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Facing the New Year

Philippians 3:12-14

Pitchers and Batters

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.” (Phil 3:12-14)

I. EXPOSITIONPhilippians

A. Author, Audience, Date

Paul

Church of Philippi

From imprisonment in Rome, A.D. 62

B. Literary Feature Missionary Support Letter

C. Theme Encouragement (3:20)

Commitment to God and thus Eachother

D. Purpose, Occasion, Background

“press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” (3:14).

“work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling,” (2:12)

“it is God who works in [us], both to will and to work for his good pleasure,” (2:13)

E. Outline 1. Greetings and Prayer (1:1-11)

2. Paul’s Reflections on His Imprisonment (1:12-30)

3. Exhortation to Humble Service (2:1-30)

4. Opponents of the Gospel: Where Does Righteousness Come From? (3:1-21)

Paul’s progress in the gospel: through Christ, not the law (3:12-16)

5. Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving (4:1-23)

F. Context: Philippians 3:8-11

“I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Chist and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God depends on faith – that I may known him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead,” (Ph 3:8-11).

F. Text: Philippians 3:12-14, ESV

“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.” (Phil 3:12-14) SKOPOS, Greek work for goal. Finish line in a

race, archery target.

F. Text: Philippians 3:12-16, Message

“I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.” (Phil 3:12-16)

II. EXHORTATION

A. Recognize the Value of Time

1. The Value of Time

2. The Scarcity of Time

3. The Bible and the Brevity of Time

"What is man that you are mindful of him?" (Ps 8:4)

Statistics on Time 75 YEARS:

3 years on education

7 years on eating

14 years on working

5 years in cars and planes

5 years on talking

1 year in sickness

24 years sleeping

3 years reading

12 years amusing ourselves

Statistics on Time 5 ½ months worshipping in Church?

11 months in Church and Bible Study?

4. The Uncertainty of Time

"Now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation,” (2 Cor. 6:3)

B. Don’t Be in Bondage to the Past

1. Don’t Be in Bondage to the Past

2. The Bondage of the Past and the

Apostle Paul "I forget about what lies behind,” (Ph 3:13)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness,” (1 Jn 1:9).

C. We Need to Establish Priority in

Our Lives

1. Establish a Priority in Our Lives

"This one thing I do," (Ph 3:13)

Rocks, Gravel, Sand, and Water

1. Establish a Priority in Our Lives

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you," (Mt 6:33)

"God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son," (Jn 3:16)

IV. SIGNIFICANCE

A. The Goal

1. The Goal “work[ing] out your own salvation in fear and trembling,” (Ph

2:12).

saying “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things,” (Ph 4:8)

“found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God is based on faith,” (Ph 3:9).

“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure,” (Ph 2:13)

“I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me,” (Phil 4:13).

V. CONCLUSION

A. Summary

1. Summary 1. RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF TIME

(VALUE, SCARCITY, BREVITY, UNCERTAINTY)

2. DON’T BE IN BONDAGE TO THE PAST

3. ESTABLISH A PRIORITY IN OUR LIVES

InvitationMake Christ your Cornerstone.

As God Loves us, Love others.