131105 PM FOCUS
** FOCUS ** Philippians 3 1 Focus on Christ -vs. 7-11 -Christ is our purpose (Phil. 1:21-26) -Christ is our pattern (Phil. 2:3-8) -Christ is the prize 1 John 3:1-3 – 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.-Christ is the power (Phil. 4:11-13)Heb. 12:1-3 – 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 2Focus on eternity -vs. 12-14, 20-21 -The need for humility-Jas. 4:7-10 – 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.-The need to forget-Heb. 8:12 – 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. -Eph. 4:22-24 – 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.-The need for determination.-1 Cor. 9:24-27 – 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.-“Don’t let the best (or worst) you’ve ever been become the standard for the rest of your life” 3 Focus on others -vs. 15-19 -John 15:12 -Matt. 7:12 -Gal. 6:1-2 – 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. -Rom. 12:15 – 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. -Col. 3:17 – 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. |