Laying hold of Christ

Today we’re wrapping up our Table Talk series about pursuing true success. Next Sunday is our breakfast service… have some testimonies and hear some stories … and celebrate the good things God is doing in us and trough us… so come ready to eat and participate next week...

IN This series we explored what Jesus and his disciples taught about pursuing true success…and investing in our future…

Jesus and his Apostles challenge us with a truly different view of success and building for the future....

Pursing true success involves wisely using what we have to do good in this world - generously sharing with others and being rich in good works.

Because we live in a culture that views success in terms of personal achievement. It would be easy for us to understand the things we’ve looked at in terms of persona

Commenting on a 2014 study by Strayer University -Dr. Michael Plater, says that success today is much more about setting personal goals and achieving them, than anything else. "It's the feeling you get when you reach a new physical activity goal, connect with friends you haven't seen in a while, see your child succeed, ace a job interview, and many other small but incredibly significant life moments. It's the feeling that you have accomplished something bigger and better than yourself."

- Pursing true success involves wisely using what we have to do good in this world - generously sharing with others and being rich toward God by investing in His kingdom.

Pursing true success involves contributing significantly to the life and ministry of your local church family.

Pursuing true success includes a one-minded commitment to resourcing the progress of the Gospel both at home and internationally.

We it is includes contributing to and building up your local church family

“True success is far deeper and more comprehensive than financial success or enjoyment of this life. True success involves being ‘rich toward God’.”

Pursing true success involves building our lives carefully on the foundation of Jesus Christ that his first followers carefully passed on to us- who he is, what’s he’s done, and his principles for living life.

NOTE: that are given to us in the NT.

I’m concerned that as we’ve discussed these things and talked about the work involved in pursuing success and being invested in these ways, that we’ve missed something really important… Because we live in this culture that views success in terms of personal achievement.

We have a tendency to view these things in terms of self-effort and personal achievement. Because we live in a culture that views success in terms of personal achievement.

A 2014 american study on how people view success concludes that - for people today success is considered to be much more about setting personal goals and achieving them, than anything else.

in our culture we love stories about the underdog who pulled him self up by his own wits and hard work to achieve something great!

We hold up and worship

We have a multi-billion dollar industry selling all kinds of self-help books and seminars and secrets to achieving great success.

And we hold up as examples people who have “believed in themselves” and achieved their goals - elevating them to celebrity status - hanging on their every word of advice…

It would be easy for us after looking at the scriptures and having these discussion to view these things in terms of personal achievement … to approach investing in these things as a way to improve ourselves through self-effort - and completely miss the point!

The Apostle Paul has something to say about this in - there is so much in this chapter, we could teach from it for a couple of months but lets have quick look at it together today…

- there is so much in this chapter, we could teach from it for a couple of months but lets have quick look at it together today…

-Pray-

Philippians 3:1 ESV

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Underline ‘rejoice in the Lord’ note he doesn’t say ‘rejoice in your accomplishments’ he doesn’t say ‘rejoice in your good works’ he doesn’t say, ‘rejoice in your faith’ — He says, Rejoice in the LORD - very significant…

The next statement is a warning directed towards people in the ancient church who were teaching that you must practice the Old Covenant ritual of Circumcision to be right with God.

Philippians 3:2–3 ESV

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—

to put ‘confidence in the flesh’ - is to put trust in what you can do, it is to look to and depend on your ability to accomplish things…to put things into practice… it is essentially to believe in yourself!

Philippians 3:2–3 ESV

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—

Explain issue - to put ‘confidence in the flesh’ - is to put trust in what you can do, it is to look to and depend on your ability to accomplish things…to put things into practice...

Paul continues…

Philippians 3:4 ESV

though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

“Success is a reward a status that is ours

Philippians 3:5 ESV

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Philippians 3:5–6 ESV

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Philippians 3:7–8 ESV

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:9 ESV

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

The Christian faith is NOT about my achievements - it is about knowing Christ.

What makes me right with God is JESUS himself! My righteousness doesn’t come from my ability to put God’s laws into practice - Jesus makes me righteous...

Philippians 3:10–11 ESV

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

The Christian faith is NOT about achieving righteousness - it is about knowing Christ. What makes me right with God is JESUS himself! My righteousness doesn’t come from my ability to put God’s laws into practice - Jesus makes me righteous… my accomplishments are garbage compared to KNOWING CHRIST

What makes me right with God is JESUS himself! My righteousness doesn’t come from my ability to put God’s laws into practice - Jesus makes me righteous...

Philippians 3:10–11 ESV

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Paul talks about knowing Christ more and more in a very intimate way - not just knowing about him but an experiential knowing - - he talks about sharing in his suffering....

The more I follow Jesus the more I expereince his suffering… and the more i experenice his power

Identifying with Christ in his suffering = Greater understanding of the deep love he has for Paul — .... Not just Suffering but he talks about knowing his resurrection power! Paul’s proud zealous hard line attitude is being replaced with a love and compassion for Gentiles-

The more I follow Jesus the more I experience his suffering… and the more i experience his power —Jesus is changing me ... and all of this is leading to Resurrection day ---Jesus is perfecting him - the more he knows Christ the more it is changing him - to be the faithful obedient son he was created to be.— And that he will be on Resurrection Day..

Philippians 3:12 ESV

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

“Obtained” (some translations use the word achieved which is unfortunate because it can imply earned) In the original language it means ‘grabbing hold of’

Philippians 3:13–14 ESV

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13–14 ESV

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:15–16 ESV

Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Because he hasn’t arrived he continues to pursue Jesus - making Jesus his own - fulfilling his calling is really

Philippians 3:17–18 ESV

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own

Philippians 3:19 ESV

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Philippians 3:20–21 ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, 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.

Make = to acquire with effort Made = already acquired through effort

“Obtained” (some translations use the word achieved which is unfortunate because it can imply earned) In the original language it means ‘grabbing hold of’

obtained (some translations say ‘achieved’ which is unfortunate because achieve can imply the idea of something earned) the Greek is = “Grabbed hold of” = it carries with it the idea of fully receiving something.

obtained (some translations say ‘achieved’ which is unfortunate because achieve can imply the idea of something earned) the Greek is = “Grabbed hold of” = it carries with it the idea of fully grasping something.

15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

“Obtained” (some translations use the word achieved which is unfortunate because it can imply earned) In the original language it means ‘grabbing hold of’

Grocery store had a promotion - draw for a football - so while my mother was shopping I sat there the whole time filling out ballots… I get a call a week later saying I had won the ball. It was mine but the store was in the next in the grocery store in the next town several miles from our home - it was already mine - but I was not yet in my possession - it was in a grocery store several miles from my home in the next town - So there was some effort some work involved to make it my own - but my work wasn’t to pay for it - i didn’t earn it - it was a gift - it was set aside for me - but I had not yet laid hold of it… but I could not rest until it was mine…with great anticipation I put all my energy into getting to the store so I could claim my prize...

This stretching out and drive hard toward the goal … the finish line - which is the end when Paul has fulfilled his calling and is in the presence of Jesus himself fully transformed by Jesus’s power -

This stretching out and drive hard toward the goal … the finish line - which is the end when Paul has fulfilled his calling and is in the presence of Jesus himself fully transformed by the resurrection power of Jesus

it is literally about GRAB HOLD OF JESUS HIMSELF and all that HE wants to do IN us and Through Us…

the effort that Paul is talking about here is not about personal achievement … Following Paul’s example, living by the principles of Christ, the pattern of life laid out for us by the Apostles — IS NOT about becoming a better person or a better Christian through personal accomplishments - IT IS NOT about earning or achieving anything in our own strength - it is literally about LAYING HOLD OF JESUS HIMSELF and all that HE wants to do IN us and Through Us… by his POWER

obtained (some translations say ‘achieved’ which is unfortunate because achieve can imply the idea of something earned) the Greek is = “Grabbed hold of” = it carries with it the idea of fully grasping something.

It is by letting go of our personal achievements, our titles, our religious identities, and submitting to a life of discipleship in community and striving together for the progress of Gospel - that we come to really KNOW JESUS and His call on our lives!

Pursuing true success is really all about KNOWING CHRIST - making Christ our own! It’s not about personal achievement - but about knowing / experiencing Christ - He is our righteousness, He has saved us from our past, he is saving us in the present transforming our lives by his power, he will save us in the future when he comes in power.

All of this is really about making Christ his own! It’s not about personal achevement - but about knowing / experiencing Christ - He is our righteoiusness, He has saved us from our past, he is saving us in the present tranforming our lives, he will save us in the future -

What does it mean to really know Christ? How is knowing Christ and pursuing his purpose and plan for my life similar?

Pursing true success involves wisely using what we have to do good in this world - generously sharing with others and being rich in good works.

Philippians 3:16–17 ESV

Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Philippians 3:17–18 ESV

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Pursing true success involves contributing significantly to the life and ministry of your local church family. HIS LOVE & PASSION & MERCY & GRACE

Pursuing true success includes a one-minded commitment to resourcing the progress of the Gospel both at home and internationally. HEART FOR THE LOST - THE POWER OF HIS GOSPEL

Philippians 3:19 ESV

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Pursing true success involves building our lives carefully on the foundation of Jesus Christ that his first followers carefully passed on to us- who he is, what’s he’s done, and his principles for living life. - WISDOM & GRACE & POWER

Philippians 3:20–21 ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, 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.

obtained (some translations say ‘achieved’ which is unfortunate because achieve can imply the idea of something earned) the Greek is = “Grabbed hold of” = it carries with it the idea of fully receiving something.

THis stretching out and drive hard toward the goal … is not about our personal achievement … it is literally about GRAB HOLD OF JESUS HIMSELF and all that HE wants to do IN us and Through Us…

Press on to make it my own - because Christ has made me his own

to put this in relational terms: Marriage - it takes considerable effort to learn your spouce - to unwrap the layers of personality, desire, and abilities, to truly appreciate, and truly experience intimacy with your spouse - I’ve been married for 22 years and I still haven’t arrived - but there is a much deeper connection and love than when we first were married....

Press on to make it my own - because Christ has made me his own

Make = to acquire with effort Made = already acquired through effort

Love that Paul doesn't just teach principles - he lives them out - he pursue his calling — which is the same thing as grabbing hold of Jesus himself

English Standard Version Chapter 3

forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

it is about fulfilling our calling in Christ completing his calling and fully knowing Christ - -

Love that Paul doesn't just teach principles - he lives them out - he pursue his calling — which is the same thing as grabbing hold of Jesus himself

anticipating being in his very presence!

Philippians 3:16–17 ESV

Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

holding on to what’s already been revealed - this foundation (example = Typos) pattern of life

Love that Paul doesn't just teach principles - he lives them out - he pursue his calling — which is the same thing as grabbing hold of Jesus himself

All of this is really about making Christ his own! It’s not about personal achevement - but about knowing / experiencing Christ - He is our righteoiusness, He has saved us from our past, he is saving us in the present tranforming our lives, he will save us in the future -

Jesus said, ‘I am the resurection and the life’ - receiving life’ from him.

Philippians 3:1–21 ESV

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for 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; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 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. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, 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.

make =

Make = to acquire with effort Made = already acquired through effort

the upward call of God = Fulfill his calling - holding on to what’s already been revealed - this foundation (example = Typos) pattern of life

Love that Paul doesn't just teach principles - he lives them out - he pursue his calling — which is the same thing as grabbing hold of Jesus himself

What does it mean to really know Christ? How is knowing Christ and pursuing his purpose and plan for my life similar?

What is the relationship between living life according to “the pattern” (‘immitate me’standard teaching of the New Testament) and knowing Christ?

True success and a lasting heritage are found in Christ and his plan for our lives. Are we truly pursuing Jesus himself? How do we know? What does it take to fully grab hold of Christ and his call for my life?

Christ’s principles for living life are not some set of dry rules to be followed. They are His thoughts, His plans, His passions, His view of the world! They are living principles designed to guide our relationship with Him. They are the sound words of life and truth that the Spirit is using to transform our lives. Living by them is how we truly lay hold of Christ himself!

BONUS MATERIAL: Not used

to put this in relational terms: Marriage - it takes considerable effort to learn your spouce - to unwrap the layers of personality, desire, and abilities, to truly appreciate, and truly experience intimacy with your spouse - I’ve been married for 22 years and I still haven’t arrived - but there is a much deeper connection and love than when we first were married....

Our tradition at Christmas is to give gifts and usually we wrap up the gift - you need to unwrap it, the gift may require some assembly, maybe it takes some effort to put it into use and experience the full benefits of it - but you didn’t earn it - it’s a gift ... it’s yours if you open it or not - but you really don’t know it or enjoy it unless you lay hold of it - pursue it - make it your own…

Make = to acquire with effort Made = already acquired through effort

Laying hold of Christ

“True success is far deeper and more comprehensive than financial success or enjoyment of this life.”