Philippians 3:17-21 (NASB)

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Theme: In our pursuit of Jesus, Christians must follow godly examples on earth, as eternal citizens focused on heaven where Christ is, rather than on the things of this world.

Outline: 2 constructive commands and 2 contrasting incentives for us to know Christ more, become more like Him, and to influence others towards Christ.

The 2 Constructive Commands (verse 17):

Christians are instructed to 1) follow and 2) observe godly examples towards Christ.

The 2 Contrasting Incentives (verses 18-21):

1) Because there are many enemies of the Gospel who live for the temporary things of the world (verses 18-19)

2) Because our eternal citizenship is in Heaven where Christ is (verses 20-21)

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Philippians 3:12-16 (NASB)

¹² Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; ¹⁶ however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

This sermon is continued from November 11.

Theme: Attaining the prize of knowing Jesus more and becoming more like Him involves entering in the race, embracing the right attitudes, and exerting the required effort.

Outline: Three essential keys to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and in your Christian Character.

Review from Part 1 (November 11)

I. Enter in the race (verses 3:12,14)

II. Embrace the right attitudes (verses 3:12-16)

A. Humility of heart – “I have not arrived yet (to spiritual maturity/completion)” (verses 3:12‑13)

Continuing Part 2 (Today)

B. Persistence/Perseverance – “I’m in this to the end” (verses 13-14)

C. Unity in Community – “Were in this together!” (verses 15-16)

III. Exert the required effort (verses 3:12,13,14)

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What God has Done for Us

God Predestined (Elected) You – Ephesians 1:1-11
God Regenerated You – John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1;3
God Called You – Romans 8:30
God Justified You – Romans 8:30
God Converted You – Ephesians 2:1-3
God Forgave You – 1 John 2:12; Colossians 2:13
God Washed You – Titus 3:5
God Adopted You – Galatians 4:4-7
God Reconciled You – 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
God Sanctified You – Romans 8:29
God Redeemed You – 1 Peter 1:18-19
God Bought/Purchased You – 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23

God’s description of those He purchased – Romans 3:10‑18; Isaiah 1:6; Jeremiah 17:9 Revelation 3:17; James 4:14; Psalm 1:4; 49:7

The price we were purchased with (Blood of Christ) – 1 Peter 1:18-19

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Philippians 3:12-16 (NASB)

¹² Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; ¹⁶ however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

This sermon will be completed Novenber 25.

Theme: Attaining the prize of knowing Jesus more and becoming more like Him involves entering in the race, embracing the right attitudes, and exerting the required effort.

Outline: Three essential keys to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and in your Christian Character.

I. Enter in the race (verses 3:12,14)

II. Embrace the right attitudes (verses 3:12-16)

A. Humility of heart – “I have not arrived yet (to spiritual maturity/completion)” (verses 3:12‑13)

B. Persistence/Perseverance – “I’m in this to the end” (verses 13-14)

C. Unity in Community – “Were in this together!” (verses 15-16)

III. Exert the required effort (verses 3:12,13,14)

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Philippians 3:10-11 (NASB)

¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; ¹¹ in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Theme: The Goal of the Christian life is to know Jesus more closely and to become more like Him.

Outline: Three specific aspects of knowing Christ that help us (believers) accomplish our goal of knowing Him more and becomming more link Him.

I. We must know the power of His resurrection (verse 3:10b)

II. We must know the participation of His suffering (verse 3:10c)

III. We must be conformed to His death (verse 3:10d)

Conclusion: Our goal of knowing Christ and being like Him will be accomplished (verse 3:11)

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Philippians 3:8-9 (NASB)
8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.

Theme: Knowing Jesus Christ personally is the greatest treasure by far that any person could ever have.

Outline:
I. In order to know Jesus, you have to meet Him at the Cross by faith (verse 9)

II. When you personally know Jesus, you will increasingly see Him as your greatest treasure, and think & live accordingly (verse 8)

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Philippians 3:4-7 (NASB)

4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

Theme: Even the very best of human inheritance & good works/intentions will not earn sinners a place in Heaven; it is only by trusting in the Person & Work of Jesus Christ alone.

Outline: The crucial contrast between trusting in your own self for salvation and trusting in Christ alone.

1. Many ways to work yourself to eternal death (verses 5-6)

a) By trusting in who you are by birth

b) By trusting in the good works you have done

2. The One Way to find eternal life (verse 7)

a) By repenting of your sins before God

b) By trusting in who Jesus is and the prefect work He has done for you

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Philippians 3:1-4 (NASB)

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more.

Theme: Only true Christians are able to obey God’s specific commands and display certain spiritual characteristics in their lives.

3 spiritual characters that true Christians display in their lives, as evidence of having salvation in Christ:

1. True Christians worship in the spirit of God (3:3a)

2. True Christians glory in Christ Jesus (3:3b)

3. True Christians do not depend on their works for salvation (3:3c-4)

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Philippians 3:1-4 (NASB)

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more.

Theme: Only true Christians are able to obey God’s specific commands and display certain spiritual characteristics in their lives.

Two specific commands for believers to obey in their lives:
1. True Christians rejoice in their relationship with the Lord Jesus (3:1)
2. True Christians recognize & reject false Gospel teachers (3:2)

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Philippians 2:25-30 (NASB)

²⁵ But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; ²⁶ because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. ²⁹ Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; ³⁰ because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Theme: A Christian who is worthy of imitation is faithful in living and serving in the ways outlined by Paul in Philippians 1:27-2:18

Five traits of a selfless servant that Christians should find worthy of joy and honor

1. A selfless servant labors together with others in ministry – 2:25
2. A selfless servant battles side-by-side together in spiritual warfare – 2:25
3. A selfless servant does whatever is needed to serve the church body – 2:25; 27, 30
4. A selfless servant thinks of others above self – 2:26; 27, 30
5. A selfless servant risks everything to serve Christ – 2:27-30

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