Refuse to Retaliate

 

1 Peter 3:8-12 

SUBJECT: The Glory Inherent in Christian Suffering

THEME: Christ will turn our suffering and unfairness of today into triumph and glory for eternity because we are called to bless others.

INTRODUCTION: No doubt you have been treated unfairly by careless Christians, relatives, or unfortunately close friends. I am also sure it left you hurt, confused, disconcerted, and angry. No doubt a part of you wanted to get back at them…to make them feel what pains you felt! Perhaps you wondered how much longer you could endure the hardships you were facing…not sure if you could take anymore. It may be that you seriously wished that life was all over, and you were already with Jesus…never to suffer again. These are the real feeling and puzzles we grapple with…part of troubled hearts…. God has addressed these real issues to guide Believers’ actions.

Believers are to be like-minded, sympathetic, tenderhearted, and courteous, which means they are to be humble-minded, not trying to lord it over one another. This is to be the attitude and action of a believer among other believers.^[a]

The Lord Jesus expressed these same ideas about showing mercy and kindness instead of getting even or retaliating against those who wrong and abuse us.

Matthew 5:43-48, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? ⁴⁷ And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? ⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:27-33, But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, ²⁸ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. ²⁹ And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. ³⁰ Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. ³¹ And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. ³² For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. ³³ And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

The key our Lord submitted was that of showing mercy and kindness to the most undeserving refusing to retaliate, but instead going the extra mile to act like we are govern be principles rooted in who we actually are from God’s vantage point. As a result, we bless and not curse, we give grace and not deserts, and we express kindness instead of relating. Such actions are consistent with our calling a Believers…people who are summoned to bless should bless everyone and anyone regardless of what happens to us. Peter also subscribes to this kind of thinking and behavior.

Message:

BE SUBMISSIVE TO CHRIST AND BE GENEROUS TO FELLOW BELIEVERS (1Pet. 3:8-12). 1 Pet 3:8-9, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Peter has dealt thoroughly with various groups, Citizens, Servants, Wives, Husbands, and now he addresses them all as a group of Believers.

      A. SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING A SINGULAR ATTITUDE (ONENESS OF MIND) Vs 8

In the first two chapters Peter referred to “all kinds of trials” (1:6), accusations of “doing wrong” (2:12), “the ignorant talk of foolish men” (2:15), and “the pain of unjust suffering” (2:19). All these persecutions seem to have resulted from the natural reactions of a pagan society against Christians who faithfully obeyed Jesus Christ.

Peter then warned that a time of more severe persecution and suffering was close at hand. He cautioned Christians to keep clear consciences when facing injustice, to endure the inevitable suffering with Christlike courage.^[b]

We as believers will not see everything in the same fashion.  We won’t agree on everything, but we should have a singleness of heart and oneness of mind. We should remain focused on Christ! The best formula is contained in the well-known expression: “In Fundamentals, unity; in non- essentials, liberty; in everything, love.”

             1. Our minds should be focused on becoming more like Christ.

             2. Our minds should be focused on living holy, righteous, and pure lives.

             3. Our minds should be focused on bearing spiritual character and fruit.

             4. Our minds should be focused on carrying out the ministry and mission of Christ to the world.

      B.  SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING COMPASSION Vs 8

Literally, this means to suffer with and this admonition is especially appropriate when given to those undergoing persecution.  We as believers are to:

           1. Suffer with those who are suffering

           2. Weep with those who are weeping

           3. Rejoice with them who have been honored

           4. Understand the pressures of a leader when he leads

           5. Grieve with the sorrows of others.

Real compassion will build unity in a church! These are the things that REAL CHRISTIANS do for each other from the Heart.

      C. SHARED OBEDIENCE TO LOVE, TENDERNESS OF HEART AND COURTESY Vs 8

We as believers must develop a real sensitivity and genuine affection for each other.  We should be the kind of Christians that will deny ourselves for someone else benefit.  We should experience such real love and pity that we are moved to act, help, comfort, support and solace with all humility of heart.

Love as brothers. An unknown author writes:

Providence does not ask us whom we would like to be our brethren—that is settled for us; but we are bidden to love them, irrespective of our natural predilections and tastes. You say, “That is impossible!” But remember that true love does not necessarily originate in the emotions, but in the will; it consists not in feeling but in doing; not in sentiment, but in action; not in soft words, but in noble and unselfish deeds.

Tenderhearted means having a heart sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. It refuses to turn cold, callous, or cynical in spite of abuse.

Courteous—It seems so proper that courtesy should be taught as one of the Christian virtues. Essentially it means humbly thinking of others, putting others first, and saying and doing the gracious thing. Courtesy serves others before self, jumps at opportunities to assist, and expresses prompt appreciation for kindnesses received. It is never coarse, vulgar, or rude.^[c]

      D.  SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING BLESSING Vs 9-10

Mutual Christian submission is not characterized by backbiting but with blessing! We are not people with a spirit of retaliation towards those who do us evil; we instead look to be a blessing.  We do not fight with the weapons of hate and evil but with the weapons of love and righteousness.  We are not overcome with evil, we overcome evil with good!

              1.  The Lord Jesus Christ Taught This Concept.

Matt 5:39, But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matt 5:45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Luke 6:35, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

              2.  The Wisest Man that Ever Lived (King Solomon) Taught This Concept.

Prov 20:22, Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Ps 37:34, Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Prov 24:29, Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

It takes real faith to believe God through a situation where we are hurting and where we are being treated unfairly, but that is exactly what we are to do. This temptation is amplified by our feelings of fair play. The more justified we feel, the harder it is to refuse to get back at them. But we are not to have a retaliatory spirit; the Lord (His job alone) will make sure that every man gets what he deserves. Rom 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  20, Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

IN LIGHT OF THESE TRUTHS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY THAT ONLY A CHRISTIAN WOULD DO?

-That boss at work did not treat you right or fairly; do you want to get back at him or her for that obvious wrong?

-Your wife didn’t speak to you with the kindness and respect she should have; do you yell and scream back at her to show her failure?

-That Brother didn’t speak to you at church, so now you aren’t going to speak to him anymore. Is this Christian?

-That Sister hurt your feelings by saying something insensitive to you before others; are you going to make sure you hurt her somehow?

Peter is saying, “Grow up and stop acting like little children!” Your calling it to render a blessing!

Peter says that we are to refrain from constantly speaking evil of others. And we are to refrain from speaking “guile,” from being deceptive and not telling the truth.^[d]

        E.  SHARED OBEDIENCE TO PURSUE PEACE AND PRAYERFULNESS Vs 11-12

                1. We as Believers Are to Turn from Evil and Do Good.

‘eschew’ means to avoid evil or to turn away from evil.   Vs 11

                        (a) We should Turn from the evil of Fornication     1 Cor 6:16.

                        (b) We should turn from the evil love for Money    1Tim. 6:9-11

                        (c) We should turn from the evil of Youthful Lust     2Tim. 2:22

                        (d) We should turn from the evil of Retaliation      1 Pet. 3:9

                2.   We as Believers Are to Pursue Peace.  Vs 11

‘seek’ and ‘ensue’ means to chase after or press after peace.  We are not to wait on it to happen we are to get after it and pursue it.

                         (a) The pursuit of peace is a central theme in the Christian life. Peace with God, Peace with self, and Peace with others. Our Mission is also a mission of peace to the world.

                         (b) The pursuit of peace is the responsibility of the believer when we have offended someone or when someone has offended us. Matt 18:15, Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Also Luke 17:3-4,

IF GOD FORGAVE US THEN WE ARE TO FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER!  WE DO NOT HOLD GRUDGES OR HARBOR HATRED AND WE DO NOT WORK DECEIT AGAINST EACH OTHER!  GIVE THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS! Matt 6:14-15, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15, But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

               3.  God Will Hear the Prayer of Them That Do Good.   Vs 12

Ps 34:15, The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Isa 65:24, And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.                                 

               4.  God Will Not Hear the Prayers of Them That Do Evil.   vs 12

Ps 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

We who belong to Christ and are possessed by Him should bring blessing wherever we go and through whatever we do. To be sure, we live in a world in which we are often confronted by evil. Our natural response is to do evil to those who do evil to us. But Peter reminds us of the basis of Christian ethics and lifestyle: we should not render evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, we should do good to those who do evil. In fact, bringing blessing to others is a part of our Christian calling (v. 9).^[e]

CONCLUSION: 

Clearly, these “figures emphasize God’s watchful oversight and careful attention to His people’s needs (cf. 2:25).”^[f]

Beloved, we must disconnect ourselves from any notion of getting even, fighting fire with fire, retaliating, having our pound of flesh, or reacting in kind! This is a worldly approach to unfair treatments, and it destroyed everyone who is involved in some manner and to some degree. We must respond to unfair conditions in love and generosity in doing so we commend the kingdom of God and fulfill our calling as Blessers!

News like this will help us smile through the tears when life hurts the most because we subscribe to a higher and greater purpose! Certainly, we are sacrificed in the process…we are reduced for the time being…we endure shame to our person. But there is something more important than the world’s definition of our pride, dignity, and worth. There will come, no doubt, a day when the Sum of Our Suffering will equal Glory!  Life and many circumstances may be unfair for the moment, and we will endure difficulties, false accusations, mistreatments, unfair results, and hardships. But great will be the reward of the saint that stays true to the Lord through the hard stuff. 

We must therefore conduct ourselves as brothers with compassion and sensitivity one towards the other. We must seek peace and prayerfulness for each other and all men refusing to resort to a spirit of retaliation. Look further to the words and example of our Lord and follow closely in His steps--for He leads to glory with Him.

We must continue to follow God’s instructions for the grieving saints. God will one day vindicate our faith before this wicked generation just as He did with Noah in his day.

When dreams seem to fade in this life, we will still have the hope of the next life with Christ!

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^[a] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 699.

^[b] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” 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), 849.

^[c] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2269–2270.

^[d] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 700.

^[e] Paul A. Cedar and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, James / 1 & 2 Peter / Jude, vol. 34, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1984), 161–162.

^[f] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” 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), 850.

Choose your Dreams, not your Doubts

 

Romans 1:15-17, So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The great apostle was motivated to follow God’s direction and focused his energies on fulfilling that plan. He was not so enamored with doubts and fears but a goal, ambition…a dream fueled his efforts. This in my estimation is worthy of immolating.

Dr. Wiersbe observed,

No wonder Paul was not ashamed: he was taking to sinful Rome the one message that had the power to change men’s lives! He had seen the Gospel work in other wicked cities such as Corinth and Ephesus; and he was confident that it would work in Rome. It had transformed his own life, and he knew it could transform the lives of others.^[1]

This ambition to share the hope that in Christ Jesus was stimulated by the truth that the gospel is God’s power to save and transform lives.

The gospel is the inherent, omnipotent power of God operating in the salvation of a lost soul that accepts it.^[2]

We must also choose our dreams and refuse to listen to our doubts and fears. Few things are as potent as self-doubt; it breeds failure and completely slaughters our dreams. While it’s true self-doubt may raise some questions, bring temporary setbacks, or even reveal hardened obstacles, it is also true that through the right kind of doubt we grow and eventually realize our vision. We must focus more on our ideas and much less time on our reservations.

Doubt is a normal reaction when launching fresh ideas and facing new challenges. In such cases we must pull ourselves out of self-doubt to become more engaged. Fears can even make us believe we aren’t good enough.

Escaping the grips of self-doubt-based fears means setting realistic goals…at least in part. It is essential to break our big goal into manageable milestones…achievable steps. They become less intimidating or overwhelming and they build our confidence as we reach each of them.

Also, positive affirmations should be used to replace self-doubting thoughts. Pay close attention to the messages we tell ourselves! Use positive truth-filled and balanced statements to assert reality, God’s perspective, process our experiences, and make meaningful decisions instead. Self-induced doubts can be overcome by these fear killers.

Yes, Paul’s sense of obligation to the unsaved Gentiles produced an eagerness (Rom. 1:15) to evangelize them for Christ’s sake. He was entirely focused on a singular ambition!

Beloved, focus more on your dreams…ambitions and not your doubts! Don't allow your mistakes to be stumbling blocks toward quitting, instead make them building blocks to realizing God’s plan and your dreams. Stay at it, think about improvements…make yet another adjustment, apply more polish, modify it further, and tweak it yet even more. We are talking about a God-given idea…a holy ambition! Do it again...then again…this is the path to your dream. It’s okay if you must pray and fast more than usual, trust God for things you have never trusted him for before, use your head more than usual, search the Scriptures with greater diligence and discernment, break a sweat because your heart is really invested, innovate…modulate, or create! These things are likely necessary! You may sacrifice some efficiencies along the way but still choose your dreams and not your doubts. 

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^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 517.

^[2] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 24.

Adjustable

 

2 Corinthians 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

It is correct to be able to adjust, make changes, grow, and experience transformation. It is a supreme tragedy when we are stubborn and immovable in many matters that impact our lives and that of others. It behooves us to cultivate the habit of flexibility…to become deeply adjustable where it counts.

Moses’ face had to be veiled after he had finished speaking with the people, but we can have an unveiled face. We can keep our face unveiled by confessing and forsaking sin, by being completely honest with God and ourselves. As a veteran missionary to India once said, we must “drop the veils of sin, of make-believe, all play-acting, all putting up of unreal fronts, all attempts at compromises, all halfway measures, all Yes and No.”^[1]

Certainly, every reasonable heart will agree with these sentiments. However, we are prone to cling to what we already know or perceive instead of being explorers.

This glory [2Cor. 3:18] is the experience of salvation available in the New Covenant and mediated by the Spirit who leads Christians from justification through sanctification to glorification. As believers manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23), they are progressively being transformed (the same word Paul used in Rom. 12:2) into His likeness. Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian walk (Eph. 4:23–24; Col. 3:10). No wonder Paul said the New is far superior to the Old!^[2]

It was Dolly Parton who famously said, “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” The reference clearly places a premium on being able to flex and be adjustable where you can and when it counts. Concerning cultural differences and variations, Paul said, For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  

He had the freedom to make himself a servant! Now he gives this very familiar testimony of his own ministry.

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.^[3] (1Cor. 9:19-23)

These verses should never be used to justify a sacrifice of scriptural principle. They merely describe a readiness to accommodate to the customs and habits of the people in order to win a hearing for the good news of salvation.^[4]

Furthermore, being adjustable involves adapting to changes in our spiritual, physical, professional, and social environments. In other words, we become adept in balancing conflicting needs, or requirements challenged by obstacles in our situations. We learn to prioritize more effectively….

The word translated changed [2Cor. 3:18] is the same word translated transfigured in the accounts of our Lord’s transfiguration (Matt. 17; Mark 9). It describes a change on the outside that comes from the inside. Our English word metamorphosis is a transliteration of this Greek word. Metamorphosis describes the process that changes an insect from a larva into a pupa and then into a mature insect. The changes come from within.^[5]

Sometimes when the wind is going against us it's more advantageous to stop fighting it and take on a new course of action that entails following the wind. Adjusting our sails does not mean that we won't reach the destination or that we have given up on the goal. It simply means we've taken an alternate route to get to where we’re going. An alternative may provide more capacity, a less congested pathway, and quicker advances to a downstream location. Such bypasses…detours are often the key to meaningful discoveries; they epitomize flexibility.

When sailors cry, “Anchors aweigh!” they are declaring there are no anchors on the sea floor. They are all clear and the boat is ready for departure. Certainly, the time is upon us all to be more flexible, adaptable, and adjustable spiritually, politically, professionally, emotionally, and perhaps socially. So, for genuine growth, happiness, peace, and contentment—change, “Anchors aweigh”. Really, the choice is yours and the ball is in your court.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1831.

^[2] David K. Lowery, “2 Corinthians,” 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), 562.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 42–43.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1778.

^[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 640.

Discipline is Essential

 

Phil 3:12, 15-16

 

SUBJECT: Spiritual Progress

THEME: Fulfill God’s purposes knowing discipline is an essential part of completing our prescribed race. 

RELEVANCE:

We must not allow our behaviors to be unruly, disorderly, disobedient, uncontrolled, disingenuous-not serious, or of embarrassing manners that derail our progress in Christ. To be winners who fulfill God’s plan, we must remain discipline throughout our race. By doing so we can fulfill God’s purposes knowing that discipline, restraint, and control are essential parts of completing our specific course.   

INTRODUCTION:

Discipline is the final ingredient in this formula for spiritual maturity and progress. To grasp new heights in spiritual triumphs and finally reach the finish line of life as a winner…that is growing spiritually by making continual progress required discipline.

Though Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippian saints, he wanted them to know that he had not yet attained the goals stated in verse 10. He was still actively pressing on toward them. He had by no means reached the final stage of his sanctification.

Paul’s salvation experience had taken place about 30 years before he wrote to the Philippians. He had won many spiritual battles in that time. He had grown much in those years, but he candidly confessed he had not obtained all this, nor was he yet made perfect (v. 12). He still had more spiritual heights to climb. This testimony of the apostle reminded the saints at Philippi—and it serves to remind believers today—that there must never be a stalemate in their spiritual growth or a plateau beyond which they cannot climb.^[a]

What is essential for winning?  

MESSAGE:

The Essential Quality of Discipline (Phil. 3:15-16).

We are called to share the pursuit of Christlikeness. God wants this for us all, but especially those who are mature (3:15). We are to persistently press on toward that goal—going on with Christ. Every maturing believer should have these ambitions.  

No doubt the greatest need among God’s people is to live up to what they already have in Christ. Most live far below their exalted position in Christ. Paul’s plea to the Philippians was that they live up to what they had already attained, namely a righteous position in Christ.^[b]

But he expresses the confidence that if a person is really willing to know the truth of the matter, God will reveal it to him. The reason we have such an easy-going, complacent Christianity today is because we do not want to know the truth; we are not willing to obey the demands of ideal Christianity. God is willing to show the truth to those who are willing to follow it.^[c]

Discipline Yourself to Run According to Your Spiritual Level.  Phil. 3:16

We must live up to whatever light the Lord has given us. “It would not do to mark time until we came to a fuller knowledge of what is required of us as Christians. While we wait for the Lord to reveal the full implications of the cross to us, we should obey whatever degree of truth we have received.”^[d]

       A.  Don’t Worry About Others.   “Nevertheless”

           1. It’s Not What People Think That Matters!

The issue is not what he thinks or what the spectators think but what the judges say.

           2. It’s What the Judge Knows That Matters!

Romans 14:10-12, But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. [12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

One day each Christian will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10-12), much like the Olympic bema, the place where the judges gave out the prizes! We must discipline ourselves to obey the rules, and we will receive a prize.

      B.  Know What You Have.  Vs. 16, “whereto we have already attained”

          1. What Guidance Have You Received?

Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that we have already received.  “Let us walk by the same rule” means to “Live up to a standard” it is a military term meaning "to keep in line" or "to keep step."

                A.  What Have You Learned? Are You Living It?

QUOTE: “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned and, however early a man’s training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly.” — Thomas Huxley 

                B.  What Have You Experienced?  Did You Grow Through it?

QUOTE: “What you are going to be tomorrow, you are becoming today. It is essential to begin developing self-discipline in a small way today in order to be disciplined in a big way tomorrow.” .... Remember, having it all doesn’t mean having it all at once. It takes time. Start small and concentrate on today. The slow accumulation of disciplines will one day make a big difference. Ben Franklin said, “It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.”  — John Maxwell

ILLUSTRATION: A reporter once asked the great evangelist D. L. Moody which people gave him the most trouble. He answered immediately, “I’ve had more trouble with D. L. Moody than any man alive.”

QUOTES: The late Samuel Hoffenstein said, “Wherever I go, I go too, and spoil everything.” And there is the classic Jack Paar line, “Looking back, my life seems to be one long obstacle course, with me as the chief obstacle.”                                                   

APPLICATION:  My observation is that more Christians fail because of inner issues than outer ones. Each of us desperately need to learn How to Get Out of Our Own Way.  We all need this tremendous lesson in our own life. “I am my worst problem!”  Most of us can relate to this very true statement: “If you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn’t be able to sit down for weeks.”

          2. What Responsibilities Have You Received?

                A.  Be Responsible for Who You Are.

The day you take complete responsibility for yourself, the day you stop making excuses, that’s the day you start to the top.  This is a factual statement that we all should heed.

ILLUSTRATION: “That reminds me of one of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite stories about the man who murdered both his parents and then when his sentence was about to be pronounced, pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan! As the politician said to the judge, “It’s not my fault, your honor, I never could have done all that stuff if the people hadn’t elected me!”  —  John C. Maxwell

                B.  Be Responsible for What You Can Do.

It is rare to find a person who will be responsible, who will follow through correctly and finish the job. But when half-finished assignments keep returning to your desk to check up on, verify, edit, and upgrade, obviously someone is failing to take hold of the reins of responsibility.

“I am only one,

But still I am one.

I cannot do everything,

But still I can do something;

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do the

something that I can do.”

                C.  Be Responsible for What You Have Received.

Luke 12:48, But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

QUOTE: “John D. Rockefeller, Jr., said, “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.” Winston Churchill said, “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” — J. C. Maxwell

          3. We are all at Different Levels (Phil. 3:15).

Paul knew the believers were in different stages, but everyone needed to be faithful to what they understood.

2 Cor. 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  (See also 2 Peter 1:5-9; Ephes. 4:22-24)

          4. Develop a Healthy Sense of Accountability to the Lord.

Matthew 25:19-20, After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. [20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

               A.  Some of Us May Need to Settle Our Debts with the Lord.  (Matt. 18: 23-35)

               B.  Some of Us May Need to Confess Wasted Opportunities in Service.  (Lk. 16:1-2)

               C.  Some of Us May Need to Heed the Warnings of Hell and Eternal Punishment. (Lk. 16:19-31)

               D.  Some of Us Need to Please the Lord in Matters of Conscience & Liberty.  (Rom. 14:6-12)

      C.  Live Up to What You Have.  Phil 3:16     

First, Don’t Worry about Others, secondly, Know What You Have, and thirdly Live up to What You Have.  Stay in step with what you have.                                  

            1. Live Together, You Have Each Other.

Our church needs to march forward together.

            2.  Live in Truth, You Have God’s Word.

We must live up to what we already have been taught from the Scriptures.

            3. Live in Growth, You Have a Goal.

APPLICATION: As we pressed on toward the goal, we should not use our lack of complete knowledge as an excuse for taking lightly what we knew or for getting sidetracked. We should continue to learn and grow, while at the same time regulating our lives by the light we have already received. Believers, we must live up to what we already know before we can expect to learn more.

ILLUSTRATION:  Bible history is filled with people who began the race with great success but failed at the end because they disregarded God's rules. They did not lose their salvation, but they did lose their rewards (1 Cor 3:15). It happened to Lot (Gen 19), Samson (Judg 16), King Saul (1 Sam 28:31), and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). And it can happen to us!

CONCLUSION:

As maturing believers, we are urged to lives pleasing to God (Phil. 3:15–21). We must live up to what we have already attained—a righteous position in Christ. By doing so we can fulfill God’s purposes knowing that discipline, restraint, and control are essential parts of completing our prescribed race.  As we are progressing Believers this must be our ambition.

We must press forward that the Lord Jesus’ purpose for which he saved us might be fulfilled. Paul as a pattern-saint showed what Christ can do in a human life. Though not perfectly conformed to Christ, the ongoing process for us is to deeply apply God’s grace to persist, develop, and increase.

Finally Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “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.”

What an exciting experience to run the race daily, “looking unto Jesus” (Heb 12:1-2)! What a “high calling” Jesus’ return to take us to Heaven summons us to! Certainly, the Judgement Seat of Christ will be rewarding! This perspective should motivate us as it did Paul. This must be our character…. Successful believers are willing to do things unsuccessful people will not do. One of those things that makes a difference is whether we are character motivated or emotion motivated.

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^[a] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” 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), 661.

^[b] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” 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), 662.

^[c] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1976.

^[d] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1976.