Prescription For Spiritual Success
Philippians 3: 12-14 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, 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, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
He is saying “There is ONE thing I do --- I press on toward the goal – heaven and his eternal reward
1 Peter 1:4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you
2 Timothy 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing
... Be he gives some really good instructions about what to do right now
How to make spiritual progress ---
What every Christian needs to do
Don’t Rely On Past Blessing
vs 13 “one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind...
There are some things that have to be forgotten.
First, we have to realize that Paul is talking about spiritual virtues, virtuous deeds and achievements.
He’s not focused on spiritual blessings from the past. Not relying upon good that he has accomplished in the past.
This is a spiritual lesson that is found early in scripture.
O.T. Israel wandering through the desert – God sent them manna – they were instructed to gather what they needed for each day – if they tried to store it up for the next day – it turned bad – got worms in it –
The clear lesson – trust God each day for provision – DEPEND upon God everyday
NT – Jesus teaching the disciples to pray
“give us this day our daily bread”
We need God’s blessing – new life in Christ – everyday –
We need God’s power at work in us and through us – everyday
Why We Need Continuous And Current Spiritual Blessing
The Flesh And The Spirit Are In Opposition
Galatians 5:16,17
16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please
Romans 7:15
15For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
Romans 7:17-23
17So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
21I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
We Have A Spiritual Enemy
Ephesians 6:10-12
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Reach Forward – Be Intentional About Spiritual Growth
vs 13 – reaching forward to what lies ahead
Paul is proactive – reaching for the goal – reaching for Godliness
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore having these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God
1 Corinthians 9:24 –27
24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified
How do we become intentional about spiritual growth.
Present Ourselves As Slaves To Righteousness
Romans 6: 16,19
16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?
19I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
Consider Yourself Dead To Sin
Colossians 3:5-10
5Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him
Be Renewed In Your Mind
Romans 12:1-3
1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Remember God Is At Work In You
Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:12 ...work out your salvation with fear and trembling
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure
