The Journey of Faith

Posted on Dec 30, 2018 by Daniel Kriss in Christian Living, Faith, New Year, Sermon Manuscripts |

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Introduction

Another year has expired and the Lord has not returned yet!

God has been so good to us and I want to publicly offer thanks and praise to Him for provision of strength, wisdom, protection, a Bible-centered fellowship, this great building in which we meet, friends along the way, finances for our needs, food to eat, substance to drink, cars to drive, houses to live in, families to love, hobbies to enjoy, books to read, music to listen to, heating and cooling for comfort, access to technology, employment, agile minds, memories to cherish, brains to compute, trials to strengthen, temptations to overcome, enemies to conquer, divisions to reconcile, weakness to nurture grace, hurts to forgive, problems to solve, and promises to claim.

What a blessed life!

In reviewing 2018, I have been reminded of some special times and difficult times we have shared together as family this past year:

  • Reading though “A Holy Life” at the start of this year.
  • Several baptisms in March.
  • New physical birth
  • Passing of loved ones
  • Professions of faith
  • New leaders emerging
  • Gospel groups started
  • Church camp in October
  • New people attending the church
  • Intense times of corporate prayer
  • Bible reading days
  • Bible fellowship days
  • Personal and organised outreach events
  • intense counselling needs
  • Grievances and departure of some
  • Financial needs & provisions
  • Pleasant times of fellowship
  • Strained times of hurt
  • Departures from the faith
  • Growth and discipleship

This is church, this is family.

But what about 2019. What will it bring? How shall I approach the end of this year and the transition into the next? Shall I make a list of resolutions? Shall I just enter in without a thought? What about my apprehensions, uncertainties and anxieties?

In just over a month we will celebrate God’s goodness to this assembly for 20 years. As we approach this milestone, what shall our attitude be? How shall we continue for another 20 years (should the Lord tarry)? What is the spiritual recipe for success?

This morning I would like to preach from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. I probably will not be able to cover all that I would like to. I have several points to make before I can focus on the specific theme for our consideration. Please be attentive and patient as we move briskly through this message.

Join me as I preach a message entitled: The Journey of Faith.

1. The Inevitable End of our Physical Bodies

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

The apostle Paul is a passionate advocate of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life is lived with the expectation that he will die at any moment – in fact, he is already “dying” according to 2 Corinthians 4:16 where he writes, “our outer self is wasting away…” (lit. “rotting” or “decaying”).

“The tent that is our earthly home” is a reference to the physical body. In this context, Paul is speaking to believers.

The “tent” or “tabernacle” is a wonderful illustration as it speaks of that which is movable, temporary, and relatively fragile.

Paul knew too well the nature of a tent seeing he made them for a living. No doubt he considered the brevity of life when he fashioned the canvass and fitted the rods.

There are a number of applications that must be understood in this first verse:

  1. A tent was a temporary habitation – Without permanency and longevity.
  2. A tent was easily dismantled – deconstructed, disassembled, and destroyed.
  3. A tent was fragile – The nature of the body is that it is born in weakness and fragility.
  4. A tent was used by pilgrims and travellers – All believers are sojourners.
  5. A tent is not the person, but simply a dwelling place – The soul is far more than the body alone.
  6. A tent requires maintenance and ultimately replacing – The body needs attention and will one day be replaced.

In this first point we are reminded of our own weakness and the brevity of life.

Sometimes we are tempted to think we will live forever and that this world is all that there is.

The apostle knew that his body was transient, and he lived for the eternal housing which God would supply him with in due course.

Before we move on, let me take a moment to remind EVERYONE – lost and saved – that life is short. Death is coming and a day of reckoning will ensue.

Some of us may not be here this time next year – our tent may have perished.

For the Christian we do not need to fear the future because the Lord Jesus Christ has already saved us from the wrath of the Righteous Judge.

However, if you are here and have not received Jesus as your Saviour you have much to fear. If you die without recourse you will stand before Jesus as your judge, jury and executioner. He will have no mercy upon your soul because you neglected the great salvation He provided by dying for your sin on the cross.

Friend, do not delay – come to Christ for rescue today!

2. The Promise of a New Eternal Building

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

A great contrast exists in this text between the temporary tent (tabernacle) and the eternal home (house).

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

At a fixed time in the future, God will resurrect our mortal bodies and instantaneously transform them into a permanent, spiritual, eternal dwelling place.

A few observations about this new building:

  1. Originates from God “a building from God” I.E. without flaw, perfect.
  2. Not of this Creation “not made with hands” I.E. not human ingenuity, nor tainted by such. Without any human aid, wisdom or construction.
  3. Eternal, not temporal “eternal in the heavens” I.E. lit. “live forever”, unmarked by time, cannot be dissolved, replaced or upgraded.
  4. Heavenly “in the heavens” I.E. In the place that Jesus has been preparing for us since His ascension (John 14:1-3).

     

3. The Present Pain & the Glorious Future

“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Corinthians 5:2-4)

The word “groan” speaks of pain, suffering and turmoil. Paul knew the fullness of what it meant to “groan” in his body.

Our bodies are subject to deterioration, soreness and disease.

It is not just our bodies that groan. Romans 8:22 tells us that the “whole of creations groans” under the weight of sin.

However, the burden of sin felt within our bodies must not steal the joy of the believer’s future prospect of a new heavenly dwelling place.

Sometimes in the midst of physical maladies, disease, cancer, sickness and pain, we lose sight of the glorious future which awaits us.

The Christian should earnestly desire to receive his or her new spiritual body. The word used here means to “crave, yearn for, and pursue.” This was a significant motive for Paul and it should be for us too.

One of the problems we have today is that many Christians are so settled in their temporary dwelling (this life and body) that they do not even consider, let alone desire, the future dwelling. So consumed are they with the here and now that they cannot even contemplate all that awaits.

Interesting Statement

The words, “if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked” have given rise to a great many different interpretations.

For the sake of time, let me explain what I believe is meant by this phrase.

Paul is speaking of our future state in which the soul will not be naked (disembodied), but rather, “further clothed” (v.4) with the immortal body.

In other words, “Paul is saying that his earnest desire is not for death, and for the disembodied state that goes with it, but rather for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ when all those who have died will receive their glorified bodies.” (Believer’s Bible).

Let us not forget that the bodies we have are just a shell. It is the soul which is indestructible, and this is the real “you”. One day the “body suit” will be loosed and the soul will for a time be “disembodied” until the return of Christ, and the resurrection of our bodies.

4. The Sovereign Purpose and the Present Deposit

“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:5)

Now I must not get distracted from my mission to reach verse 7, but permit me a few moments to briefly unpack this verse!

Let me firstly remind you quickly of some essential theology:

  1. God chose believers for salvation (Ephesians 1:3-7)
  2. Salvation is wholly a work of God (Jonah 2:9)
  3. God initiated salvation and will bring it to conclusion (Philippians 1:6)
  4. Eternal life has already begun (John 5:24; John 11:26) It is NOT a future event!!
  5. Jesus will raise the believer up on the last day (John 6:40)
  6. God is sovereign and His plan will be accomplished (Job 42:2)

Please note:

  1. The word “prepared” is past tense and denotes a completed action. Has this taken place yet? Not from our vantage point. However, it is completed in the mind of God.
  2. The basis of the apostle’s confidence and assurance of his new spiritual body is the reality of the Holy Spirit’s presence within.
  3. The Holy Spirit “acts” as a deposit or downpayment. A guarantee. What God lay-bys He pays for in full!

1 Corinthians 1:20-22 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Romans 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Ephesians 1:13-14 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

5. The Prevailing Attitude in the Present Tense

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6).

What shall be the believer’s outlook based upon these truths? “Always of good courage”.

This phrase literally means: “Of good cheer, boldness, confidence, contented, hope-filled expectancy”.

The promise of our glorious future should elicit joy, peace, positivity, an upbeat attitude, and an eagerness for the Lord’s return.

Does your promised future result in present joy and confidence?

6. The Journey of Faith

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

We have finally reached the apex of the message!

The concept of faith is uncomplicated. Every one of us exercises faith hundreds of times each day.

In a simplistic sense, faith is “belief, reliance, a firmly-fixed confidence not based upon emotions, but as an act of the will.”

Paul reminds the believer that the Christian life is a journey of faith.

“We walk by faith….” Faith in what? Our goals, efforts, financial wherewithal? Absolutely not!

Our faith must be rooted/anchored in the unchanging, undiminishing character of God.

It is faith in His promises; Faith in His Scriptures; Faith in His plan.

EXAMPLES:

  • It is to operate like Abraham who, “obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
  • It is to live like Moses who, confronted with the Red Sea ahead and the Egyptians pursuing behind, trusted God and the “crossed the Red Sea as on dry land” (Hebrews 11:29).
  • It is to trust God when the great City of Jericho loomed in the distance and God said “encircle the place 13 times and blow the trumpet” and “the walls of Jericho fell down” (Hebrews 11:30).
  • It is to build an ark for the saving of your household at the behest of God even though rain had never yet been seen on the earth (Hebrews 11:7)
  • It is to leap into battle against an undefeated giant with a sling and five smooth stones and say, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45).
  • It is to stand before the most powerful monarch in the world who demands that you worship his golden image, and say, “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)

THE PROBLEM

Too often we exercise faith in what we believe God should do rather than in God Himself. When we foolishly do this our expectations are not met and we become disillusioned with God!

We think, “God should have done this or that” or “I trusted Him and He let me down.”

GOD DIDN’T LET YOU DOWN – You were not believing the truth!

In 2019 you will have the opportunity to have your faith tested and tried. You will be confronted with unknown paths (like Abraham), insurmountable seas (like Moses), unconquerable enemies (like the fortress of Jericho), intangible realities (like Noah), unbeaten champions (like Goliath), and uncertain futures (like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego).

These will be your opportunities to exercise faith in God and His Word.

Our church will come under fire. We will experience opposition from without and division from within. There will be times of despair, disappointment, and disillusionment. We will be afflicted, persecuted, falsely accused, and ridiculed.

But our faith must be fixed in God.

How can I grow in my faith? A Short Synopsis

  1. Faith begins, and is sustained by the Word of God (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 2:2)
  2. Decide to exercise faith in God as an act of your will (Mark 11:22; 1 Peter 1:21)
  3. Walk in the Spirit (Acts 11:24)
  4. Submit to spiritual leaders who encourage your faith (Acts 14:22; 16:5)
  5. Local church fellowship (Romans 1:12)
  6. Be alert and hold fast to the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
  7. Practice faith in the unseen truth revealed in Scripture (2 Corinthians 5:7)
  8. Examine your faith and test its genuineness (2 Corinthians 13:5)
  9. Withdraw from foolish talk and controversy which attacks the faith (1 Timothy 1:4)
  10. Live in moral and doctrinal purity so that faith may be established (1 Timothy 1:19; 3:9)
  11. Serve as a deacon (1 Timothy 3:13)
  12. Be trained in the words of faith (1 Timothy 4:6)
  13. Do not love money (1 Timothy 6:10)
  14. Mimic the faith of Jesus (2 Timothy 1:13)
  15. Follow Paul’s faith (2 Timothy 3:10)
  16. Receive rebuke from men of faith (Titus 1:13)
  17. Share your faith with the church and the world (Philemon 1:6)
  18. Imitate the faith of church leaders (Hebrews 13:7)
  19. Endure the testing of your faith (James 1:3)
  20. Pray in faith (James 1:6; 5:15)
  21. Resist the devil in faith (1 Peter 5:9)
  22. Contend for the faith (Jude 1:3)
  23. Build yourself up in the faith (Jude 1:20)
  24. Keep on believing by faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:12)
  25. Wait in faith for the return of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)

Time has escaped us.

Let me simply read you the last two points from our text:

7. The Preeminent Aim

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)

8. The Day of Reckoning

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)


Heavenly Citizenship

Posted on Nov 25, 2018 by Daniel Kriss in Christian Living, Heaven, Identity, Philippians, Sermon Manuscripts |

Reading: Philippians 3:12-21 | Preaching Text: Philippians 3:17-21

Introduction

In verses 12-16 Paul used an athletics metaphor to encourage the believers at Philippi to press on towards perfection. He himself confessed that he had not attained this in his own life, but was striving and straining towards that spiritual goal. With every muscle and nerve exercised in this spiritual race, and all former failures and successes behind, he reached forward to the final prize of being ushered into the very presence of God, and the perfection that would be his for eternity.

Verses 17-21 are a new paragraph in this chapter. The athletics metaphor is somewhat continued, but Paul now gives specific exhortation.

In this final part of chapter three we learn that the Christian is not a permanent resident, he has only a temporary visa.

The believer should not feel at home in this world because his citizenship is in heaven. Because of this reality, how he lives and what he does will be vastly different from those around him.

Join me as I preach a message entitled: Heavenly Citizenship.

Watch & Imitate the Spiritual

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Philippians 3:17

Although the believer is to be focussed on the finish line, Paul here calls upon the Philippians to imitate his manner of life as they run the race.

This exhortation does not stem from pride or an exaggerated perspective of himself. However, it is a tribute to the apostle’s exemplary life. We often hear the expression, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Not so with the apostle! He could hold up his own life as a model of wholehearted devotion to Christ and to His cause.

The words “imitating me” are one Greek word in the original which is only used in this text. It means to “live as I do, to mimic.”

Practically speaking, this means to think and behave like another.

This is not the first time Paul has said this:

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”.

In 1 Thessalonians 1:6, the apostle applauds the church because they “…became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.”

John MacArthur writes, “Since all believers are imperfect, they need examples of less imperfect people who know how to deal with imperfection and who can model the process of pursuing the goal of Christlikeness.”

The second part of verse 17 exhorts the believers to “mark out” or “take note” of other believers who are also concerned with living in a godly manner.

The words, “keep your eyes on” is the Greek word “skopeo” (scop-eh-o) which is where we derive the English word “scope”. In shooting terms, this refers to the magnification tool mounted on the top of a gun, providing specific focus and aim.

This is where that metaphor ends. We are not to “shoot one another”, but we are to “take aim” and focus on those whose lives are moving in the direction of Christlikeness.

As believers, we need concrete examples. While it is wrong to place our trust in any man, it is proper and right to look for godly lives to imitate.

Although Paul did not mention any one by name at this point, it is clear from other passages that he endorsed Timothy, Epaphroditus, and other fellow-labourers as examples to follow.

Application:

As you run your race are you looking for other believers to imitate? We are usually very quick to criticise, but do we observe spiritual character in others that we might learn and grow from? We need to look around us- both in this local assembly and in others- to identify spiritual fruit that exists in others, and seek to imitate them. This requires humility.

Do some character profiling. Sometimes I “draw a spiritual sketch” of someone who demonstrates godliness to me. I identify their character traits and seek their help in growth and spiritual development.

We are misguided if we think we can do this alone. It is pride that says, “I don’t need anyone else, I can complete this race independently.”

Observing and imitating other believers in their faith and behaviour is a command we must follow. Look for those who love the Lord supremely, witness unashamedly, pray unceasingly, explain God’s truth simply, interact with other graciously, restore the fallen mercifully, work diligently, and run the race faithfully.

Find these ones, mark them, and imitate them.

Watch and Reject the Enemies of the Cross

“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:18-19).

Sadly, not all who profess Christianity are really believers. This reality is especially hard for the apostle, and brings great grief even as he writes these words. It seems that Paul may have some specific individuals or groups in mind, and that it was very personal to him.

It is very likely that Paul had preached the gospel in some places and that “decisions for Christ were made.” However, the passage of time had demonstrated that these were not the “real-deal”, but false converts who, instead of walking in the truth, now operated as opponents of true Christianity.

The apostle gives four devastating truths about these enemies of the cross:

1. Their end is destruction (v.19)

Simply put, if they continue on their present path, they will be cast into hell at the final judgment. They are those who walk on the broad way and lead others away from the truth of the gospel.

2. Their god is their belly (v.19)

Paul may be alluding here to Greek mythology. A cyclops was a member of a primordial race of giants, each with a single eye in the centre of his forehead. Their god was their own belly which represented self-worship.

Note the following excerpt from “Cyclops” – the Greco-Roman writings:

“My flocks which I sacrifice to no one but myself, and not to the gods, and to this my belly the greatest of the gods: for to eat and drink each day, and to give one’s self no trouble, this is the god for wise men” (“Cyclops,” 334-338).

In this context, the apostle says that these “enemies of the cross” are primarily concerned about themselves and their sensual appetites. These men posed as Christians and yet lived with one goal in mind – self-gratification

3. They glory in their shame (v.19)

They were not prudish or conservative about their sin- they were proud of it. A true believer cannot live in a state of sin without remorse. This is because the Holy Spirit lives within, and He is responsible to bring conviction over sin.

These enemies of the cross boasted of their sinfulness and may have even appealed to their “Christian liberty” as defence for their wicked behaviour.

They gloried in things of which they should have been ashamed.

4. With minds set on earthly things (v.19)

Temporal pleasures, short-term satisfaction, and selfish pursuits marked these evildoers. They were “earthly people” who were unconcerned for eternal matters. Oblivious to the coming destruction, they devoted themselves to their own interests, and enjoyed the pleasures of sin.

They had no interest in eternal matters, nor were they seeking to honour anyone other than themselves. They paid homage to their own fantasies, and would not reject anything that brought them pleasure.

Application:

These individuals could talk the talk, but their lives did not marry up with their profession. Paul calls them enemies of the cross. God forbid that we should have in our assembly those who can sprout theology, but whose lives are a sham because they have not truly been born again.

Here are some probing personal questions to consider:

  1. Which path am I on – the broad or narrow way? What is at the end of my course – destruction or paradise?
  2. What am I living for – myself and my own sinful desires, or God and His purpose?
  3. Do I glory in my sin? Am I ashamed by the deeds of my flesh or do I enjoy them without remorse?
  4. Where does my mind reside – only on earthly, flesh-centered thoughts, or is my mind occupied with truth and that which corresponds with God?

     

Our Heavenly Citizenship

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20-21)

Before we close, I want to briefly touch on verses 20 and 21. This will be a light skim and we will return here sometime in the future to examine all that is contained in this precious text.

In great contrast to those enemies of the cross, Paul now reminds the true believers that their citizenship is in heaven.

In other words, they are members of a different colony. They hail from a foreign city and commonwealth which operates with vastly different administration, government, civil rights, and laws.

As ambassadors and envoys from that land, the Christian has no business entangling himself with earthly pursuits. He has a specific purpose, and represents the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The believer is a sojourner, foreigner and “alien”. He is not living as a permanent resident, but has a temporary visa.

The apostle Peter writes, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

The purpose of the Christian’s life on earth is to point others to the coming kingdom while striving for perfection in his own life. He is also eagerly watching and waiting for the return of his master and Saviour.

When Christ returns to call believers home, He will transform the physical body which is ruined by sin and decay, into a new body designed by God to inhabit eternity.

All of this will be accomplished by God’s power which governs and subdues all things.

It is a certain reality.

Application:

  • Are you a citizen of heaven?
  • Is your life in alignment with your citizenship?
  • Are you seeking to imitate those who are running the race well?
  • Are you watching and rejecting the enemies of the cross?
  • Do you eagerly await the return of Christ?
  • Do you long for that new heavenly body which has been designed for you?
  • Do you long for the land that is fairer than day?

Running the Race

Posted on Nov 11, 2018 by Daniel Kriss in Christian Living, Philippians, Sermon Manuscripts |

Reading: Philippians 3:12-21 | Preaching Text: Philippians 3:13-16

Introduction

The Apostle Paul is an avid sports fan. Although his writings indicate a wide knowledge of athletics, he is particularly fond of the foot races held at the Isthmian Games. On numerous occasions throughout his epistles, Paul likens the Christian life to a race – not a 100m sprint, but a marathon.

His racing metaphors focus on different aspects:

  • Endurance throughout the race.
  • The mental focus during the race.
  • The training for the race – rigorous and disciplined.
  • The prize at the conclusion of the race.
  • The motivation for running well.

A fortnight ago we started to look at Philippians 3:12 which is where Paul introduces one of his racing metaphors.

The phrase “Not that I have already obtained” refers to a runner who has not yet reached the finish line, but is persevering that he might obtain the prize – final perfection.

Similarly the words “I press on” are the present-continuous activity of the disciplined runner who, despite the pain, feelings of fatigue, thirst, and the strained muscles, continues to run because he longs to finish his course and bring glory to the one who recruited him for this race.

Paul had not reached perfection, but he was striving for it. Every fibre of his body and mind was engaged in this grand pursuit.

Paul’s motive for pursuing perfection was that he might fulfil Christ’s purpose in purchasing hi- to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus.

Today I will pick up from verse 13 and preach a message entitled: Running the Race.

Keys to Running the Race

In verses 13-16 Paul outlines 7 keys to running the race. We will cover several today and then look at the rest at a later date.

1. Recognise your Imperfection

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.” Philippians 3:13

Continuing with the racing metaphor, Paul reiterates that the race is not over at this point and he has not reached perfection.

Paul had not “arrived” spiritually speaking. He was not under any delusion about his battles with the flesh.

Unlike many “church leaders” today who would have us pay homage to their perfectionism, Paul wanted the churches to know that he was on the journey to perfection, but by no means had attained it.

In Romans 7 we are privy to Paul’s ongoing struggle as a Christian with his own flesh, but we also see that he was not prepared to simply raise the “white flag”, he was doing battle, running hard, because perfection would be realised at end of the race.

Let me suggest that there are three runners in the Christian race:

  1. The self-deluded runner who thinks he has already reached the state of perfection and whose life is now in cruise control. This individual operates with pride and because of this does not realise that he is actually losing ground.
  2. The disoriented runner who is either going the wrong way or is at a stand-still. This individual has likely become discouraged or distracted and is “spinning his wheels” without direction, and in a state of confusion.
  3. The enduring runner who knows his flaws, failings and battles with the flesh, but who is moving forward inch-by-inch, stride-by-stride with the final prize in view.

The apostle is not self-deluded, nor is he disoriented. He is running with purpose, focus and discipline.

How does he do this?

2. Run with a Single Purpose

“But one thing I do…”

Paul had one aim and one ambition. Though his life was filled with difficulties, impediments and opposition, he was largely uncomplicated in his purpose and existence.

The principal part of his life, the primary occupation and that which engrossed all his thoughts, desires, affections, time and labour, was finishing the race well and reaching the goal of perfection.

His primary concern was not the other runners, the state of the track, the spectators, the shortest route, pain management, or even maintaining the pace.

Application:

It would seem that too many of us have a multiplicity of primary goals. Our minds are not focussed on one thing, but many, and we are distracted, spiritually absent-minded, and without clear direction.

Perhaps we are absorbed in our work, or making money, building houses or raising a family.

We do not operate with clear definition. Our picture, like a TV with poor reception, is pixelated, hazy, distorted and unclear.

May the Spirit of God would move upon us today to recalibrate our thinking, ambitions and focus.

3. Lose the Baggage

“forgetting what lies behind…”

Again Paul alludes to the Grecian Games. A runner would not stop to look behind him to see how much ground he had covered, or to observe how close others were to him.

The no.1 rule in competitive running is that you must not look behind or beside you. Keep true- look straight ahead, see the finish line and move towards it with every ounce of energy and strength.

Like the runner, the Christian cannot afford to be distracted by what is behind or beside.

Paul is not suggesting that Christians should completely disregard the past and forget every aspect of previous “spiritual laps”, but simply that those are behind and should not directly impact the present endeavours.

There are two aspects of looking behind that will bring distraction and even paralysis to the Christian runner:

  1. Past successes.
  2. Past failures.

Too many Christians are either living in the past or in the future, but God has called us to press on in the present.

Sometimes we can be inclined to run the spiritual race based on past victories. Yesterday’s spiritual success does not guarantee todays victory.

Any attempt to live on the successes of the past will result in failure because we will not be depending upon the strength of the Lord.

John MacArthur: “The believer must refuse to rely on past virtuous deeds and achievements in ministry”

On the flip side, many are trying to run the race paralysed by their past failures. The discouragements, hurts, fears and defeats are being carried into the present and causing immobility, numbness, and powerlessness.

Perhaps we are looking backwards and remembering our unfaithfulness, sinfulness, and coldness.

To be distracted by the past debilitates the believer’s efforts in the present.

What if I am stuck, paralysed, immobile, numb? What if I am wracked by fear, doubt, self-condemnation? How can I move past these feelings?

This is a struggle that I am seeking to work through in my own life at the moment.

The answer (as always) is to return to the truth of God’s Word and His gospel.

  1. In Christ I am set free from the penalty of my sin.
  2. In Christ my sins and failures (past, present and future) have been atoned for.
  3. In Christ I am empowered to live victoriously as I walk in the Spirit.
  4. In Christ I can cast all my cares upon the Lord.
  5. In Christ I have a glorious future which motivates me in my present struggle

4. Strain Forward with the Future in Mind

“and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13

The Greek word here suggests strong exertion. The runner puts every particle of his strength into the task. Every muscle and nerve is exercised. He reaches with hand and foot, and body bent forward.

The picture is of absolute commitment and dedication.

What is it that lies ahead? Glorification, perfection, Christlikeness.

5. Press On Toward the Goal

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

The “goal” or “mark” was the object set up in the distance to which one would look or aim.

The apostle was pursuing the ultimate prize of being ushered into the presence of God (the “upward call”) and the final perfection which would be his for eternity.

6. Operate with Mature Thinking

“Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” Philippians 3:15

Those who are truly operating with spiritual maturity will understand and obey Paul’s words because they know that this is their responsibility as a Christian.

The mature recognise their imperfection.

The mature run will single purpose.

The mature have lost the baggage.

The mature are straining forward with the future in mind.

The mature are pressing on toward the goal.

A wonderful truth exists at the end of this verse: “if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”

There is still hope for the distracted and disoriented Christian runner who is not operating with maturity. God will correct the erroneous thought patterns of those who are weak or immature.

Adam Clarke writes: “If ye have not yet entered into the full spirit and design of this Gospel, if any of you have yet remaining any doubts relative to Jewish ordinances, or their expediency in Christianity, God shall reveal even this unto you; for while you are sincere and upright, God will take care that ye shall have full instruction in these Divine things.”

7. Stay the Proven Course

“Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:16

The truth that brought us thus far in our Christian experience will lead us home.

Here Paul encourages the believers, like he does at other times to, “…continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (2 Timothy 3:14).

The Greek denotes “staying on the same path”.

Kenneth Wuest (Greek Scholar) literally translates this verse as: “so far as we have come, let us keep our lives in the same path.”

Solomon wrote: “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil” (Proverbs 4:25-27).

As we draw to a close, let me challenge our thinking with some application:

  • Are you in the Christian race?
  • Do you think you have arrived? Are you resting on your laurels? Or do you recognise your imperfection?
  • Are you running with a single purpose? Or are you disoriented and unfocused?
  • Have you laid aside the baggage from previous laps – the victories and defeats, the successes and the failures?
  • Is every muscle strained in the pursuit of perfection?
  • Are you pressing on? Has you run become a walk? Have you thrown in the towel?
  • Are you operating with mature thinking?
  • Are you staying on the proven track which God has laid out, the one which has already brought you to this point?

Let us press on to perfection as we run this race!


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