In this sermon, we learn that the Christian life is a process of becoming all that God has saved us to be, which requires grace-energized effort.

Sermon Outline

Paul’s Admission Of Imperfection-3:12 (Holy Dissatisfaction)

Paul’s Pursuit Of Christ-3:13-14 (Devotion & Determination)

Paul’s Perspective -3:15

Paul’s Pattern To Follow-3:17

Paul’s Warning False Brothers -3:18-19

Paul’s Heavenly Hope & Citizenship -3:20-21

Insightful Quotes

“To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul's paradox of love, scorned indeed by the too-easily-satisfied religionist, but justified in happy experience by the children of the burning heart.” A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit Of God

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. ... It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, p.134

Application

Recognize and admit where your life doesn’t display Kingdom values and pursuits.

Remove distractions from your life to focus on the “one thing” that matters most.

Resolve to pursue God’s plans and purposes for your life, relying on God’s grace to energize your efforts.

Reflection Questions

What do you need to change in your life in order to pursue the one thing that matters most?

What habit is your greatest hindrance to run the race with endurance that is before you?

In this sermon, we learn that nothing in this world compares to the joy of knowing Jesus, and we must beware of the people and ideas that would threaten this joy. Knowing Jesus leads to joy and this must be fought for (Phil. 3:1). Those who truly know Him worship by the Spirit, glory in Him and put not confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). Knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else in this world (Phil. 3:8). In order for a person to know Jesus they must come to him by faith (Phil. 3:9). And growing in our relationship with him means that we continue to trust him, pursue Him (Phil. 3:10-13) and obey his word (Phil. 2:12, Colossians 2:6-7).

Reflection Questions

Are you relying on Christ alone for righteousness? Is Christ your source of joy?

Is Christ and his cross your point of boasting? Do you value knowing Jesus more than anything else in this world? How do you handle the temptation to trust in your strengths or successes and find your confidence in them?

Prayer

Lord, I want to know you! I want to know you more accurately and intimately.

May I not settle for merely knowing about you. May my relationship with you transform every area of my life; how I see myself, others and the world.

May I live as a citizen of Heaven with my life pointing others to gospel!

Forgive me for where I have settled for earthly things, hoping that they would satisfy or bring significance to my life. Teach me to live like the Apostle Paul, who said “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

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This is a podcast from primarily sermons preached at City Church Garland.

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This is a podcast from primarily sermons preached at City Church Garland.

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