Prayer: Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me (Psalms 36:10-11).
We are ready and willing to serve You, O Lord. Our simple prayer is that of Isaiah, “Here am I, send me.” Amen
Main Scripture:
Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again, even with tears, 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 set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:16-21).
Associated Scriptures:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good (2Thessalonians 3:13).
But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).
Correlative Quotes:
Four divinely provided resources help believers to consistently pursue the prize of Christlikeness. First is the Word of God. Peter wrote, "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation". Second is prayer. Paul prayed that the Corinthians would "be made complete". Third is following a godly example. Paul exhorted the Corinthians, "Be imitators of me". Finally, God uses trials to mold believers into the image of Jesus Christ…[1] – John MacArthur
Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that we have already received. Live up (stochein) is a military term meaning "to keep in line" or "to keep step."[2] – Life Application Commentary.
The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world. He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society.[3] – The Bible Exposition Commentary.
Study:
INTRODUCTION
There are three important questions that every Christian should ask themselves every day of their lives. These questions will help us understand where we have been, where we are now, and where do we hope to be in the future spiritually. The first is, “Have I have fallen short of God's expectation for my life in the past?” The second is, “Will I fail God in the future?” The final question is, “Am I dissatisfied with my present spiritual condition? That is, do I want to become more like Jesus or am I complacent and satisfied with where I am now?” All three answers to these questions should be measured against God’s plan for our lives. God has an expectation and a plan for us that starts with our salvation. That plan includes six important activities.
The first is that we love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). The second is that we witness to others and when they accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior that we would baptize them and then begin discipling them (Matthew 28:18-20). The third is that we grow spiritually through reading and studying His word and attending a worship service that teaches the truth from the Bible (2Timothy 3:16-17). The fourth is that we pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:16). The fifth is that we would give as we have been blessed and prospered (Deuteronomy 16:17). The sixth and final expectation is that we would be obedient to God’s commandments (1Peter 1:14). We cannot grow spiritually if our attitude is one of spiritual complacency. We are stuck spiritually if we have become satisfied by thinking that we are just fine the way we are.
Even the Apostle Paul understood that there is no end to the journey toward spiritual maturity. In these next few verses in Philippians we see that Paul is always striving for a goal that is unachievable in this life. However, the struggle is necessary and its rewards worthwhile. Persistence brings us joy by stretching our spirituality. If we are going to break the ball and chains of spiritual complacency, we must pursue spiritual growth with an attitude of persistent. Here are a few ideas.
Paul’s position: chosen by Jesus. Paul was handpicked by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, a recorder of God’s inspired words, a teacher of God word, an effective soul winner, and finally a mentor to others.
Paul's response: a mark of spiritual maturity. 1 Corinthians 10:12 says, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
Paul’s confession: persistence under fire. (vs 12) “Not that I have already attained.” Spiritual growth was a process to Paul. He knew that complete Spiritual maturity was unattainable in this life. The continual conformity of our walk to the life of Christ is the goal not an end.
Running the race is the mature Christian’s goal.
Running in the same direction is the purpose.
Running with the same beliefs is our calling.
Summary Statement:
If we are to succeed in our walk with Jesus and honor God in our lives, then we are going to have to run the race His way, with His purpose, and in His time. Through that persistence, the victories we win, and the suffering we will face and overcome, will be discover even greater Joy.
Lesson within the Lesson:
Why do Christians continue to sin even though they have been redeemed? (See Romans 7:22-25)
How do we know when we are doing the will of God in our lives?
What are the four actions that “break the ball and chain” of complacency and how do we begin to make them a daily habit?
How does persistence lead to greater joy?
[1] The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Copyright © Moody Press and John MacArthur, Jr., 1983-2007.
[2] The Life Application Commentary Series Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 by the Livingstone Corporation. Produced with permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
[3] The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
A Few Clouds, 61°