Straining Toward The Right Goal | Finding Joy, Part 6

Straining Toward The Right Goal | Finding Joy, Part 6

Philippians 3:12-21

Distraction sucks the life out of pursuing goals.

Philippians 3:16

Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

1. You will find Joy in Pursuing Jesus Christ

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s language indicates effort, intentionality, and difficulty:

The effort of not becoming distracted with temporary happiness.

The intentionality of not letting the past chain us or weigh us down.

The difficulty of holding on to a LIFETIME call by God of holiness.

Philippians 3:10

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death (NIV)

Our life should be less of standing in a pool and more like moving upstream.

Quotes from the other Pastors’ sermons in this series:

Pastor Jon: “if something keeps you from pursuing Christ, shouldn’t it be trashed?”

Pastor Eber: “How can my current challenges used to advance the Gospel?”

Pastor Stu: “When we are more concerned about ourselves (me 1st attitude), then we are not concerned with what’s best for the church”

Pastor Jeremy: “when we go above and beyond, even if it creates a burden for you, people see that and they see Christ.”

2. You will find Joy in Discipling Others

Philippians 3:17

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

If you are a Christian, then I implore you to follow Paul’s example: pursue Christ and take the time to invest in discipling someone.

3. You will NOT find Joy in Rebellion

Philippians 3: 18-21

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Rebellion is a life that values a “pack of M&Ms” more than “Disney World”

Rebellion’s spiritual mindset: temporary, worldly happiness is worth more than eternity with Jesus.

Putting faith in Jesus Christ:

First, we must repent and ask forgiveness of our rebellious, selfish desires. Our sin.

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Second, we must put our faith in Jesus Christ: that He is the Son of God, lived a perfect life, died in our place on the Cross, and rose again on the 3rd day.

Romans 5:8

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9

if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Third, we strive to live obedient lives by God’s grace

God promises forgiveness and cleansing in 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In Jesus, you will find joy.