What Will God Say?

 

MATTHEW 7:21-23

Theme: When we reject false systems of evaluation, we are ready to embrace a concrete criterion from God.

Relevance: The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment and choose the Will of God over the mere pretenses of people.

Introduction: the disciple must look beyond the appearance of things and note what is really happening. Refusing to be caught up with man made expectations we begin to perceive what God actually requires or stipulates.

Since there are false prophets in the world pointing people in the wrong direction, we must always be careful of deceptions. In this light Jesus reveals every disciple’s real priority consideration. God’s very own expectations…His standard…His criteria for genuine evaluations….

Message:

Determine to be the Person Who Does the Will of God (Matt. 7:21-23).

The final test is not what we think of ourselves, or what others may think. The final test is: What will God say? 

I.               How Can We Prepare for This Judgment?

By doing God’s will.

A.             The Lord Jesus next warns against people who falsely profess to acknowledge Him as Savior, but have never been converted.

                                                         i.     Not everyone who calls Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

                                                       ii.     Only those who do the will of God enter the kingdom. The first step in doing the will of God is to believe on the Lord Jesus.

1.     John 6:29, Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

2.     John 6:39-40, And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. [40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

3.     Matthew 12:50, For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

4.     Matthew 21:28-32, But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. [29] He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. [30] And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. [31] Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

B.    Obedience to His will is the test of true faith in Christ.

                                                         i.     When a person is truly born again, he has the Spirit of God living within (Rom. 8:9); and the Spirit enables him to know and do the Father’s will.

                                                       ii.     God’s love in his heart (Rom. 5:5) motivates him to obey God and serve others.

II.            Words Are Not a Substitute for Obedience, and Neither Are Religious Works.

A.    The Test Is Not Words!

                                                         i.     It is not saying “Lord, Lord,” and not obeying His commands.

                                                       ii.     How easy it is to learn a religious vocabulary, and even memorize Bible verses and religious songs, and yet not obey God’s will. 

B.    The Test Is Not Works!

                                                         i.     We are now introduced to those who apparently believe themselves to be genuine disciples and can appeal to their charismatic activities to prove it, but nonetheless turn out to have no real relationship with the Lord to whom they appeal. The false prophets of v 15 were deceivers, but these are self-deceived.

                                                       ii.     On judgment day when unbelievers stand before Christ (Rev. 20:11–15), many will remind Him that they prophesied, or cast out demons, or performed many wonders—all in His name. 

C.    The Test is Not Miracles. A Ministry of miracles is Not a Guarantee Nor a Sign of Real Salvation.

                                                         i.     From these verses we learn that not all miracles are of divine origin and that not all miracle workers are divinely accredited. A miracle simply means that a supernatural power is at work. That power may be divine or satanic. Satan may empower his workers to cast out demons temporarily, in order to create the illusion that the miracle is divine. He is not dividing his kingdom against itself in such a case, but is plotting an even worse invasion of demons in the future.^[1]

                                                       ii.     Preaching, casting out demons, and performing miracles can be divinely inspired, but they give no assurance of salvation. It is likely that even Judas participated in some or all of these activities, and yet he was not a true believer.

                                                     iii.     In the last days, Satan will use “lying wonders” to deceive people (2 Thes. 2:7–12).

                                                      iv.     Even if they were doing supernatural deeds—prophesying in His name, driving out demons, and performing many miracles, they were not obedient to the Father, continually doing His will (Matt. 7:21). They would be refused admission to the kingdom because Jesus had no personal relationship with them (vv. 21, 23).^[2]

III.         Acceptance Depends Not on Profession, Nor Even on Apparent Christian Activity, But on Whether Jesus Knew Them. All their appeals will be in vain.

A.    Matthew 7:23, And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

                                                  ii.     Jesus is explaining that not everyone (especially highly religious people) who claims to be Christian will be recognized by him.

                                                iii.     A true believer cannot lose his salvation, nor can all miracles be performed by true believers.

                                                iv.     What does it mean to “work iniquity” or practice lawlessness?

                                                  v.     The quality or condition of having no regard for societies laws; behavior that is contrary to or shows indifference to God’s law: Unfortunately, a lot of confusion, lawlessness, stupidity, and even death surrounds this reality. 

                                                vi.     Jesus will declare to them that He never knew them or acknowledged them as His own.

A.    Note the extraordinary authority he assumes as judge; to enter the kingdom of heaven depends on his acknowledgment and consists in being with him.

B.    “Jesus goes on to describe those who will be able to call upon His name on the day of judgment. It will be those who hear His words and put them into practice, the same ones referred to in verse 21 as those who obediently do the will of the Father in heaven. True believers are the good trees that produce good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), the true sheep who look to Christ, depend on Him, commit themselves to Him, trust in Him, and believe on Him for righteousness, salvation, and eternal life. These are the ones who will enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (From Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation?)

Conclusion:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise judgment and choose the Will of God over the mere pretenses of people.  Will you accept his generous invitation?

MANY ARE STUCK IN DEADLY SINFUL SYSTEMS OF EVALUATION!

1 Timothy 6:20-21, O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: ²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

We must guard against the errors seeping into the churches and taking the place of God’s truth. Not only are we to guard the Bible teachings committed to our trust, but also avoid the dangers of improper division of the Word, foolish irrelevant chatter, and contradictions falsely claiming to be real knowledge.

 We are called to avoid being carried away by false teaching, by imitating the obedient faith of godly leaders.

Hebrews 13:7, Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation…. 17, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

GOD OFFERS FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST FROM THE EVIL

The world in which we live is not a godly world, but we each must experience the freedom that Christ offers to us so that we can live in this world, yet not be “of” this world.

John 17:14-17, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Christ prayed earnestly that we would not become enslaved and influenced by the evil present in the world system. 

YOU CAN BE FREE OF SIN’S CLUTCHES TODAY WHEN YOU RECEIVE CHRIST!

To any person in the clutches of something sinful, negative, or evil, “You can be free!”

Romans 6:18, Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:22, But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

This is the spiritual freedom that everyone needs to become familiar with.

GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS YOURS BY HIS GRACE! (Through the kindness and help of God)

Ephes. 1:7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Have you decided to accept and receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? To “accept and receive”—is required for you to be forgiven by God, regardless of the nature, magnitude, or deep entrenchment of your sins.

To “accept” is to believe with your mind that what the Bible says about Jesus and His death on the cross is true—that Jesus died for your sins, and He rose again to give you and me new life in Him. To “receive” is to say, “I don't merely accept what Jesus did on the cross as a fact of history or as a statement of sound theology, but I accept His sacrificial death on the cross as being for me personally and individually—his sacrifice was made for my sins. I invite Christ to indwell me, to cleanse me of all my past transgressions, iniquities, evil, and sin, and to make me a new person in God's eyes. I receive the work of the Holy Spirit in me that gives me a completely restored relationship with my heavenly Father.”

Titus 3:5-7, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Have you taken Him up on His offer? If not, will you accept and receive Jesus Christ today? Will you receive God's forgiveness?

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1230.

^[2] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 34.

Holding on to His Promise

 

Rev. 22:7, 12, 20

Subject: Calm Assurance/Strong Faith

Theme: Take Jesus Christ’s Promise to Heart to Finish Strong

Introduction:

Assurance and direction bring strength and resolve to our experiences though we are certain to face many challenges. We are assured of ultimate triumph through the precious promises of the Lord.

Relevance: real faith…our otherworldly confidence in God is strengthened by His promises. These promises prepare, stir, and assure us resulting in power to endure the trials and unfair situations of life.

Message:

I.               Prepared by His Promise (Rev. 22:7).

Christ Himself seeks to prepare His people for His return with this promise.      

   A.  A Motivating Promise.  “Behold, I come quickly:”

From Jesus himself come these words of assurance and motivation.

       1. Pay Careful Attention to the Promise.  “Behold”

The command “Behold” is an imperative! We must give our attention to this motivating and stirring truth, that Jesus could come at any time.

       2.  Be Prepared Considering the Promise. 

            a.  Three times at the close of this book Christ says, “I come quickly!” (vv. 7, 12, 20).

            b.  The word “quickly” in Rev 22:7 means “swiftly come to pass in succession.”

                  — This means that his coming will be quick and without delay.

                  — It will not be “soon” according to human timing (after all, John wrote this two thousand years ago), but it is certain to occur; it is imminent.

            c.  The churches have expected Christ to return since the days of the Apostles, and He has not yet come; but when John's prophecies begin to be fulfilled, they will happen very quickly. There will be no delay.

            d.  We do not know when Christ will appear, and it behooves us to be ready. Jesus clearly told his followers to be prepared, because they don't know when Lord is coming. 

Matthew 24:42, Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:44, Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

   B.  A Clarifying Promise. “blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

Jesus announced a blessing for those who obey the prophecy of Revelation.

       A.  What Does it Mean to Keep the Sayings of the Prophecy of this Book? (Rev 22:7)

             1.  Basically, the word “keepeth” means to guard, to watch over, to preserve intact. 

                    a.  It has to do with maintaining, observing, and fulfilling the commands of God in this book.

                    b.  “[Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book] That receives them as a divine communication; that makes use of them to comfort himself in the days of darkness, persecution, and trial; and that is obedient to the precepts here enjoined.”  — (from Barnes' Notes)

                    c.  Thus, the Book of Revelation is to be Received, Used, and Obeyed.

             2.  What exactly is a Christian to obey as detailed in The Revelation?

                    a. We are to be faithful to Christ. God commended the Philadelphians for keeping Christ's words and not denying his name (Rev. 3:8).

                    b.  We are to be spiritually and morally clean and prepared for Christ’s return (Rev. 7:14; 22:14).

                    c.  We are to endure patiently (Rev. 14:12-13).

                    d.  We are neither to add nor detract from Revelation's words (Rev. 22:18, 19).

             3.  Serving God begins with our faithful service to him now. Remain Faithful!

       B.  What is the Blessing? (Rev. 22:7) “blessed is he”

           1.  The command given to Record the Vision (Rev 1:11,19), has been carried out; this book was designed to be a blessing to believers according to (Rev 1:3).

Rev. 1:11, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Rev. 1:19, Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Rev. 1:3, Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

           2. “Accordingly a special blessing is pronounced on those who believe and heed the prophecy of the book. As stated earlier, this last book of the Bible, so neglected by the church and with its meanings confused by many expositors, contains more promises of blessing than any other book of Scripture. This reference to blessing is the sixth beatitude in the book (the seventh is in v. 14).”  –John Walvoord

           3.  Like the beatitude in Rev. 1:3, this one promises a blessing to believers who obey God by heeding the warnings of this prophecy.

Application: Preparation, motivation, clarification, and inspiration. We must be prepared as Paul insisted in 2 Ti. 4:1, 2: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” Again, it was Peter who required in 1 Peter 3:15-16, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” The need to be prepared is pressed upon each of us as believers. It is our lot to be firm, stable, established, ready, and to make the necessary arrangements! In other words, we need to stand firm in our faith in God, be stable in our walk with Him and be ready to meet the Lord Jesus at any moment.

II.           Stirred By His Promise (Rev. 22:12-13).

Clearly the coming of Christ in the Rapture is a stirring promise to be embraced by every child of God. The Promise of Christ’s Return here seems to be related more to the Rapture then the Revelation. We are so stirred to serve, trust, and rest in the Lord’s promises!

        A.  It Will Be Surprising (Rev. 22:12).  “And, Behold, I come quickly”

              1.“The coming of Christ is the preeminent theme of both the Prologue and the Epilogue (Rev 1:7; 22:7,12,20). By quickly (v. 12) is not meant that the Second Advent would occur soon after John completed the writing of this book. Rather, it means that the events of the Second Coming will occur so fast, one event quickly following another, that many will be taken completely by surprise.”   — (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

              2.  Bear in Mind that the Second Coming Has Two aspects: The Rapture and The Revelation. The first is before the Tribulation and the second is after the Tribulation. The next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the saints.

        B.  It Will Be Rewarding (Rev. 22:12).  "My reward is with Me"

              1.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ!

Believers will be judged according to their works; and rewards will be given to those who have been faithful. This implies that God is mindful of our sufferings, and our service, and nothing will ever be done in vain if it is done for Him.

The Bible records God rewarding his people for good works according to his justice.   No act of mercy will be forgotten; no true believer will be abandoned. (For more on rewards, see Matt 16:27; 19:27-30; Luke 6:23,35; 1 Cor 3:8,13-15; 9:25; James 1:12.)

              2.  We Have the Responsibility of Serving the Lord. 

Throughout church history, there have been those who have (to use Dwight L. Moody's words) become "so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good." They quit their jobs, sold their property, and sat and waited for Jesus to return. All of them have been embarrassed, of course, because it is unbiblical to set dates for His coming. It is also unbiblical to become careless and lazy just because we believe Jesus is coming soon. Paul faced this problem with some of the believers in Thessalonica, (2 Thess 3).

              3.  There Will Also Be Rewards in the Kingdom.

Christ reiterated that He would bring a reward for his people, according to what each had done (Rev. 20:12-13.) Our reward will include a place in God's kingdom (see Matt 25:34-40; Mark 9:47; 10:29-30), not because of our good deeds but because of God's gracious promise to people of faith (Luke 12:31-32).

               4.  Some Rewards Will be Personal and Individual.

Although all God's people will be saved and will enjoy the reward of eternity with him, several rewards seem to be given to individuals, according to what they have done. God will look at each individual's heart; thus, it may be that a quiet saint praying daily beside her bed will receive even greater reward than a flamboyant, well-known preacher. It may be that the woman who used her gifts to the fullest extent will be rewarded more greatly than the one who believed but was too afraid to reach her potential. God will not bestow his rewards in ways that we humans might. Each believer's job is to serve God to his or her fullest potential with a heart that is right with him (1 Cor. 3:5-15).

        C.  It Will Be Completing (Rev. 22:13). He will Personally Complete what He began in your heart! Christ repeated the words he had spoken at the beginning of the Revelation: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" (see Rev. 1:8,17).

                1.  Christ as the Creator. (Alpha, Beginning, First)

The Creator began and will end time itself. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; it's like saying he is the A and the Z, or even A-to-Z.

               2. Christ as the Completer. (Omega, End, Last) 

Rev 22:13 is a great encouragement to anyone who seeks to serve the Lord. Whatever God starts, He will finish; for He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last.

Philip. 1:6, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philip. 2:12-13, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Application: Stirred, stimulated, motivated, encouraged by this promise from the Lord Jesus to spring into actions of service, trust, and rest in Christ! I am reminded of the words of Moses when he said in Exodus 35:21, “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.” The encouragements of the apostle Paul seem to belong here as well. He said in 2 Tim. 1:6-14, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the gift of God, which is in thee (inner fire from God) by the putting on of my hands. ⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ⁸ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; ⁹ Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, ¹⁰ But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: ¹¹ Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. ¹² For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. ¹³ Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.” May we be possessed by a passion to serve, trust, and rest in the Lord’s promises.

III.        Assured by His Promise (Rev. 22:20-21).

Assurance based on Christ’s promises yield great confidence, faith, and rest in the Lord.

   A.  The Final Promise of the Savior (Rev. 22:20).

        1.  We must keep expecting Jesus Christ to return (vv. 17, 20-21). Three times in this closing chapter John wrote, "I [Christ] come quickly" (Rev 22:7,12,20). 

        2.  But He, has "delayed" His return for nearly 2,000 years! Yes, He has; and Peter tells us why: God wants to give this sinful world opportunity to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:1).

   B.  The Fervent Prayer of the Saints (Rev. 22:20).

        1.  John adds the hope of all believers to the declaration of Christ by praying, “come, Lord Jesus.” 

        2.  If our study of Revelation has been truly led by the Spirit, then we will join John in the Bible's last prayer. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" To this John replied in a brief prayer, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Are you ready?

         3. John could pray this because he was fully convinced of our Lord’s promise! 

   C.  The Final Provision for the Saints (Rev. 22:21).

Rev. 22:21, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

“This expression, so common in other New Testament books, brings this final word from God to an end. For those who believe that Christ in His first coming provided salvation, there is the wonderful promise of His coming again to bring full and final deliverance. As the book began by introducing a revelation of Jesus Christ so it ends with the same thought that He is coming again.”— John Walvoord

Application: Assured and therefore comforted by our Lord’s promise. Assurance is part of the experience of trusting in the promises of a completely trustworthy God. Faith takes God at His word, being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he has promised (Rom. 4:21, Heb. 11:1-2). Assurance springs not from the power of positive thinking then but the power of the gospel. The Gospel is indeed good news, but since the gospel is God’s gospel (Rom. 1:1) it can be trusted because He is powerful to save, faithful to his word (Rom. 3:3), unable to lie (Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18) and unable to change (Mal. 3:6). And since the gospel promises are according to the Scriptures (1Cor. 15:3-4) certainty is possible because these same Scriptures are God authored and therefore infallible and trustworthy (2Tim. 3:16-17; Luke 1:4; 2Pet. 1:20). Believers in Christ are assured of salvation because our God and salvation are true, sure, perfect, and unchangeable in Jesus Christ forever. It is okay for the believer to rest in the Lord Jesus every day of life. 

Conclusion:

“Probably no other book of Scripture more sharply contrasts the blessed lot of the saints with the fearful future of those who are lost. No other book of the Bible is more explicit in its description of judgment on the one hand and the saints’ eternal bliss on the other. What a tragedy that so many pass by this book and fail to fathom its wonderful truths, thereby impoverishing their knowledge and hope in Christ Jesus. God’s people who understand and appreciate these wonderful promises can join with John in his prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus.””— John Walvoord

Real faith always rests on the promises of God. Faith is essentially trusting in what God said, promised, wrote, or committed Himself to. It is not merely rooted in our own desires, ambitions, prayers, plea bargains, or wishful thinking…no matter how much we want it or how fervently we pray for it. This is why we should want to will of God above all else…His will often highlights his promises or feature His actions. Anytime we place confidence in something God said or promised, we exercise faith in God and His will. God’s promises give rise to real faith in our hearts. Yes, God is the worthy object of our faith, and His promises provide the very content or substance of our trust. 

Our spiritual confidence is strengthened by these clear promises from the Lord Jesus. They prepare, stir, and assure us resulting in strength to endure through the challenges and unfair circumstances of life. Take the Lord Jesus Christ’s Promises to your own heart so you too can finish life’s race strong, full of faith, and even more committed.

Fixed on the Future Now

 

Phil 3:12-14

SUBJECT: Progressing

THEME: Fulfill God’s Purposes for Saving us by fixing your eyes on your future now. 

RELEVANCE:

We must not allow our fears, worldly pleasures, failures, procrastination, or temptations to throw us off track. To be winners who fulfill God’s plan, we must remain focused in the present moment with an eye on our future.

INTRODUCTION:

In Phil 3:12-16, Paul is partly focused on our present experience, our immediate concentrations with a focus on the future. Again, his desires are set on learning Christ every day, undergoing the power of Christ’s resurrection, and connecting with Christ’s anguishes (Phil. 3:9-11). This points to our need to grow spiritually by making continual progress.

All of us want to be “winners” and fulfill the purposes for which we have been saved. What are the immediate essentials for fixing our focus on the future? How can we navigate this race in a way that wins?

MESSAGE:

INTENSE CONCENTRATE FOR THE PRESENT.  (Phil. 3:14)

“I press!” (to set in rapid motion…to journey) is the same thought as is “I follow after” (to move quickly and energetically towards an objective) in Phil 3:12, and it carries the idea of intense endeavor.

 The ancient Greeks used this kind of language to describe a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey.

“Thus he pressed on in order that the purpose for which the Lord Jesus had saved him might be fulfilled in him. The apostle had been apprehended by Christ Jesus on the road to Damascus. What was the purpose of this momentous meeting? It was that Paul might from then on be a pattern-saint, that God might show through him what Christ can do in a human life. He was not yet perfectly conformed to Christ. The process was still going on, and Paul was deeply exercised that this work of God’s grace might continue and deepen.”^[a]

  1.  Determine to Run the Race.  Phil. 3:14

We must possess this same kind of determination to grow in our fellowship with the Lord and explore all the depths of spiritual growth and progress. Like anything worth having it will take a great deal of personal determination throughout our natural lives.

        A.  Run With Intensity.

Don’t merely stand on the race track of the Christian life but get to running, what are you waiting for!

             1.  Refuse to be a Spectator.

A man does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures, watching movies, reading books, or cheering at the games.

             2.  Run the Race Like You Really Want to Win.

He becomes a winning athlete by getting into the game and determining to win!

             3.  Be Zealous About Your Progress.

The same zeal that Paul employed when he persecuted the church (Phil 3:6), he displayed in serving Christ.  Come to think of it, wouldn't it be wonderful if Christians put as much determination into their spiritual life as they do their golfing, fishing, or bowling?

        B.  Run With Balance.

There are two extremes to avoid here:

             1. "I must do it all"— This of course describes the activist!         

             2.  "God must do it all!"— The second extreme is the quietist! "Let go and let God!" is a clever slogan, but it does not fully describe the process of Christian living.

             3.  Both are heading for failure.

ILLUSTRATION:  What quarterback would say to His team, "OK, men, just let go and let the coach do it all!" On the other hand, no quarterback would say, "Listen to me and forget what the coach says!" Both extremes are wrong.  

             4.  Live in the Balance of Phil. 2:12-13.

The Christian runner realizes that God must work in him if he is going to win the race.

Philip. 2:12-13, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.                                                                                       

        C.  Run With Power.

               1.  Bear in Mind That Christ is Essential.

John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

God works in us that He might work through us. As we apply ourselves to the things of the spiritual life, God is able to mature us and strengthen us for the race.

               2.  Be Sure to Apply Yourself.

1 Tim. 4:7-8, But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

APPLICATION:  Some Christians are so busy “dying to self” that they never come back to life again to run the race! And others are so sure they can make it on their own that they never stop to read the, Word, pray, or ask for the power of the Lord.  2 Cor. 3:5-6,  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; [6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

ILLUSTRATION: The early Christians give us a great example of the kind of balance the Lord wants to see in every believer’s life and service.  Acts 11:19-21,  Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. [20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. The believers traveled, preached, and witnessed to the Jewish people in these various regions–this shows their personal effort, energy, sacrifice, and determination.  But then the Scriptures clearly state that, “the hand of the Lord was with them! ” Thus, the Lord was working hard in these individuals and through them!  Finally we see converts, “a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord ” and clearly in their salvation experience God was working in hearts and minds and convicting of sin, but the individual still had to repent and believe the gospel in order to be saved!                          

   2. Determine to Win the Prize.   Phil. 3:14

Toward what goal is the runner pressing with such spiritual determination?

       A.  A Prize of Reaching the Mark–The Goal.

God does not want us to merely drift along in our Christian life casually making progress, but instead he specifies exerting every effort and expending tremendous energy to seize the prize as a winner in Christ Jesus!

            1.  Christians Are Long-distance Runners Pressing Toward the Goal of Finishing the Race.  

Like a dedicated athlete, Paul wanted to run the race and gain full knowledge of Christ. The first-time marathon runner has periodic thoughts about quitting, especially during the last six miles. By then, the novelty of the experience has faded to the dull regularity of the pace; early adrenaline has given way to soreness and fatigue. Others around him or her are limping along, and some have dropped out entirely.  But dedicated runners must keep going. Somewhere out there is a finish line. (W. W. Wiersbe)

APPLICATION:  Ask yourself these questions:

   *  What kind of race are you running for Christ?

   *  What prize do you seek?

   *  What kind of opposition do you face in your struggle to live as a Christian?

   *  How can Christ help you stay on track and reach the goal?

   *  What spiritual workout or training this week will help you run your Christian marathon?

   *  In what way can you renew your commitment to press on toward the goal of being like Christ?

            2.  Christians Will Meet Christ in all the Fullness of His Glory at the Finish Line.

Paul seems to refer to ultimate and final salvation in God’s presence!

                   A.  Realize That Christ Awaits You at the Finish Line.

Also at the end of this life’s race we will appear before Christ to receive rewards at “the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10).  The winner in those ancient games was called to the place where the judge sat in order to receive his prize.

2 Cor. 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

APPLICATION:  We must develop the heart to press and push ourselves with intensity– to bear down hard upon ourselves in the direction of this wonderful goal. The “mark” is Christlikeness. What a goal for a Christian!

                   B.  Remain Focused on Jesus Christ as Your Goal Throughout Your Race.

Hebrews 12:2, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus himself is who we must continually look to as we run this race (Heb. 12:2).

ILLUSTRATION:  We must become like watchman straining our spiritual eyes to see out into the distance hoping for glimpses of our soon coming Lord. Then simultaneously train our hearts on Christ whom we’ll meet personally at  the finish line when we finally reach the mark.  It will be worth it all when we finally see Jesus.                                                                                        

                   C.  Remain Focused on Christ-likeness as Your Goal.

1 John 3:2-3, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Paul pursued Christlikeness with the enthusiasm and persistence of a runner in the Greek games.

                          1.  He Knew He Had Not ‘Arrived’ Yet!

Unlike the Judaizers, whose influence was prevalent among the Philippians, the apostle did not claim to have reached complete spiritual maturity. As spiritual as he was, he was still pressing on, vigorously pursuing the goals for which Christ Jesus saved him to achieve.  He knew that he had not yet taken hold of perfect Christlikeness—he had not yet secured perfection or ultimate conformity to Christ. (W. W. Wiersbe)

                          2.  He Knew How to Leave the Past in the Past!

But he was determined that he would forget the past and, like a runner, press on toward the goal. Paul refused to be controlled or absorbed by his past heritage (Phil. 3:5-7) or his attainments (3:8).

                          3.  He Concentrated on the Future Prize Above All Else! 

Vigorously and with concentration Paul sought to win the prize to which God had called him heavenward (Phil. 3:14). Again the Greek games must have been on his mind as he wrote of this wonderful heavenly prize.

       B.  A Prize of Realizing Your High Calling.  Phil. 3:14

This is a wonderful incentive to press on in the race instead of dropping out and being a quitter.  The “High calling” is a term used to describe all that God has planned for believers– His very purposes for saving us in the first place.

            1.  The Christian Runner Has Already Received a Call From Heaven.  (Salvation)

“The high calling” is literally, the calling that came from above and therefore it is a high and heavenly calling.  This race began when we answered the call from Heaven to salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord by faith.  God as a result saved us by His infinite grace.

Galatians 4:26,  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Hebrews 3:1,  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

“The high,” and heavenly calling, is not limited to Paul’s own calling as an apostle by the summons of God from heaven.  No, this high and heavenly summons is the common calling of all Christians to salvation in Christ, which coming from heaven invites us to heaven!

APPLICATION: Since the redeemed have received a summons from Heaven in salvation we should accordingly turn our minds and hearts to this uplifting perspective and hope as we run the race.

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

            2.  The Christian Runner Will Receive a Call Up to Heaven.  (Rapture or Resurrection)

 Again, Paul is not suggesting that we attain a right to go to heaven by our own efforts.  The analogy is focused on progressing in Christlikeness until the rapture.  Because of Paul's use of the metaphor of athletic games, it seems more natural to understand the "call" as the calling of athletes up to the winner's stand. Thus, the heavenly call involves the summons to win the victor's prize of Christ-likeness, ultimate salvation, joint heirs with Christ, our eternal home in the New Jerusalem, and countless other blessings. (W. W. Wiersbe)

            3.  The Christian Winner Will Receive a Prize for His Achievements.  (Rewards)

"The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). When he reaches the goal he will receive the reward!

                   A.  “The prize” is “the crown of righteousness” (2Ti 4:8).

1 Cor. 9:24-27,  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2 Tim. 4:8,  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

                   B.  “The prize” is the “a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

1 Peter 5:4,  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

He is simply saying that just as the athlete is rewarded for his performance, so the faithful believer will be crowned when Jesus Christ returns.  In 1 Cor 9:24-27 we note a parallel, that while only one athlete may receive a prize, all Christians may receive the reward. Furthermore, the laurel wreath of the Olympic Games will fade, but the crown Christ gives will never fade.

       C.  A Prize Related to God’s Will for Us.

 The important thing is that we reach the goal He has established for us. No matter how successful we may be in the eyes of men, we cannot be rewarded unless we "apprehend that for which also I [we] am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  (Philip. 3:12).

“The upward call of God in Christ Jesus includes all the purposes that God had in mind in saving us. It includes salvation, conformity to Christ, joint-heirship with Him, a home in heaven, and numberless other spiritual blessings.”^[2]

CONCLUSION:

Hebrews 12:1-2,  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is an exciting experience to run the race daily, “looking unto Jesus” (Heb 12:1-2). It will be even more exciting when we experience all that the “high calling” entails when Jesus returns to take us to Heaven! Then we will stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to receive our rewards! It was this future prospect that motivated Paul, and it can also motivate us.

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^[a] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1975.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1975.