https://www.bible.com/events/49091013

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life: Part 7

Philippians 3:12-21

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 3:12-21

Last week we examined Chapter 3:1-12 and Paul’s rather impressive trophy case from his past. Before he met Christ, you might have thought he had it all going for him.

But for Paul, all those things he used to count on- Things that he thought made him in right relationship with God- he now considers them like garbage.

Paul learned what we all must learn: Religion has no power to save anyone.

As we continue in our text today, Paul also wants his readers to understand- He is not putting himself on a pedestal as if he has checked all the boxes.

Quite the opposite. He makes it perfectly clear that he has not arrived, and he is not taking his eye off the prize.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But 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.

Throughout chapter 3 Paul has been using his own life, his own story as a teaching example for his friends in Philippi. With all he had accomplished for the Lord, with all the suffering he had endured- it would be easy to imagine that he had just decided to take it easy. Nobody would blame him.

But far from taking it easy- He’s giving it all he’s got, like an Olympic runner in a race.

He has not arrived, he doesn’t feel like he’s made it to any superstar status, he is striving to fulfill his calling in loving and serving the Lord.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind”

The Apostle boils it all down to ONE THING. That should speak volumes to us. Paul had gotten to witness enough track meets to know the truth that the Miracle Mile and John Landy proved in 1954

You cannot look back.

“Forgetting what is behind” meant no counting of past achievements, and not being burdened by past failures. Focus forward!

As necessary and true as it was for Paul, it is true for you and me.

We cannot live the life God has calls us too, we cannot lean into the future, and we cannot hope to win the prize, if we are stuck or chained down by the past.

The Jesus life Is not lived looking back.

“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.”

As much conscious effort and decision it takes to forget the past- it takes that much more to lean into the future that God has for you.

Paul likens himself to an athlete straining, stretching, pushing themselves to the absolute limit in competition. He is holding nothing back in pursuit of the prize

And it’s not a floral wreath, a trophy, or Nike endorsement that he’s straining for- It’s the realized hope of God’s redemption plan in Christ Jesus.

The hope of eternal life, of a new resurrection body, a new heaven, and a new earth, where the believer will be present with Jesus for all eternity.

The beautiful and compelling truth for us today: We are running for the same prize as Paul!

Why do we forget the past? Why do we give Jesus our absolute all? Because we are a people of hope, a people of promise. Paul is inviting his readers to look up! Don’t quit! There’s a prize ahead!

Question for you today: Is that the prize you are living for?As you make decisions about school, work, relationships- is it with an eye on the prize of eternity? Or on the eye of security and pleasure?

When you make decisions about what to do with your money, which prize is in sight?

When you consider a conflict with someone close to you, which prize is in view?

For all the encouragement in this passage, he also issues a warning- a life lived with a worldly mindset, is destined for a different prize.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭19

‬‬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.

Paul has set up a clear contrast between those who focus on Christ and those who focus on earthly things.A mind set on earthly things is governed by the pursuit of fleshly desires.

Without an eye on the Lord, we lose sight of righteousness and right living- we take pride and glory in things we should be ashamed of.

And the prize for living with a mind set on earthly things? Destruction. A far cry from the hope filled reality of life in Christ.The importance of this matter to Paul and for his friends becomes clear as he doesn’t fail to warn them about running with a different focus.

How would you say your race going today?

Maybe you are running ok today- eye on the prize, leaning into the life God has called you to. We celebrate that today- Don’t quit! Don’t give up! Don’t take your eye off the prize!

Perhaps you started out that way, but a few laps in, you aren’t so sure.

Maybe sin has tripped you up again.

Perhaps you have lost focus of why you are running this race in the first place.

Life has gotten in the way, and you feel alone and left out.

Maybe you imagine everyone else is running a better race than you, like it’s not even worth it-Friend, will you hear the encouragement of our friend Paul today?

Don’t quit! Don’t lose focus! You might be down but it’s not over!

The prize is worth it! Finish the race!

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49087214

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 6

Philippians 3:1-11

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 3:1-11.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

-Paul is arguing against those who would require Gentiles to become Jews before they could become Christians. They were steadfast in their belief that every person must adhere to strict Jewish laws in order to be saved.

-Whenever someone requires Jesus plus something, you know there’s a problem.

-Paul was one of the most impressive Jews who ever lived before he was interrupted by Christ. In many ways, he was the king of religion.

-As impressive as Paul’s list was, he considered it all a loss compared to knowing Christ.

One of the biggest dangers today for individuals who are lost in religion is that it exists beneath the surface, unopposed, unquestioned, and unchallenged.

It appears beautiful. But it’s actually deadly.‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭5‬‬

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Why do we settle for religion when we could have a real relationship with Christ?

1. It’s easier

-It’s easier to adapt some form of religion where you check the box. ‘Do this’ and ‘don’t do this’.

-In a world that has become all about fast and convenient, religion offers you an ‘easy’ solution.

2. It’s safer (at least, we think it is)-While religion may require discipline, you can pursue religion and still play it safe. As long as it’s not too hard, or doesn’t require too much sacrifice, then it’s fine.

-Jesus said “if you want to follow after me, take up your cross and follow.”

3. It’s convenient-We keep God in a box and only allow Him to have access to certain parts of our lives.-Our mentality is, “I’ll call you when I need you.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬-‭23‬‬

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Bottom Line Suggestions

Religion will never save you. It never could.

Verses for further study/reflection:

2 Timothy 3:5

James 1:26

Malachi 1:10

Galatians 2:21

Matthew 15:9

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49088725

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life: Part 6

Philippians 3:1-11

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 3:1-11

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4

‬‬Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:

As we begin Chapter 3, we are moving on to Paul’s next major concern for his friends in Philippi, he says “beware of empty religion”.

As he begins, we get the sense this isn’t the first time they have had this conversation, but Paul doesn’t mind- It’s for their safety and the urgency of the truth bears repeating.

Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

Dog lovers everywhere, exhale. Paul is not talking about problems with our pets.

He is talking about one a group of arch enemies to the Gospel. People called Judaizers. They believed that to be in right relationship with God, to really experience salvation- you need to believe in Jesus AND take part in certain practices of the Jewish faith.

You couldn’t be a Christian without also being a jew.

Paul’s language here clearly shows his disgust and disagreement with anyone who would suggest such things. The problem is the deadly belief in Jesus PLUS anything.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬‬

though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

If two Jews were having a bragging contest- The Apostle Paul would have beat them all with his resume. His trophy case was even more impressive than the Stanley Cup.

Paul was killing it in the eyes of the Jewish law and culture. But look what he says next‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8

‬‬What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain ChristPaul’s previous life was one of status and achievement. He used to count all these things as a profit- something to boast about.

But now- That he has met Jesus- he considers all of those old things he used to brag about as a loss- a waste of time. Because he knows that true righteousness and right relationship with God is only found in Christ- in NOTHING else.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9

‬‬What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Paul has made the conscious decision over his past, and his present, that anything that takes away from living the Jesus life, is a loss.

Paul’s greatest treasure in life, his number one gain is relationship with Christ Jesus. Paul has learned that true right standing with God-True relationship with Him, can only come through Jesus Christ.

Paul is warning his friends in Philippi by way of his own testimony: Religion has no power to save anyone- only Christ can do that.

We have talked repeatedly in this series about living out our faith- shaping our lives after Jesus- the inseparable bond between what we believe and how we live, and these teachings are not in conflict today-Today’s teaching is a warning about thinking that those things, in and of themselves, are what save us.

It is only by faith, trusting in Jesus Christ that we can be saved.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11

‬‬I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Take it from the Apostle Paul; Religion doesn’t have the power to save you, only Jesus can do that.

Will you say with Paul “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection”?

That’s what it is to live the Jesus Life

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

http://bible.com/events/49084125

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Living The Jesus Life: Part 5

Philippians 2:12-18

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 2:12-18.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.The obvious question is:

What does it mean to “work out your salvation”?

And, perhaps just as importantly, what doesn’t it mean?

-Salvation is not a prize that we work for. It’s not an accomplishment. It’s a free gift of God.

-In Philippians 1:11, Paul proclaims that righteousness comes through Christ alone.

-About this same time Paul writes this letter, while still in prison, he writes another letter in which he clearly proclaims: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.…” (Ephesians 2:8-9)-Paul is not de-valuing the work of Christ, but rather He is re-emphasizing it (see Philippians 2:5-11 which precedes this text).-The Greek word used in verse 12 gives the implication of ‘completeness’.-The idea here is that your salvation should be evident in every area of your life. Salvation must find it’s completeness as you work it out in your life.

-Paul doesn’t say ‘work FOR your salvation’. It’s as if Paul is saying ‘activate the salvation God has given you’.

Interesting to compare these two mentions of work:

1. “continue to work out your salvation” (verse 12)

2. “it is God who works in you” (verse 13)

We are called to work out our salvation, but it is God who works in us.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18

‬‬Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24

‬‬Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1

‬‬Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Bottom Line:

As you work, God works in you.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭18

‬‬What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing. Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Philippians 1:6

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

James 5:9

1 Peter 1:9

1 Corinthians 10:10

Ephesians 4:1-3

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49084015

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Living The Jesus Life: Part 5

Philippians 2:12-18

Living The Jesus Life

This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.

Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.

Today’s focus is Philippians 2:12-18‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Working out is hard- It’s aches, it’s pain, it takes longevity, and commitment.

I wonder today, is that how you are viewing your journey with Christ- your salvation? Is that how you would describe your life within the Church

Do you think of it as a workout- something that takes intentionality, that might involve pain or being uncomfortable at times. Or do you find yourself in the recliner today- thinking to yourself “Let go and let God”?

For Paul- he saw the necessity that believers in Philippi put in the hard work of living the Jesus life

Here’s the truth for us this morning: Your salvation is something to be worked out!

Will you? Will you commit to working it out?

As we dive into this passage, I would like to answer 2 questions that impact how we read this text-The First and perhaps the most important thing we need to ask- Is Paul trying to say that we need to work to earn our salvation or that our right standing with God is something we have to earn?

This is a great question that deserves a clear answer; No, that is not what He is saying.

Our text today is not about earning salvation, it’s about how to live out that calling- how to live the Jesus life, not how to find it.

Second important question around this text: Is Paul talking about our personal salvation, how we live as individuals or is he talking about our life together as the church?

This answer is a bit more complex: Yes and yes

If you go home and begin to study this question on your own, you will find scholarship to support both views.It is quite easy to read this text and hear a very personal call to your own life. But, we must consider the context- Paul has been talking about unity, about their life together, addressing how they live out the Jesus life in community- All of this teaching has been towards their life together.

With that context in mind, I don’t think we can make this only about our personal relationship with the Lord, although that is part of it.

So don’t miss it- this is a text for US as a community of believers‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬‬

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

“Continue to work out your salvation”

Work out is one Greek word: it means to achieve, to bring about, or to complete.

It means to work out fully and thoroughly, to accomplish or achieve an end

It’s a term used of the activity of mining. Gold or silver deposits are beneath the ground, and we must mine them out, go after them to retrieve them.

Remembering that salvation here doesn’t refer to our justification or right standing before God- Paul is calling believers to work out their Jesus Life together- Remember he has just told them- No grumbling, no bickering, no self-serving. Paul is calling them to bring the work that God has done in them, out into their everyday lives, to their relationships with one another. And It’s work. it’s sometimes very hard.

We are called to this life of obedience with “Fear and trembling”

Believers are to live their lives with honor and respect for God-to hold him in reverence. Our obedience, is no light matter and its’ not optional. We need to work this out, with awe and respect of the ONE who has called us- God himself.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13

‬‬for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

How do you work out your salvation- in your own life- in the context of community?- It is God who works in you to do it.

The word for works here is similar to the English word Energy

It’s God who energizes you, who equips and empowers you, to fulfill the life that he is calling you too.‭‭

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬‬

Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.

Working out our Jesus life together directly affects our ability to fulfill our mission in the world.

We teach our children to sing “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”. Paul is teaching all believers to shine their light so that a dark world may see the goodness of God.

The apostle Paul knew that if his friends at Philippi would commit to the hard work, of working out their Jesus life together- they would be transformed and empowered by God, and effective in their mission together.

The world around them would see something special about them- They would see the true light of God’s love at work in their livesThe same is true for us today- Are you ready to work it out?

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know:

finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving