Six Necessary essentials if you are going to pursue (lay hold of) effectively run a race in which you win the prize set before you.
Philippians 3:12-14 Charles e. Whisnant, January 09, 2011
1A AN AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO PURSUE A BETTER CONDITION: VS. 12
2A YOU MUST GIVE MAXIMUM EFFORT IN PURSUING THAT CONDITION: VS 12
“To become an exact replica, representation of Jesus Christ.
3A FOCUS CONCENTRATION TO PURSUE THAT BETTER:
“This one thing I do,” Paul said. He desired a close relationship with Christ.
A disciplined intention is needed:
HOW DO WE REMAIN FOCUSED?
1 Forgetting past failures and victories.
2 Stretching out every muscle and laying hold of all which Christ has given us.
4A SPIRITUAL MOTIVATION TO PURSUE THAT BETTER CONDITION: VS. 14
“Press on.” “Straightforward” to what is ahead.
We continue to bear down on the goal, which is to be like Christ, with focused discipline.
THE GOAL: To be like Christ.
THE PRIZE: To be made like Christ.
1 Conformity to Christ: Romans 8:29-30
2 Fellowship with Christ: I Corinthians 1:9
3 The peace of Christ: Colossians 3:15
4 Sanctification: I Thess. 4:7
5 Eternal Life: 1 Timothy 6:12
THE PRIZE:
The culmination of the whole work of salvation – with all its implications to which God has called us.
What was the motivation that sustained Paul, even in the midst of discouragement and frustration?
I will be made like Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:15; I Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 5:10
CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE SPECIALISTS:
Seek to know Christ as “the one thing” for which you live.
“The smaller the circumference of my thinking, the shorter the diameter of my mistakes.”
SOUND SPIRITUAL PHILOSOPHY
“Narrow down your thinking so as to concentrate more on Christ and less upon the things of the world and you cannot lose.”
