This is the manuscript of the second sermon in the series "Stewardship is Everything"
Scripture:
Philippians 3:1-11 NIV Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Text:
Philippians 3:12-16 NIV Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Last week I talked about God’s commitment to us. Remember His commitment day was marked by weeping and sorrow, darkness, and angry curses. During all the pain of a Roman crucifixion, God committed himself to us and made us special to him. Our text last week was 1 Peter 2:9 but I want to add verse 10 today
1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
God’s commitment to us at Calvary is that He has given the opportunity for all who believe to become the children of God.
John 1:9-13 NIV The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Because God has committed himself fully to you, he can call you to commit your whole life to him—your tithes, abilities, and time. He has held nothing back. He gave himself wholly that you might be his people.
Today I want to talk about a man who committed himself to God. He was sold out to God because God through His Son Jesus saved him and completely changed his life.
That man the Apostle Paul serves as an example to us as God calls us to commit our whole lives to Him.
As you study the life of Paul, you realize the opportunities he once enjoyed. As far as men were concerned, Paul once had it all – power, position, and prestige. He was a rising star with a bright future within the religious elite in Jerusalem.
Philippians 3:4-6 NIV though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
All of that changed in a moment when he met the Lord in salvation.
Acts 9:1-6 NIV Meanwhile, Saul (who was also called Paul) was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Now drop your eyes down to
Acts 9:15-16 NIV But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
His coming to Christ and commitment to the Gospel cost him much of what he had acquired in the past. Many would have become depressed, but Paul saw life as it truly was. He realized all he had obtained prior to Christ was worthless when compared to his eternal position in Christ. He had learned true contentment in Christ and sought to instill that peace within other believers.
Philippians 3:7-9 NIV But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Philippians 4:10-13 NIV I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
He modeled complete allegiance to Christ, and yet Paul knew there was room for improvement in his life. His hunger for growth in the Lord never waned, and he lived his life in pursuit of complete, spiritual maturity. Having shared the realization of loss being gain, Paul now sought to challenge the Philippians to follow his example so He offered details of what a committed servant’s life should resemble.
Let’s examine the characteristics of such a servant as we consider: our commitment to serve.
We are going to look at a servant’s attitude, a servant’s ambition, a servant’s seriousness.
I. A Servant’s Attitude
Philippians 3:12 NIV Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Paul revealed his attitude and heart toward ministry.
He said “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,”
Bear in mind the many accomplishments he had already enjoyed in ministry. God had used him mightily following his conversion,
Acts 19:11-12 NIV God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
Yet Paul admits that he had not attained spiritual maturity. He admitted there was still room for continued growth in his life. While he enjoyed his position in Christ, he longed to know the Lord more intimately. Paul was not complacent or satisfied with his life and ministry. He was always looking for ways to grow and mature.
That is very humbling, and it ought to be for everyone who seeks to follow Christ and serve Him. If the great apostle knew he had not arrived, and saw room for improvement, we should really sense our need and strive for continued growth?
Paul knew that he had not attained his goal to know Christ more intimately so he continued to pursue that goal. He wrote "but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
Paul wanted a deeper knowledge of Christ. He followed after the Lord, seeking to take hold of that which was available in Christ. The Lord had taken hold of his life, miraculously transforming him, and Paul wanted everything that was available to him as a childof God. If there were any unrealized blessings or wisdom to obtain, Paul was determined to strive for those.
We live below our means spiritually today. The Lord has much for us and yet we are often content with just a little. We need the attitude of Paul in striving to obtain everything available in Christ.
II. A servant of Christ should have an attitude of humanity and hunger to grow. Now let’s look at Paul for our example of A Servant’s Ambition
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Here Paul discussed the passionate ambition he had in pursuing Christ. This kind of ambition is strong example for us to imitate.
First Paul admits that he is not where he wants to be in his desire to know Christ more intimately
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it”.
Again, Paul emphasizes his need for continued growth. He admits that he had not arrived spiritually. There was still much work to be completed. He desired a closer walk with the Lord and increased wisdom. Simply put Paul was never content or satisfied with his current position in Christ; he wanted more.
If we are honest, complacency is problem for us. Many of us are content with things as they are. We're content with our current spiritual standing. There is no desire for anything more than what is currently happening.
Of course, I am certainly thankful for all the Lord has done for me but I am in no way satisfied with things as they are. I know there is room for personal growth in my life. And I know that it is the same for you.
Next let’s look at Paul’s approach now that he had admitted that he is not where he wants to be in his desire to know Christ more intimately
Let's look again at
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sensing the need for continued growth, Paul reveals his approach. There were three phases to this approach.
First Paul resolved to:
1. Forget the Past
Forgetting what is behind
He had a varied past in ministry. There had been seasons of great victory and struggles that lead to defeat. Paul refused to live in the past. He knew the victories of yesterday were not sufficient for the needs of today, and the defeats of the past could not dictate his future.
He wanted to learn from his past, but refused to allow the past to direct his course of action for the Lord. Far too many of us are living in the past. We must be willing to let it go for the sake of our future!
2 Paul solution was to embrace the present
straining toward what is ahead
Paul was committed to reaching out and pushing toward the things that were currently in front of him. He didn’t have time to live in the past; there were too many wonderful opportunities for today. He couldn’t worry so much about the future that he neglected current needs. Paul knew he had to live in the moment, embracing every opportunity the Lord provided. He wanted to make an impact for the Lord every day. He wanted to be faithful in service every moment. Remember where Paul was when he wrote this letter. He was in jail and he wanted to make an impact for the Lord even there.
Look at what he wrote.
Philippians 1:12-14 NIV Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
We should always plan but in our planning we often miss wonderful ministry opportunities that are presented every day. We often look for the big event to happen when the Lord is often working behind the scenes, in less obvious places. We should wake up every day, expecting the Lord to present opportunities for us to be of service, right where we are. The church’s greatest impact comes through intentional, one on one interaction in ministry.
3. Paul also Anticipated the Future
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul kept his eye on the prize. He was committed to serving the Lord, and he refused to allow the distractions and disappointments of life to cloud his vision. He kept his eyes on the most important thing.
It was like he was saying that he was not going to waste time worrying about the foolish mistakes and sins of the past but, concerned with the main thing, he was going to press on toward the goal ahead.
Paul started well with the Lord and he was determined to finish well. There was no time or place to abandon the work. He had a lot more to do and Paul remained focused on the work he had been commanded to do.
Acts 9:15 NIV But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
Paul had a holy dissatisfaction with where he was at so he kept pressing on. Yesterday’s blessings or experiences wouldn’t do for today. He walked daily with the Lord, always wanting more, always learning, always growing, never treading water or coasting. We can live our lives the same way.
We must make effective use of our time, but we must also maintain our perspective. We all started well, and should be determined to finish well for Him!
III. And finally, let’s look at Paul’s example for us of a how serious we should be as God’s children and servants.
Philippians 3:15 NIV All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Paul had revealed his committed determination and approach to ministry. He then admonished all mature believers to share the same determination. I admit that he had set the bar high in Christian service, but mature Christians are expected to exhibit the same level of commitment. Every mature believer should be like minded with Paul regarding committed service for the Lord. We must be willing to forget the past, embrace the present, and anticipate the future, while being effective in service to Christ.
Paul knew the Lord would speak to the hearts of His people through the Spirit and the Word. As they continued to follow Christ, they could rest assured of the guidance and conviction of the Word and the Spirit.
Committed service to Christ can be an intimidating task, but we are not without guidance. We too can rest in the direction of the Spirit and the guidance of the Word.
We just talked about that in our series on Finding and Following God’s Guidance. God’s guidance is available. We can seek it, receive it, and trust it. Information about his guidance is available in his Guidebook the Bible.
He has provided the resources necessary to serve Him faithfully and effectively. One thing is certain – God will never lead you in an area of service contrary to His Word. He will always ignite the hearts of those who genuinely seek Him.
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
C. The Continuation
Philippians 3:16 NIV Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Paul affirmed his commitment to the faith and he is challenging us to commit ourselves too. We've all been born again in Christ, placed within His body, and commissioned to share the same Gospel. Every believer had a personal obligation to continue in the faith, pursuing a closer walk with the Lord.
I want to stress this today. We are also obligated to continue in the faith, remaining committed in service to Christ. We must stand together, united in faith, seeking to proclaim the Gospel and advance the Kingdom. There are no limits to what our Lord can accomplish through believers who are united in Him!
Conclusion:
There is too much at stake for us to abandon the effort or stop our pursuit of continued growth.
Let's pray
God, we want to be a people of courage and commitment. We want to live to please you and not other people. We want to build our lives on a biblical worldview and stand courageously for our faith. We make these two commitments today: First, we accept your Word as our authority. It’s a strong foundation for our lives. Second, Lord, we want to spend time with you every day. We want to get to know you personally. We want to be so full of joy and courage that people say, ‘That person’s been with Jesus.’ Help us to be fearless for the truth. In your name I pray. Amen.”
Sermon Audio
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