A Better Relationship HHM April 28 2002
Philippians 3:13-15
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. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
1 Many people will make new commitments and promises This happens most of the time at the beginning of each New Year.
2 . They will try to think of something that will improve their life or how others think about them. They will try to think of one thing that they need to do or stop doing that will make them a better person.
In this passage in Philippians I believe that Paul has a similar idea. Paul says that the one thing that he wants to do above all else is to serve the Lord better:
-"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended" --Paul says I have not completely grasped everything I can for Christ. I have not yet learned all that I can learn, I have not yet done all that I can do for Christ.
3 . Paul was a very Godly Christian, but even in his life he knew he could do more for God.
"forgetting those things which are behind," What good is what has be gone and you can’t change?
Paul said forgetting those things which are behind, meaning forgetting all the works he has done for God in the past.
Sometimes we think about what we have done for God and we feel we have done all we need to do. Now we can rest.
4 . Paul said I am not going to think about what I have done, I am going to thing about what I can do.
I have met good Christians that have felt that they have been serving the Lord a long time and now they just need a little rest from the work.
Usually when that happens the get backslidden.
They allow sin to creep into their lives.
5. We must realize we are in a never ending Battle.
When you are in the middle of a war you can not rest, because if you do the enemy will attack and destroy you.
We, have an enemy and he wants to destroy us, destroy me and you.:
1 Peter 5:8, 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.:
6. He is seeking the opportunity to destroy you and he will if you let him.
This church has seen a great year. People have been saved. We have this church
building Now what will we do with the building God has provided?
7. You must decide how you can best use the things God has given you.
Philippians 3:13-15
-"and reaching forward to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
8. Paul says I will commit myself to do all that I can to have a better relationship with Christ and glorify Him more.
What can you do to have a better relationship with Jesus Christ?
What can you do to help others hear about the gospel?
Jesus died so that people might be saved, what will you do to help?
I. You can have greater Faith.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
A. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
We must learn to trust God.
To believe that He is in control of all things.
His word, the Bible, is true and that God knows what is best for our lives.
In the Old Testament the Children of Israel always looked at the things the other nations had, and many times they complained to God because they didn’t have what the world had.
In Malachi 3 the bible tells us that they stopped giving their tithe to God because they felt there was no benefit to serving God.
We must believe that the things we receive from God are far better than the things we can get from the pleasures of this world.
B. First you must believe that He is.
This is more than just knowing that God exists.
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!
You must have a personal relationship with him. You must receive Him as your savior.
Mt. 7 tells us that on the day of judgment many people will stand before God and say Lord we have done many good works in your name, but He will say depart from me into everlasting fire because I never knew you.
--No matter how many good things you do, if you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior you will spend eternity in hell.
II. You can communicate to God more.
A. We communicate to God with through prayer:
Philippians 4:6, 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
B. He communicates to us through His Word:
Psalm 119:11
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!
David speaks of how he holds the word of God in his Heart..
This is so he knows right from wrong. He can evaluate all things against Gods word in his HEART
D. We can Love the Lord more.
Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life
Think of all the people you love and care about…..????
There are many people that I love and care for, but I love my wife more. If I had
to choose who I would rather live with it would be my wife, because I love her
more. If someone I loved wanted me to do something that would hurt my wife
I would not do it, because it is more important that I please my wife than that
I please others. As much as I love my wife I must love Jesus more.
Who do you want to please?
Who is more important to you?
Love the Lord more… Strive for the High calling In Christ Jesus
Take a stand with me today to have a greater Loving Relationship with the Lord
This can only make your life better… Amen
