Philippians 3:17-18

Journey Through Philippians

Paul criticized not only the Judaizers, but also self-indulgent Christians, people who claim to be Christians but don't live up to Christ’s model of servanthood and self-sacrifice. Such people satisfy their own desires before thinking about the needs of others. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish. It means taking every opportunity to serve and to become the person God made you to be. 

Paul challenges the Philippians to pursue Christlikeness by following Paul's own example. This did not mean, of course, that they should copy everything he did; he had just stated that he was not perfect. Rather, Paul was calling them to focus their lives on being like Christ, just as he did. At the time this letter was written, the gospels had probably not yet been written, so Paul could not tell the believers to read the Bible to see what Christ was like. Instead, he urged them to imitate him. That Paul could tell people to follow his example is a testimony to his character.  

Could you do the same? What kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she were to imitate you? To live as enemies of the cross is to engage in lives of physical gratification and self-centeredness. It's time for Christians to recognize their place as citizens of God's Kingdom. We need a comprehensive worldview based on the way our creator intended life to be lived. Simply said, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. The cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back, no turning back. Becoming a faithful follower of Jesus doesn't happen overnight. It takes a lifetime to fully understand and commit to what that means for each of us on an individual basis. Our daily walk with Christ is only as good as our commitment level to serving and following him. 

Philippians 3:14-16

Journey Through Philippians

Paul said that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be what Christ intended for him to be. This goal absorbed all of Paul's energy. Paul is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal of knowing Christ. With the mindset of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from living like Christ. What is holding you back?

Can we really do everything God has called us to do? We receive all the power we need in union with Christ when we do his will and face the challenges that arise from our doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to his interest. As we contend for the faith, we will face troubles, pressures, and trials. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that you have already received. We may feel that we lack experience or knowledge of the Christian faith; however, we should rest confidently in what we do know. God stays on the job. He will direct us. We should live up to what we already know and live out what Christ has taught us. God will provide the plans and the teaching we need whenever we need it through the Holy Spirit.

When trials and testing come, are we going to allow difficulty to make us bitter or better? We can either depend on what the Word of God teaches us, or we can allow the Adversary to control the direction of our life with fear and desperation. Christ brings us hope and promise. His Word teaches us that he will never leave us nor forsake us. We must choose to walk and live in the promises of God's Word. But the problem for many is that they do not know the promises of God's Word, and you cannot live what you don't know or believe.

Philippians 3:12-13

Journey Through Philippians

Paul has a holy disconnect that keeps him pressing on. Therefore, he forgets what lies behind and reaches for what lies ahead. To become an obedient Christian and fulfill your Kingdom purpose, you too must have a short memory and a clear direction. What aspects of yesterday must you forget? All of them: the good, the bad, and the ugly. You've got to let go of your successes, your failures, and the ways others have hurt you. You cannot allow the past to become a controlling factor in your life. Don't spend too much time looking in the rear-view mirror. There is a much bigger piece of glass called the windshield that should have your focus. 

Paul was content because he could see life from God's point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Paul had detached himself from the temporal so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for something more or better indicates a longing to fill an empty place in a person's life. To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? How can you find true contentment? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power. 

As you go through your day-to-day, remember your past never defines who you are in Jesus. Remember that God has a plan for our lives; we just must get our lives in line with God’s plan.