foreign mission field years prior to actually being accepted by the FMB. David had to attend certain classes & show a desire to work with those of other cultural backgrounds in order to meet all the requirements. David went through the tedious process of taking classes, which he felt he didn’t need. They entire family continued ministering to the migrant Mexican workers in a Spanish-speaking mission church in N.C. Finally, with only months before they would have been disqualified due to the age of their oldest son, Eric, they were accepted for commissioning & told that they could prepare to take 600 ft3 of belongings with them to the place where they would serve. The whole family was elated! Then the weeks clicked by & as the time for their official commissioning grew closer, the family started to realize how drastic a move they were making. They got nervous because they realized, since they were lifetime missionaries, that they would only rarely, see the U.S. again. They were nervous because they were on the verge of entering into a situation where they were vulnerable because they were going to be assigned to a country whose religion, lifestyle, language & people were completely foreign to them. But being lifetime missionaries, they are going to have to conform to the ways of the people of Sri Lanka, as closely as possible without compromising the Gospel. They had to do that in order to bring the Gospel to the people on their level. They will train native people in the Gospel message & teach them how to apply it to their own particular lives, in their own particular country, facing their own particular problems, which their particular situations present to them.
?Do You maintain the level of commitment necessary to honor Jesus?
Paul told the Philippian Christians the value & means of maintaining a high level of commitment to Christ.
Christians are expected to maintain their commitment to Christ.
How can Christians maintain their commitment to Christ?
4 means of maintaining commitment to Christ.
Last Sunday morning we found that
Those who maintain their commitment to Christ...
1. SEPARATE TRASH From TREASURE(:7-8)
2. CHOOSE The TREASURE(:9)
3. NURTURE INTIMACY With HIM(:10)
Today we will also discover that...
4—Those who maintain their commitment to Christ...
FOCUS On The GOAL(:11-16)
Explanation:(:11-16)
:11—“if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
: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 & 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.”
:15—“Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; & if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.”
:16—“Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”
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:11—“if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Paul’s “if, by any means” is NOT a statement of a person who is grasping & clumsily fumbling for some vague/unclear/iffy/unsettled avenue of reaching God. Rather this is the statement of a man who is so committed to Christ, that he will not allow any proper means of honoring his Jesus/Christ to slip past his full attention, interaction, & involvement.
An intimate & growing knowledge of Christ allows me to “attain”/reach/achieve/live a life worthy of/to being resurrected from the dead. To “attain”(katantaw) is to willingly position oneself so as to stand directly opposite “the resurrection from the dead”...so that you face it directly with intent...so that you never lose sight of it!
If our lives are worthy of resurrection in Christ(into the eternity of heaven), then we will be those(& of those) who, here & now, trust Jesus in every aspect of our life.
“If/In order/And so”—ei—Conjunction—1) If, whether. Strong—a primary particle of conditionality; If, whether, that, etc.
“By Any Means/Somehow”—pwv—Particle—1) How, in what way. Strong—an interrogative particle of manner; In what way?(sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation--How much!.
“Attain/Arrive”(See :12—lambanw)—katantaw—Verb—1) To come to, arrive—1a) To come to a place over against, opposite another, 1b) metaph.--To attain to a thing. Strong—To meet against, i.e. Arrive at(literally or figuratively). Used 13X.?From—kata—1) Down from, through out; 2) According to, toward, along. Strong—a primary particle; prepositionally--Down(in place or time), in varied relations(according to the case [genitive case, dative case or accusative case] with which it is joined).—& a derivative of—anti—1) Over against, opposite to, before; 2) For, instead of, in place of(something)—2a) Instead of, 2b) For, 2c) For that, because, 2d) Wherefore, for this cause. Strong—a primary particle; Opposite, i.e. Instead or because of(rarely--In addition to).
“To/At”—eiv—Preposition—1) Into, unto, to, towards, for, among. Strong—a primary preposition; To or Into(indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or figuratively--Purpose(result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases.
“Resurrection”(See :10—anastasiv)—exanastasiv—Noun Fem.—1) A rising up, a rising again; 2) Resurrection. Strong—A rising from death. Used 1X.?From—ek/ex—1) Out of, from, by, away from. Strong—a primary preposition denoting origin(the point whence action or motion proceeds), From, out(of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote).—&—anisthmi—To stand up(literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive).
“From”—ek/ex—
“Dead”—nekrov—Adj.—1) properly—1a) One that has breathed his last, lifeless, 1b) Deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell, 1c) Destitute of life, without life, inanimate; 2) metaph.—2a) Spiritually dead—2a1) Destitute of a life that recognizes & is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses & sins, 2a2) Inactive as respects doing right, 2b) Destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative. Strong—from an apparently primary nekuv(a corpse); Dead(literally or figuratively; also as noun).
: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.”
Paul had not attained/measured up to that resurrection as of his writing. Perfection & attaining are synonymous. It is assumed that he never would attain until after the last day of his life. Therefore the true measure of worthiness for the Kingdom of God/heaven is perseverance...A continual pursuit.
In the absence of attainment, I must press on/Continue/Persevere(towards the end of attainment).
Perseverance is absolutely necessary so I may lay hold/possess something. That ‘something’ is that end for which Christ intended for me...i.e., eternal life/salvation from hell. Not ‘fire-insurance’ but a changed & redirected life!
Lk. 19:10—“For the Son of Man has come to seek & to save that which was lost.”
“Not”—ou, ouk, OR ouc—Particle—1) No, not; in direct questions expecting an affirmative answer. Strong—a primary word; the absolute negative [compare mh] adverb; No or not.
“Already”2X—hdh—Adverb—1) Now, already. “Now (already)”, with a suggested reference to some other time or to some expectation, the subjective present. Strong—Even now.
“Attained/Obtained/Received”(See :11—katantaw)—lambanw—2Aorist Active Indicative 1st Sing.—1) To take—1a) To take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it, 1b) To take in order to carry away, 1c) To take what is one's own, to take to one's self, to make one's own, 1d) To take—1d1) To admit, receive, 1e) To take, to choose, select, 1f) To take beginning, to prove anything, to make a trial of, to experience; 2) To receive(what is given), to gain, get, obtain, to get back. Strong—a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; To take(in very many applications, literally & figuratively [properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas decomai is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while aireomai is more violent, to seize or remove]).
“Perfected/Perfect”(See :15—teleiov-Adj.)—teleiow—Perfect Passive Indicative 1st Sing.—1) To make perfect, complete—1a) To carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end; 2) To complete (perfect)—2a) Add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full, 2b) To be found perfect; 3) To bring to the end (goal) proposed; 4) To accomplish—4a) Bring to a close or fulfillment by event—4a1) Of the prophecies of the scriptures. Strong—To complete, i.e. literally--Accomplish, or figuratively--Consummate(in character). Used 24X.
“Press On/Follow After/Pursuing”(See :14)—diwkw—Present Active Indicative 1st Sing.—1) To make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away; 2) To run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after—2a) To press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal, 2b) To pursue(in a hostile manner); 3) in any way whatever--To harass, trouble, molest one—3a) To persecute, 3b) To be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something; 4) without the idea of hostility--To run after, follow after: someone; 5) metaph.--To pursue—5a) To seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire. Strong—To pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication--To persecute.?A prolonged(& causative) form of a primary verb diw(to flee; compare the base of deilov[timid/faithless] & diakonov[an attendant, i.e. a waiter(at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher & pastor(technically, a deacon or deaconess)]).
“Lay hold of & Laid hold of Me/I mayApprehend & I am Apprehended”(See :13)2X—katalambanw—2ndAorist Active Subjunctive 1st Sing. -&- Aorist Passive Indicative 1st Sing.—1) To lay hold of—1a) To lay hold of so as to make one's own, to obtain, attain to, to make one's own, to take into one's self, appropriate, 1b) To seize upon, take possession of—1b1) Of evils overtaking one, of the last day overtaking the wicked with destruction, of a demon about to torment one, 1b2) in a good sense--Of Christ by his holy power & influence laying hold of the human mind & will, in order to prompt & govern it, 1c) To detect, catch, 1d) To lay hold of with the mind—1d1) To understand, perceive, learn, comprehend. Strong—To take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.(literally or figuratively). Used 15X.?From—kata—1) Down from, through out; 2) According to, toward, along. Strong—a primary particle; prepositionally--Down(in place or time), in varied relations(according to the case [genitive case, dative case or accusative case] with which it is joined).—&—lambanw—To take(in very many applications, literally & figuratively[properly objective or active]--To get hold of).
“That”—o,—OR—feminine--h, —OR—neuter--to—Article—1) This, that, these, etc. Strong—The definite article; The(sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
“The”[Present in TR/Byz Greek texts]—o,—OR—feminine--h, —OR—neuter--to—Article—1) This, that, these, etc. Strong—The definite article; The(sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
“Christ”(See :7, 8, 9, 14)—Cristov—
“Jesus”(See :8)—Ihsouv—Noun Proper Masc.—Jesus = “Jehovah is salvation”—of Hebrew origin [ewvwhy Yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; or evwhy Yeh-ho-shoo'-ah]; Jesus(i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord & two(three) other Israelites.
“Also”—kai—
:13—“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind & reaching forward to those things which are ahead,”
In order to lay hold of the fullness of salvation, we must “forget” the past in the sense of not dwelling on & in it. This forgetting is to lose out of mind due to a changed focus.
We must “reach forward” toward “those things” which are ahead of us...toward those things which the future holds. We must always be ‘moving forward’ rather than being hindered victims of our past. Though we pursue that which is unknown, untested, & uncomfortable to us, we pursue that of which God is well aware & has intended/planned for us.
Much of the difficulty of moving forward in a church is brought about by people who dwell on & in the past. Their past is fact, & they had been witnesses to how God moved in their own lives at that time. These may speak in glowing terms of the past while negatively comparing what’s happening today:
a.)Well, you know that things were much better here ‘when’ I got baptized.
b.)Oh things were great ‘when’ we got married here.
c.)It was wonderful ‘when’ Bro. So-&-So was pastor.
d.)Well, back in 19 & 52 this church was full, or influential, or bigger, or better in some way.
e.)Back when I was in charge of whatever(fill-in-the blank) things were better or God was honored.
Rather, it would be much ‘better’ for ourselves & others if we were together to consider what things of God you had previously “laid hold of”, so that God can use those things in you NOW to effect today’s population of lost & saved sinners!
“I”—egw—Pronoun—1) I, me, my. Strong—a primary pronoun of the first person I(only expressed when emphatic).
“Myself”—emautou—Pronoun—1) I, me, myself etc.. Strong—genitive case compound of emou & autov; Of myself(so likewise the dative case emautw; & accusative case emauton).
“Count/Regard/Reckon”—logizomai—Verb—1) To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over—1a) To take into account, to make an account of—1a1) metaph.--To pass to one's account, to impute, 1a2) A thing is reckoned as or to be something, i.e. as availing for or equivalent to something, as having the like force & weight, 1b) To number among, reckon with, 1c) To reckon or account; 2) To reckon inward, count up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate; 3) by reckoning up all the reasons--To gather or infer—3a) To consider, take into account, weigh, meditate on, 3b) To suppose, deem, judge, 3c) To determine, purpose, decide. Strong—middle voice from logov[something said; a topic; reasoning or motive; a computation]; To take an inventory, i.e. Estimate (literally or figuratively).
“Apprehended/Apprehend/Laid hold of”(See :12—lambanw)—katalambanw—Perfect Active Infinitive—1) To lay hold of—1a) To lay hold of so as to make one's own, to obtain, attain to, to make one's own, to take into one's self, appropriate, 1b) To seize upon, take possession of—1b1) Of evils overtaking one, of the last day overtaking the wicked with destruction, of a demon about to torment one, 1b2) in a good sense--Of Christ by his holy power & influence laying hold of the human mind & will, in order to prompt & govern it, 1c) To detect, catch, 1d) To lay hold of with the mind—1d1) To understand, perceive, learn, comprehend. Strong—To take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.(literally or figuratively). Used 15X.?
“But/Yet”—de—Conjunction—1) But, moreover, &, etc.. Strong—a primary particle(adversative or continuative); But, &, etc..
“One thing”—eiv—Numeral—1) One. Strong—(including the neuter[etc.] en); a primary numeral; One.
“I do”[implied]—men—Particle—1) Truly, certainly, surely, indeed. Strong—a primary particle; properly--Indicative of affirmation or concession(in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with de(this one, the former, etc).
“Forgetting”—epilanyanomai—Verb—1) To forget; 2) Neglecting, no longer caring for; 3) Forgotten, given over to oblivion, i.e. Uncared for. Strong—To lose out of mind; by implication--To neglect. Used 8X.?From—epi—1) Upon, on, at, by, before; 2) of position--On, at, by, over, against; 3) To, over, on, at, across, against. Strong— Over, upon, etc.; of rest--At, on, etc.; of direction--Towards, upon, etc.—&—lanyanw—1) To be hidden, to be hidden from one, secretly, unawares, without knowing. Strong—To lie hid (literally or figuratively); often used adverbially--Unwittingly. Not actively lost
“Those Things Which/What”2X——
“Behind/Lies Behind”—opisw—Adverb—1) Back, behind, after, afterwards—1a) of place--Things that are behind, 1b) of time--After. Strong—from the same as opisyen with enclitic of direction; To the back, i.e. Aback(as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun). Used 36X.
“Reaching Forward/Reaching Forth”—epekteinomai—Verb—1) To stretch out to or towards; 2) To stretch(one's self) forward to. Strong—To stretch(oneself) forward upon.?
“Ahead/Before”—emprosyen—Adverb—1) In front, before—1a) before, i.e. In that local region which is in front of a person or thing, 1b) before--In the presence of, i.e. Opposite to, over against one, 1c) before--In the sight of, 1d) before--Denoting rank. Strong—In front of(in place [literally or figuratively] or time).?
:14—“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
In reaching toward the future, we are “pressing toward”, not just ‘a’ or ‘any’ “goal”, but toward “the” “goal.”
A specific “prize” is awarded to those aiming for the specific “goal.” The “prize” is awarded on the basis of answering the “upward”(higher/heavenward) “call of God” which is found “in Christ Jesus.”
The specific identification of that “prize” may not be stated here. However, it is understood that all true Christians are aware of & expect to receive the “prize.” OR rather, the ‘prize” is the “upward call” itself! It is another way of stating that we should strive for, “the resurrection from the dead.”
*The “prize” received is one’s personal Christlikeness which, in the end, will be perfected in the believer. The righteousness that is not our own(:9) will have been perfected in our pursuing & ultimately reaching “the goal” thru our faith.
“Press/Press On/Pursue”(See :12)—diwkw—Present Active Indicative 1st Sing.—1) To make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away; 2) To run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after—2a) To press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal, 2b) To pursue(in a hostile manner); 3) in any way whatever--To harass, trouble, molest one—3a) To persecute, 3b) To be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something; 4) without the idea of hostility--To run after, follow after: someone; 5) metaph.--To pursue—5a) To seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire. Strong—To pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication--To persecute.?A prolonged(& causative) form of a primary verb diw(to flee; compare the base of deilov[timid/faithless] & diakonov[an attendant, i.e. a waiter(at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher & pastor(technically, a deacon or deaconess)]).
“Toward”—kata—Preposition—1) Down from, through out; 2) According to, toward, along. Strong—a primary particle; prepositionally--Down(in place or time), in varied relations(according to the case [genitive case, dative case or accusative case] with which it is joined).
“Goal”—skopov—Noun Accusative Sing. Masc.—English=‘Scope’—1) An observer, a watchman; 2) The distant mark looked at, the goal or end one has in view. Strong—A watch(sentry or scout), i.e. by implication--A goal. Used 1X.?From—skeptomai—To peer about[“skeptic”]. Perhaps akin to skaptw[to dig] through the idea of concealment; compare skepasma[clothing]).
“For”—epi—Preposition—1) Upon, on, at, by, before; 2) of position--On, at, by, over, against; 3) To, over, on, at, across, against. Strong—properly, meaning superimposition(of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution[with the genitive case], i.e. Over, upon, etc.; of rest(with the det.)--At, on, etc.; of direction(with the accusative case)--Towards, upon, etc.
“Prize”—brabeion—Noun Neuter—1) The award to the victor in the games, a prize; 2) metaph.--Of the heavenly reward for Christian character. Strong—An award(of arbitration), i.e. specially--A prize in the public games. Used 2X.?From—brabeuv—An umpire of uncertain derivation.
“Upward/High/Heavenward”—anw—Adverb—1) Up, upwards, above, on high; 2) Of the quarters of the heaven, northward; 3) Of countries, inland, up from the coast; 4) Of time, formerly. In Gal. 4:26 the word could refer to either place or time, (i.e. place - the Jerusalem which is above - in the heavens, or time - the eternal Jerusalem which preceded the earthly one) Strong—Upward or on the top. Used 9X.?From—anti—a primary particle; Opposite, i.e. Instead or because of(rarely--In addition to).
“Call/Calling”—klhsiv—Noun Fem.—1) A calling, calling to; 2) A call, invitation—2a) To a feast, 2b) Of the divine invitation to embrace salvation of God. Strong—An invitation(figuratively). Used 11X.
“In”—en—
“Christ”(See :7, 8, 9, 12)—Cristov—
“Jesus”(See :8, 12)—Ihsouv—
:15—“Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; & if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.”
Therefore—in view of the above argument, those who are “mature” or ‘perfect’ are ‘attainers of heaven’s blessing’ are to have a certain or particular attitude, altitude or “mind.”
Their attitude, altitude, or “mind” is to be that of Paul’s, who is pressing on/persevering toward the goal of the upward call of God(:14).
That same attitude must incorporate every part of my being. So much so that if there is any portion of my life out of sync with that God-ordained attitude, then God will “reveal” it to me.
I may be out of kilter with God in a particular matter, but that does not mean that God’s personal direction is out of reach for me. It just means that I do not have clarity, from Him, regarding a particular matter.
*If I truly desire to hear His voice in my life, I will always be seeking His direction—Thru personal & corporate prayer, Thru personal & corporate study of His word, Thru personal & corporate worship, Thru personal & corporate conversation with other brothers & sisters of the same faith...
...And by His direction, in His time, & by His means, He “WILL reveal” to you/me/us our sidestepping the ultimate goal.
In so doing we will regain our spiritual “maturity” & get back on the path with Him!
In this exhortation there is also the assumption that there are Christians who are immature(incomplete), among those that are “mature”(complete)!
“Therefore”—oun—Particle—1) Then, therefore, accordingly, consequently, these things being so. Strong—apparently a primary word; adverbially--Certainly, or conjunctionally--Accordingly.
“As Many as”—osov—Correlative Pronoun—1) As great as, as far as, how much, how many, whoever. Strong—by reduplication from ov, h, o[who, which, what, that]; As(much, great, long, etc.) as.
“Mature/Perfect”(See :12—teleiow)—teleiov—Adj.—1) Brought to its end, finished; 2) Wanting nothing necessary to completeness; 3) Perfect; 4) That which is perfect—4a) Consummate human integrity & virtue, 4b) of men—4b1) Full grown, adult, of full age, mature. Strong—Complete(in various applications of labor, growth, mental & moral character, etc.); neuter(as noun, with the article o, h, to)--Completeness. Used 19X.
“Mind/Minded/Attitude” & “Think/Minded”(See :16)—fronew—Verb—1) To have understanding, be wise; 2) To feel, to think—2a) To have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion(though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty, 2b) To think or judge what one's opinion is, 2c) To be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious; 3) To direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for—3a) To seek one's interest or advantage, 3b) To be of one's party, side with him(in public affairs). Strong—To exercise the mind, i.e. Entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication--To be (mentally)disposed(more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively--To interest oneself in(with concern or obedience). Used 29X.
“Anything”—tiv—Pronoun—1) A certain, a certain one; 2) Some, some time, a while. Strong—an enclitic indefinite pronoun; Some or any person or object.
“Otherwise/Differently/Different”—eterwv—Adverb—1) Otherwise, differently. Strong—Differently. Used 1X.
“Reveal”—apokaluptw—Verb—1) To uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up—1a) Disclose, make bare; 2) To make known, make manifest, disclose what before was unknown. Apokaluptw is an “unveiling” or internal disclosure, to the thinking believer, & abiding. Strong—To take off the cover, i.e. Disclose. Used 26X.
“Even”—kai—
“This”—touto—Pronoun—1) That(thing), this(thing). Strong—That thing.
:16—“Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”
I am to maintain that God-driven standard of living to which I have “already attained.” I am to operate within the parameters God has “already” established. This is vital for me in those times when I am uncertain of the way....when I have not yet had God’s path revealed to me(:15).
“Nevertheless”, if I am still “walking” within the confines of “the same rule” to which Christ has already shown me, & if I am continuing to live for Him, being “of the same mind” by which Christ has already laid hold of me, then I will only momentarily lose sight of the goal. I will not stray off on some wild, life-altering tangential course commanded by the flesh & men. I will remain in God’s graces with my heart dedicated & surrendered to Him.
No one gives up on Mom & Dad, a child, siblings, etc., just because they are out of sight do they?!
God’s people must stay in their lane in the race as it were.
It is said that at the foot of a mountain in the Swiss Alps there is a marker which gives an epitaph of a climber who had fallen to his death. It reads, “He died climbing.” All Christians are equipped & expected to do the same.—John MacArthur
“Nevertheless/However”—plhn—Adverb—1) Moreover, besides, but, nevertheless; 2) Besides, except, but. Strong—Moreover(besides), i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.
“To The Degree/Whereto/To Which”—eiv o——eiv—Preposition—1) Into, unto, to, towards, for, among. Strong—a primary preposition; To or Into(indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or figuratively--Purpose(result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases.—&—ov, h , o—Pronoun—1) Who, which, what, that. Strong—the relative(sometimes demonstrative)pronoun--Who, which, what, that.
Same”2X—autov—Pronoun—1) Himself, herself, themselves, itself; 2) He, she, it; 3) The same. Strong—from the particle au[perhaps akin to the base of ahr[air] through the idea of a baffling wind]--Backward; the reflexive pronoun--Self, used(alone or in the comparative eautou) of the third person , & (with the proper personal pronoun)of the other persons.
“Already Attained”—fyanw—1Aorist Active Indicative 1st Plural—1) To come before, precede, anticipate; 2) To come to, arrive at; 3) To reach, attain to. Strong—apparently a primary verb; To be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension--To have arrived at. Used 7X.
“Walk/Keep Living”—stoicew—Present Active Infinitive—1) To proceed in a row as the march of a soldier, go in order—1a) metaph.--To go on prosperously, to turn out well; 2) To walk—2a) To direct one's life, to live. Strong—To march in (military)rank(keep step), i.e. figuratively--To conform to virtue & piety. Used 5X.?From a derivative of—steicw—To range in regular line.
“Rule/Standard”—kanwn—Noun Masc.—English=‘Canon’—1) A rod or straight piece of rounded wood to which any thing is fastened to keep it straight—1a) used for various purposes—1a1) A measuring rod, rule, 1a2) A carpenter's line or measuring tape, 1a3) The measure of a leap, as in the Olympic games; 2) A definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one's power of influence is confined—2a) The province assigned one, 2b) One's sphere of activity; 3) metaph.--Any rule or standard, a principle or law of investigating, judging, living, acting. Strong—from kanh(a straight reed, i.e. rod); a rule(“canon”), i.e. figuratively--A standard(of faith & practice); by implication--A boundary, i.e. figuratively--A sphere(of activity). Used 5X.
“Mind”(See :15)—fronew—Present Active Infinitive—1) To have understanding, be wise; 2) To feel, to think—2a) To have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion(though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty, 2b) To think or judge what one's opinion is, 2c) To be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious; 3) To direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for—3a) To seek one's interest or advantage, 3b) To be of one's party, side with him(in public affairs). Strong—To exercise the mind, i.e. Entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication--To be (mentally)disposed(more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively--To interest oneself in(with concern or obedience). Used 29X.
Focus on ‘THE’ GOAL! Why? Because at the goal, at the end there is a prize.
My/Your/Our Prize is a reward for & in the ‘journey’ of faith!
My/Your/Our Prize is attained thru being found worthy of being called of God!
Our prize is not so much tangible...it’s not for praise, a trophy, money, reputation, or even acceptance or recognition...
The Christian’s “prize” is that which falls upon him/her in our declaration of the Master’s praise(Ps. 22:3) thru the surrender of our very life to Him!
Ps. 22:3—“But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
Mat. 18:19-20—“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
The “prize” is consummated & concludes in our place with God in eternity!
Argumentation:
Isa. 41:10—“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Isa. 12:2—“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust & not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength & song; He also has become my salvation.’”
Deut. 5:31-32—“‘But as for you, stand here by Me, & I will speak to you all the commandments, the statutes, & the judgments which you shall teach them, that they may observe them in the land which I am giving them to possess.’ “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.”
Heb. 12:1-3—“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, & the sin which so easily ensnares us, & let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author & finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, & has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary & discouraged in your souls.”
1Kgs. 3:5-14(2Chron. 1:7-12)—“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; & God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, & in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, & You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good & evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, & have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise & understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches & honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes & My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
Illustration:
Now I’m am no basketball fan/But I know that particularly if the game is neck-&-neck, & the guy who’s finally given the the ball to break the tie, will NOT shoot blindly into the crowd!/He will instead, do his utmost to get the ball into the hoop...
And the team does not do this once or twice!...their focus must be maintained thruout the game—You see, the ultimate GOAL is to defeat the other team!/That goal guides all of their actions—All of their conversation with the coach(honoring him), All of their conversation with one another, All of their knowledge & trust of one another’s abilities, All of their efforts/FOCUS On The GOAL
During lunch-time our dogs(Little Bit & Hershey) follow me to the kitchen/They instantaneously appear under my feet when I’m preparing a meal/They know that I will give them a piece of whatever I’m eating/God made dogs so that they will eat just about anything @ anytime & unlimited amounts of it/They follow me because they don’t want to miss out!/their GOAL is to eat/They know that once I sit down with lunch, that they will not get any of what I’m eating/FOCUS On The GOAL
Application:
?Are you FOCUSed On The GOAL?...
...or have you lost sight of it?
?Are you maintaining your commitment to Christ Jesus?
?Is your FOCUS on the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?
CONCLUSION:
Visualization:
David & Paula's commitment to God's calling.
Action:
Those who maintain their commitment to Christ...
4. FOCUS On The GOAL(:11-16)
1. SEPARATE TRASH From TREASURE(:7-8)
2. CHOOSE The TREASURE(:9)
3. NURTURE INTIMACY With HIM(:10)
Pt. 4 only!-END SERIES- presented 02/04/2018pm to:
FBC Cbelle
206 Storrs Ave. SE(SE Ave. A)
Carrabelle, FL 32322
Presented 11/27/1998am to:
PENIA Baptist Church
3738 Old Penia Rd.
Cordele, GA 31015
CHILDREN’S— ‘Tie Your Shoes’
Pair of shoes with shoelaces. Must continue to tie them daily.
