Setting the Scene
Paul is in prison, awaiting possible execution, yet claims: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every circumstance” (Philippian 4:12)
The secret of contentment so far, rests in:
- having a relationship with Jesus Christ
- allowing Jesus to reshape the rest of your live around his good purposes.
Today, is all about monitoring your progress…
“ and this is how you should stand firm in the Lord dear friends ” (Philippian 4:1)
1) Monitor your passion for _______!
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)
- Paul wants more and more of _____ in his life.
- In God’s economy, maturity is knowing you need more and more of Jesus.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phil.4:12)
- That “that” of v12, is God’s purpose for your ____.
- Jesus saves each and every one of us for a reason. Not because we’re good at something, but because he’s been __________ us for something.
QUESTION: Why has God put me where I live now, with the resources I have now, knowing the people I know now?
When we take hold of that which Christ has taken hold of us for, two exciting things begin to happen.
i) As we suffer for Jesus, he draws close to us in fellowship.[1] (Phil.3:10)
ii) We encounter God’s resurrection power. (Phil.3:10)
- What are you doing at the moment that relies on that power?
2) Monitor your passions
” many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” (Phil.4:18)
- Our culture tells us our body knows best. Does it?
- Beware how you lean on things in the search for _____________
What do you turn to when you’re feeling low?
3) Let Jesus get you back in the _____
“…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:13)
- When we mess up in the Christian life the healthy and wise _______ is to get back in the race.
______________________________________________________________
Further reading:
- Through Gates of Splendor, Elizabeth Elliot, (Jim Elliot’s life story, written by his wife).
- The Secret of Contentment, William B. Barcley.
- Just Do Something: How to Make a decision, De Young, Kevin
To listen
- desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/going-hard-after-the-holy-god
[1] Note, to read “Footprints in the Sand”, go to: www.footprints-inthe-sand.com