Things That Keep Us From The Deeper Relationships
1. We are self-centered
2. We don’t spend time with each other
3. We don’t talk to each other
READ PHILIPPIANS 3 (NKJV)
A. Our Relationship with God.
What is Paul telling us to do?
• To seek a deeper relationship with God
Christ as the Believer’s Prize
1. The Corruption-What is keeping us from this relationship? (3:1-3, 18-19)
a. Who are the foes?
* Judaizers (3:1-3)
b. What are the Foes?
* enemies of the cross (3:18)
* proud and sensual materialists (3:19b)
c. Where are the foes headed?
* eternal destruction (3:19a)
2. The Cost of Seeking this Relationship (3:4-8)
a. His prestige (3:4-5)
3. The Catch – Paul gave up what he thought was important to gain what God says is important – a deeper relationship. (3:7-8)
4. The Crown (3:9-14, 20-21)
Paul Gained Four Things
a. new righteousness (3:9-12)
b. new goal (3:13-14)
c. new home (3:20)
d. new body (3:21)
5. How To Build A Deeper Relationship with God?
a. Center our lives on Him, not ourselves
b. Spend more time with Him
c. Spend more time talking to Him
d. Spend more time sharing Him with others
Through this passage, Paul is impressing on all believers the importance of building a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
