RENOUNCE EvERYTHING FOR CHRIST

Similar documents
Christ. He took the punishment for your sins at the cross. Through His death you can begin the Christian life.

Don t Look Back Meditation on Philippians 3:4-14 Oct. 8, 2017 Merritt Island Presbyterian Church ***

THAT I MAY KNOW HIM PHILIPPIANS 3:10-14

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5

Greetings from God the Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. The Book of Concord, in the Formula of Concord, states In the third

Moving On. How Do We Make it Home? Philippians 3:1-21

Yes, skubalon means dung. Philippians 3:4-14

Biblical Resolutions for the New Year. Philippians 3: 7-11

A FOCUS FOR LIFE Sunday School- August 15, 2010 Unifying Topic: LIVING INTO THE FUTURE

Philippians 3:7-21 King James Version February 3, 2019

The Christian Arsenal

The first principle for pursuing the prize is that we must

Pressing Toward the Prize Philippians 3:12-16

A vote of no confidence

Lesson 3 Confidence in the Flesh and Paul s Example Philippians 3

Cereal Box Christians Doug Hamilton

Gleanings of Grace. Philippians 3

Paul s Present. The New International Version. (2011). (Php 3:12 14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Philippians 3:7-21 New American Standard Bible February 3, 2019

A Passion for Jesus Introduction Today: My Goal is to give you an example of a Person who had a passion for Jesus. Outline: Application:

KNOWING GOD. Moses was on somewhat of a quest when he said to God in Exodus 33:18 I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

C & C: It Is The Lord!

Reaching For The Prize Philippians 3:12-16 NKJV

Lose Your Religion, Choose Your Relationship!

Philippians Chapter 3

Philippians. CHAPTER 3:1-11 Lesson 10

Acts 8:4 5 4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 1

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Pressing Saints or Belly Worshippers

CHOICES Philippians 3: Everything that blesses or burdens our lives is tied up in the choices we make.

Growing in Grace Philippians 3: 7-11

Devote All To Christ

DASV: Digital American Standard Version. DASV: Philippians 1

The Book of Philippians Notes: Doug Hamilton

A Passion to Know Him. We are going to back up to the beginning of chapter 3 this morning

Pressing Toward the Goal Scripture Text: Philippians 3:12-14

Who Are You? Philippians 3:1-11

I want us (Crossroads) to be alive, and on fire for God and the Gospel of God. Growing in faith together as a body, as a family.

WILL HEAVEN BE THE SAME FOR EVERYONE? Part Two

PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER ONE

INDUCTIVE LESSON NINE 1 Corinthians 9

The Book of Philippians

Valley Bible Church Sermon Transcript

Running The Race 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

THERE IS LIFE IN CHRIST! THE OLD TESTAMENT GAVE THE LAW. WHEN CHRIST CAME HE BROUGHT LOVE AND LIFE.

FAITH. And HEARING JESUS. Robert Lyte Holy Spirit Teachings

Paul's Thorn In The Flesh. 2 Corinthians 12: 1-10

Scripture Work Sheets

Scripture Work Sheets

Message: My life changed Do you see yourself in the Bible? Do you ever read about the lives of the people in the Bible and think, Gosh, that sounds

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL December 13, How Can I To Rejoice at a Time Like This?

B. The Philippian Congregation Was A Loving, Faithful, Devoted Group Of Christians. 1. Paul loved and appreciated them dearly!

Pressing on toward the Goal of our Salvation

Philippians 3:

Study Notes For Philippians

Our Text Phil. 3:12-14

Philippians 3: Stanly Community Church

Daily readings during the 2012 Games

THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

Philippians: Moving Toward Togetherness Together With Christ Lesson Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14

The Sermon on the Mount

Putting On the Breastplate of Righteousness. Ephesians 6:10-14

When you want to be well thought of what pedigree, accomplishment, or association do you use to build credibility?

A Practical Study of PHILIPPIANS

Cultivate and Model Godliness 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Justin Deeter June 12, 2016

THE CASE WHERE LOSS IS GAIN PHIL.3:4-16

SERMON FOR MORNING PRAYER The Second Sunday after Easter. The Rev d Warren E. Shaw, Rector

Pursue: Philippians 3:1-21. January 20, Dr. Steve Horn

August/Think the Right Kind Of Thoughts. September/Say the Right Kind of Words. October/Set Specific Goals

Living a Cross-Shaped Life

Armor of God-Breastplate of Righteousness

UNSTOPPABLE THEN and NOW An Unlikely Missionary

The Christian is not a good man. He is a vile wretch who has been saved by the grace of God. DR. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES

Philippians: God s Story in Ours: Profit and Loss

Lesson 10 5 April, Pressing Toward The Mark

Some will run the race too fast.

1:13 So that my chains in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 1:14 For many of the brothers in the Lord, growing

Paul s Foolish Boasting 2 Corinthians 11:21-22 Part One

The Christian Winning by Losing

Conscience Without Offense, Part 1

3 rd & 4 th Grade Student Workbook

The Warm- Up. The Workout TEAM. Lesson: Strong Faith

Where Is Your Confidence? Philippians 3:4-14

17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then?

FCA Student Leader Training Thursday, August 16 th BPCC Gym. Northwest LA FCA Staff. Terry Slack (318)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Ro.

A Life Like No Other A Study in Philippians

Launching Into 2012 Text : Philippians 3: 1-16 ( Esp. Vs )

Love Letters. Lesson 13: Philippians 3

Proposition: In this passage, God declares that seeking the LORD is to give him the glory as you seek him alone with all your heart.

Righteousness In Christ (3:1-9) Notes: Week Five

Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry. Precious. Eyes. in the. Part 1. This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number. My Group Leader is: Group Number

The Christian Arsenal

After the sung Responsorial Psalm

Circle the verse(s) or phrase from the above scripture that sticks out to you the most and write below why you like it:

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

short time had been less than a year, but with no communication that is a long time to wait.

1 Corinthians Chapter 1 Continued

Breakthrough: Acts 3 Unleashing the Power! 1/25/15

UNDERSTANDING PHILIPPIANS

Transcription:

RENOUNCE EvERYTHING FOR CHRIST Lesson Scripture: Philippians 3: 1-16 Focus Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14 Key Verses: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ] esus. Philippians 3: 13,14 (NRSV) PHILIPPIANS 3:7-14 (NRSV) 7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 1 0 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 3:7-14 (KJV) 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus... 50

KEY TERMS Surpassing Value: Excellence, preeminence. Suffering: Affliction. Rubbish: Worthless, any refuse, garbage.. ' Press Toward the Mark: Run swiftly in the direction of the goal. Faith: Conviction that a belief is absolutely true. INTRODUCTION Gatherers and hoarders accumulate. Collection rates vary, but everyone has extra things. Perhaps you have an abundance of material possessions such as shoes, jewelry, books, and clothes. Or maybe you amass titles, diplomas, awards, recognition, and promotions. Possibly you compile jokes, recipes, proverbs, trivia, stories, pictures. Even worse, you may store bitterness, unforgiveness, worries, fear. None of these wholly contributes to spiritual growth. In the grand scheme of things, we may spend too much of our energy and efforts on meaningless things. Why don't we make a change? Let stuff go. Focus on whatever helps you grow closer to Christ. Aim for heavenly possessions; they are far more valuable than anything this world offers. Lesson 10 51 TELLING THE BIBLE STORY Pau I desires to know Christ-to be deemed righteous - to suffer - to experience resurrection power. Because of his faith, Paul is willing to sacrifice everything -to undergo trials - to experience anything that will make him like Christ. Paul set a prescribed course. In his view, he had a heavenly reward, which is everlasting life. Renounce It All (verses 7-11) Paul had an impressive resume. An Israelite, descended from Abraham, his ancestry traced to the tribe of Benjamin. A leading Rabbi, Gamaliel, a leader of the Sanhedrin, educated him. Paul held the distinct honor of being a Pharisee. Born in Tarsus, Paul was a Roman citizen, which afforded him the privilege of appealing to Caesar. With all of this at his disposal, Paul could have wielded power throughout the Empire. Instead, Paul readily gives up the titles for the sake of Christ. In fact, Paul classifies his pedigree as manure. Paul spurned secular accolades that he wanted God's approval - to have righteousness based up his firm belief that Jesus died and rose again, so that Paul could do the same. Racing Toward the Finish Line (verses 12-14) Ancient Olympic Games held during a religious festival honoring Zeus had

competitors from all parts of Greece. Athletes spent months in training. During training, perspective participants exercised and ate special diets. Trainers helped athletes develop muscles that would make them competitive and hopefully victorious. Every contestant was expected to follow the rules. Paul, familiar with these games, ~-~es the Olympic Games as an analogy. Like Olympians, Paul moves steadily toward his goal. At track meets, once runners leave the blocks they do not look backwards. They run as fast as they can toward the finish line. Their goal is to win. polio and double pneumonia, and scarlet fever almost claimed her life. The bout with polio caused Rudolph to wear a brace on her left leg. Her mother took her to a doctor at Meharry Medical College where she was prescribed therapeutic massage. For two years, Rudolph's family took turns massaging her leg. Rudolph's mother advised that belief in God's power would result in healing. Rudolph's Christian faith helped her overcome her disabilities. This same faith helped her Like these athletes, Paul lightened his load forgive Americans for the way they treated African Americans. Rudolph, a runner, strived to move closer The word Paul uses to by shedding his past. to her Savior, Jesus describe his progress is "press." This Greek word for press, dioko (pronounced de-6'- ko ), means to run swiftly in a race to reach the goal. Olympians competed nude. This would rid them of any encumbrance that would impede their performance. Like these athletes, Paul lightened his load by shedding his past. He set his sights on one goal - the prize that comes from answering God's heavenly call. SANKOFA Christ. She advised that, "Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday." (https://www.biography.com/ people/wilma-rudolph-9466552) CASE STUDY Demond Wilson, best known as Lamont Wilma Rudolph, from Clarksville, on the hit TV series, Sanford and Son, Tennessee, the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field, was born prematurely. She contracted had a highly successful acting career. Raised in New York, Wilson began acting after he returned from a tour in Vietnam. 52..

He appeared in several stage plays. After moving to Hollywood, Wilson had guest appearances on a variety of shows. Norman Lear noticed his talent and called him to become a regular requires a new mind that is determined to have resurrection power. This can only be accomplished when answering God's call becomes paramount. Every day we should ask ourselves, on the then new series, are my actions moving Sanford and Son. To Instead of seeking me toward Jesus or am I the surprise of many, right~ousness in God's wasting time and energy Wilson eventually on frivolous endeavors? turned his back on his acting career. His call to ministry stemmed back to his childhood. When he was 12 years old, he almost died when his sight, we often worry about what people think of us. Every AME Church provides opportunities for service. Clergy and Ia ity need to identify their spiritual gifts and pray that supernatural appendix ruptured.ltwas then that Wilson power accompanies their use. Imagine made a promise to serve God. Currently stewards, trustees, class leaders, a renowned preacher, he believes that stewardesses, ministry chairs, and his previous experiences prepared him to answer God's call. Wilson says he has no desire to return to acting as everything presidents filled with resurrection power from being members of our churches. QUESTIONS else pales in comparison to his life as a What hinders your progress on your preacher. Christian journey? LIFE APPLICATION Much of what we consider important is worthless. Our reputation, education, previous experiences, and commendations can blind us to the importance of being Christ-like. Instead of seeking righteousness in God's sight, we often worry about what people think of us. Moving toward a resurrected life How can you determine if you are following God's call? What can we learn from Rudolph and Wilson's lives that will help on our Christian journey? SUMMARY Paul believed that his sole goal was to please God. He released everything that would block him from being like 53

Jesus. Paul did not allow his history of persecution, his cultural identity, or his titles to deter his decision to move closer to God. For Paul, the only thing that mattered was being sure he would experience resurrection power in this world and the next. CLOSING DEVOTIO~S Sing: "Guide My Feet" or "Lead Me, Guide Me" Share with the class one thing you will give up so that you can become more like Jesus. After each person shares, pray a communal prayer. Prayer: God, thank you. You have blessed me richly. Let me worship you more than things. I want to be righteous so help me get rid of anything in my life that is not like you. In Jesus' name. Amen. HOME DAILY BIBlE READINGS January 28-February 3 Monday Tuesday ~omans 2:25-29 (A Matter of the Heart) Mark 7:24-30 (Persistent Faith) Wednesday 2 Corinthians 11:21b-30 (Paul's Solid Credentials for Ministry) Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Philippians 3:1-6 (Boast in Christ Jesus) Philippians 3:17-4:1 (Live as Heavenly Citizens) Philippians 4:2-9 (Guard Your Heart and Mind) Philippians 3:7-14 (Be of the Same Mind) 54