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 CONCENTRATION 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.

Concentrating on Moving Forward

 Phil 3:12-14

SUBJECT: Joy of Progressing

THEME: In the Christian Race, We Must Press on toward the Finish line of God’s plan for Our lives.

RELEVANCE:

In Phil 3:12-16, Paul is partly focused on our present experience, our immediate concentration. His aspirations are set on knowing Christ daily, experiencing the power of Christ resurrection, and identifying with Christ’s sufferings (Phil. 3:9-11). This points to the need for growth and spiritual progress. As a result, he is not allowing fears, distractions, or temptations to throw him off course. So, to be winners and fulfill God’s plan, we must remain focused in the present moment.                          

INTRODUCTION:

Paul the athlete is envisioning a chariot race. The ancient Greek chariot from the Olympic Games was merely a small platform with two wheels. The driver had very little to hold on to as he raced around the course. He had to lean forward and strain every nerve and muscle to maintain balance and control the horses. The words “reaching forth” in Phil 3:13 literally means "stretching as in a race.”

It is important to note that Paul is not telling us how to be saved.

   A.  This Would be a Contradiction.

If he were, it would be a picture of salvation by works or self-effort, and this would contradict what he wrote in the first eleven verses of Phil 3.

   B.  The Race Required Citizenship.

To participate in the Greek games, the athlete had to be a citizen. He did not run the race to gain his citizenship. In Phil 3:20, Paul reminds us that "our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven." Because we are already the children of God through faith in Christ, we have the responsibility of "running the race" and achieving the goals God has set for us. “But this one thing I do” (Phil. 3:13) portrays a single purpose, one aim and ambition.

This is another Illustration of the “Divine & Human Cooperation Dynamic!”

This is a graphic picture of Phil 2:12-13: "Work out your own salvation ... for it is God which worketh in you."

     *  Each believer is on the track– Save Participants Only.

     *  Each has a special lane in which to run– God’s Specific Will and Plan for You.

     *  Each has a goal to achieve– God’s Goals for You and Your Ministry.

     *  If we reach the goal the way God has planned, then we receive a reward —Prize.

     *  If we fail, we lose the reward, but we do not lose our citizenship– salvation. (Read 1 Cor 3:11-15 for the same idea, only using architecture as the symbol.)

All of us want to be “winning Christians” and fulfill the purposes for which we have been saved. What are the essentials for winning the race and one day receiving the reward that is promised?

MESSAGE:

CONCENTRATING ON FORWARD PROGRESS IS ESSENTIAL.  Phil. 3:13-16

Just as we need an honest evaluation of the past and present, we also need a good concentration for the present and future.  One of the primary reasons we would do an evaluation is to discover what areas require special or more attention.  All of this will help us to reach our goals in the Lord. Again, all of us want to be "winning Christians" and fulfill God purposes for which He saved us.  

       *   As Christians, we know we will be saved ultimately, yet we must pursue perfection–spiritual maturity–as our goal. Matthew 5:48, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

       *  At the same time, we do not want to pretend that sin does not exist in real believers. 1 John 1:8, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Like Paul, we should not dwell on the past, but concentrate on forward progress.                          

CONCENTRATE ON DIRECTION FOR YOUR FUTURE (Phil. 3:13) “reaching forth unto those things which are before” …. The unsaved person is controlled by the past, but the Christian running the race looks toward the future.

    1.  Concentrate on the Future.

After an honest evaluation of ourselves and our spiritual progress, we need to begin to concentrate on the areas of need to strengthen them to continue in our race of faith.

        A.  Stop Looking Back!

Luke 9:62, And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

              1.  The Future is Not in the Past nor in Second Guessing.

While it is correct to evaluate our past, we must not second guess the commitments we have made to run our race in the Lord.

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine what would happen on the race course if the charioteers (or the runners) started looking behind them! It is bad enough for a plowman to look back (Luke 9:62), but for a charioteer to do so means a possible collision and serious injury.  If we continue to run while looking back, we will keep stumbling and getting in the way of others who are trying to run the race.

              2. View Life as Flowing from the Future.  

We are accustomed to saying “past, present, future,” but we should view time as flowing from the future into the present and then into the past.

        B.  The Past Should Not Be Used as a Barrier to the Future!

              *   Past Failures Are Not an Excuse for Dropping out of the Race!

Proverbs 24:16, For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

             *   Past Successes Are Not Reasons for Neglecting Proper Spiritual Behavior in Our Relationship with God.

             *   Believers Should Be Devoted to God Whatever Our Present Circumstances (Luke 9:62; 17:31-32; Ps. 37: 23-25).                    

             *   We Should Strain and Stretch Forward in the Lord’s Will to What Lies Ahead.

“Forgetting those things which are behind would mean not only his sins and failures but also his natural privileges, attainments, and successes which he had described earlier in this chapter, and even his spiritual triumphs.”^[1]

APPLICATION:  Paul encourages us to forget our past with all its credentials, accomplishments, failures, and sins, and like a charioteer or runner in a race reach for the finish line with your whole body—press on toward the goal of becoming a “winning Christian” (Phil. 3:14). “The privileges and responsibilities of the Christian life, whether worship, service, or the personal development of Christian character.”^[2]

APPLICATION: Christ can relieve our guilty conscience. 1 John 3:19-20, And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts [the voice of God’s assurance] before him. [20] For if our heart condemn us [the accusing voice of our conscience], God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Many are afraid that they don't love others as they should. They feel guilty because they think they are not doing enough to show proper love to Christ. Their consciences bother them. John has these people in mind in this letter. How do we escape the gnawing accusations of our conscience? Certainly not by ignoring them or rationalizing our behavior, but by setting our heart on God's Word, grace, and love. When we feel guilty, we should remind ourselves that God knows our motives as well as our actions. His voice of assurance is stronger than the accusing voice of our conscience. If we are in Christ, he will not condemn us (Rom 8:1; Heb 9:14-15). So, if you are living for the Lord but feeling that you are not good enough, remind yourself that God is greater than your conscience.  Receive assurance from the Lord.

Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Hebrews 9:14-15, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.                                                                                            

     2.  Cease to Be Controlled by the Past.   Vs.  13                       

We as believers should be future-oriented, "forgetting those things which are behind." Using the metaphor of a chariot race, Paul describes his Christian life as involving the continual forgetting of those things “which are behind,” and the never dying focusing of his energies and interests on the course that is ahead of him.

        A.  Be Future Oriented.

Philip. 3:14, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philip. 3:20-21, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Paul outlines the purposes of God in the future of every true child of God.  Our complete salvation, conformity to Christ, joint--heirs with Jesus Christ, rewards at the Judgement Seat of Christ, a new spiritual body, a wonderful home in Heaven, and countless other spiritual blessings. (from W. W. Wiersbe)

APPLICATION:  When God reveals the future, his purpose goes beyond satisfying our curiosity. He wants us to change our present behavior because of what we know about the future. Forever begins now; and a glimpse of God's plan for his followers should motivate us to serve him, no matter what the rest of the world may do. Then "forgetting those things which are behind” must be set aside and "those things which are before" must take their place.

        B.  Not by Literally Forgetting the Past.

What does Paul mean by forgetting?

               1.  It is Impossible to Literally Forget Some Things in the Past.

                    A.   Please keep in mind that in Bible terminology, "to forget" does not mean "to fail to remember." Apart from senility, hypnosis, or a brain malfunction, no mature person can simply forget what has happened in the past. We may wish that we could erase certain bad memories, but we cannot.

                    B.   “Forgetting” does not mean forever eliminating the memories of the past (Paul has just recalled some of these things in Phil. 3:5-7).

               2.  It is Possible to Literally Limit the Influence of the Past.

                    A.  "To forget" in the Bible means "no longer to be influenced by or affected by."     

ILLUSTRATION: When God promises, “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Heb 10:17), He is not suggesting that He will conveniently have a bad memory! This is impossible with God. What God is saying is, “I will no longer hold your sins against you. Your sins can no longer affect your standing with Me or influence My attitude toward you.”                                                      

                    B.   “Forgetting” Is a Choice to Refuse to Let Past Memories Fill Our Attention and Hinder Our Progress.

                           1)  Paul never allowed his Jewish heritage (Phil: 3:5-7) to hinder his running of the race.

                           2)   Paul never allowed his previous Christian achievements (Phil. 3:9-12) to hinder his running of the race. No present attainment could lull him into thinking he already possessed all Christ desired for him. (from W. W. Wiersbe)

        C.  But, by Literally Living for the Future.

So, "forgetting those things which are behind" does not suggest an impossible feat of mental and psychological gymnastics by which we try to erase the sins and mistakes of the past.

                   1.   It Simply Means That We Break the Power of the Past by Living for the Future.

ILLUSTRATION:  There were things in Paul's past that could have been weights to hold him back in his race (1 Tim 1:12-17), but they became inspirations to speed him ahead. The events did not change, but his understanding of them changed.  1 Tim. 1:12-17, And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; [13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. [14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. [17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Instead of his past ignorance, sinfulness, and misguided zeal discouraging him, it inspired him to continue as an example of what the God of grace can do with even the worse of sinners.  He did not allow the shame of his past to stop him from reaching new heights in the Lord and his service.

APPLICATION:  LET IT GO! We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live with the tension of what we have been and the stress of what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don't dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with him now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ. Again, too many Christians are shackled by regrets of the past. They are trying to run the race by looking backward! No wonder they stumble and fall and get in the way of other Christians! 1 John 1:6-9, If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

                   2.  It Means We Cannot Change the Past, but We Can Change the Meaning of the Past.

ILLUSTRATION:  Another good example of this principle is Joseph (Gen 45:1-15). When he met his brothers the second time and revealed himself to them, he held no grudge against them. To be sure, they had mistreated him, but he saw the past from God's point of view. As a result, he was unable to hold anything against his brothers. Joseph knew that God had a plan for His life - a race for him to run - and in fulfilling that plan and looking ahead, he broke the power of the past.  Genesis 45:7-9, And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. [8] So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. [9] Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:

Genesis 50:19-21,  And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? [20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. [21] Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

                   3.  It Means We Should Not Become Distracted by Past Successes.

This is clearly illustrated in the life of Samson (Judg 15:9-19).

                          A.  Personal Achievements Do Not Reduce Our Need for God.

Judges 15:18, And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted. After a great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self-pity -- "now shall I die of thirst?" Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don't be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory.  Continue to walk with the Lord with respect, faith and submission.

                          B.  Even Our Achievements Should Remind Us to Be Thankful to God.

During times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation of thinking that God owes you for your efforts. It was his strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions, and words focused on God instead of yourself.

APPLICATION:  Some Christian runners are being distracted by the successes of the past, not the failures; and this is just as bad. "Those things which are behind" must be set aside and "those things which are before" must take their place.  You cannot progress while resting on your laurels and talking about what you use to do.

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.

Paul pursued Christlikeness with the enthusiasm and persistence of a runner in the Greek games. Unlike the Judaizers, whose influence was prevalent among the Philippians, the apostle did not claim to have attained spiritual maturity. He was still pressing on, pursuing that for which Christ Jesus took hold of him.^[3]

CONCLUSION:

Paul was used greatly by the Lord to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, and each one of us should seek to develop the same fervent longing to press on to know Him more and to strive with our whole being to press on to what lies ahead of us. Presently, this single-minded fervor points to sharing the gospel as a part of carry out the will of the Father, in all His ways.

The complacent Christian does not have an urgency to be about his Father’s business and the proud believer has an alternative agenda, while those that are lukewarm in their faith seem indifferent to their spiritual growth. But as a child of God who seeks to magnify the Lord Jesus and to glorify His name, is zealous of the task ahead and resolutely sets his eye on the finishing line, the goal, of this earthly race. Such a one does not rest on his laurels but strains his spiritual muscle. He puts his body under subjection, harnesses his time, employs his talents, and fine-tunes his actions and attitude for the glory of God.

Such a person keeps his eye on the goal of his calling as he runs the race of life through its many pitfalls and problems. Such a believer trusts his Lord with all his heart and understands that God’s grace is sufficient for all his needs. He will lay aside all other considerations and press on to finish the task the Lord has given him to do – knowing that Christ is his sufficiency and Christ is his strength.

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^[1] 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.

^[3] 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.

God’s Blessings and Our Hope

 

God’s Blessings and Our Hope 

Mal 1:3-5

SUBJECT: CHOSEN BY GOD

THEME: Be thankful for the blessings of love, privilege, and hope from God upon our personal lives, our homes, our churches, and our county.

RELEVANCE:  the Sovereign Choices of God (in the past) Concerning Israel’s General Conditions and Quality of Life Should be Viewed as an Act of His Love. 

INTRODUCTION: 

1. We have seen God’s blessings in the form of love, privileges, and now hope. Where would we be without the hope that God gives? He certainly has given us a prospering HOPE! In truth, we are inundated with a multitude of blessings from God’s generous hands and heart if we would only stop to reflect on this fact.

2. Malachi the prophet delivers God’s Word, the priests and people respond by arguing. It is a dangerous thing when people argue with God and try to defend their sinful ways.

The following insights may be seen.

MESSAGE:

I. We Enjoy Great Love from God, but Some People Ignore It (Mal. 1:1-2).

II.  We Enjoy Great Privileges from God, but Some People are Irresponsible (Mal. 1:2-3).

III. We Enjoy Great Hope in God, but Some People Still Complain (Mal. 1:3-5).

He judged the Edomites (Esau’s descendants) and gave to Israel the best of the lands. He promised Israel a land flowing with milk and honey, but, alas, their sins polluted the land. Even then, he graciously restored them to their land and delivered them from captivity.^[a]

Those, like Edom, without the sovereign blessings of God, are left in a much worse condition. Israel needed to consider what her lot would have been if she, like Edom, had not been chosen to a covenant relationship with Yahweh.

A. INSTEAD OF HOPE, GOD STOOD AGAINST THEIR PROSPERITY.  Mal. 1:3, I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.

These men, the men of Edom, struggled hard to build up their kingdom and to give it wealth and power, but the product of all their labors was utterly destroyed. Their great things, their “mountains,” their wealthy things, their “heritage,” the scenes of their power, gave place to the “dragons of the wilderness.” Where is Edom now? If God has determined that the fortune you have built up after years of earnest and hard work shall be swept away, it will depart like a dream of the night. Things would be a lot worse without the blessings of God!

Israel would see the desolation of Edom, and they would acknowledge the greatness of God.^[b]

Israel, seeing God’s sovereign dealings with Edom, would have a better understanding not only of God’s love for her, but also of His greatness over all the earth^[c]

B. INSTEAD OF HOPE, GOD FRUSTRATED THEIR EFFORTS.

Malachi 1:4, Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever.

Even Edom’s greatest efforts to rebuild its ruins would be frustrated by the Lord Almighty^[d]

Edom’s future prospects were as bleak as its present condition. The dispossessed Edomites boasted that they would reclaim the land and rebuild their country. Yahweh declared that they would never be able to make good on their boasts. Every time the Edomites attempted to rebuild, Yahweh would “throw them down.” The Edomites were successively beaten down by the Nabataeans, the Macedonians, the Maccabees, the Romans and the Mohammedans (1:4a).^[e]

   1.  They struggle to restore their position, labor hard to build the desolate places, but in every effort they are thwarted.  It is in vain to strive against God.

   2.  Remember that all this refers to the position or conditions of life–the material prosperity of people. God’s sovereignty is always in favor of spiritual prosperity, progress in intelligence, purity, and happiness. In all these matters men cannot labor in vain.

The Edomites shall be made the monuments of God’s justice, and he will be glorified in their utter destruction^[f]

The Israelites shall be made the monuments of his mercy, and he will be glorified in their salvation^[g]

C. INSTEAD OF HOPE, GOD ENSURED THEIR ENEMY’S PROSPERITY.

Malachi 1:5, And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel.

    1.  Edom hated Israel from the beginning, fought hard against it for centuries, struggled continually to destroy it, but all in vain. The time came when it found itself in ruins and its enemy in prosperity.

    2.  QUOTE: “The argument of these verses is this,  if you would see the difference between hatred and love, look at the different condition and prospects of Edom and Israel. The desolation with which their territory is visited is irremediable: they have no glorious future beyond: whereas the wretched condition of which you complain is but the bleakness of seed time that precedes the richest harvest.” — Dr. Dods

    3.  In Contrast, Israel was enjoying God’s blessings again with the promises of a brighter future!

Application: Being defensive and argumentative complaining is typical of feeling ashamed, hurt, guilty, or attacked by God and the prophet Malachi. When facing such convictions by the Holy Spirit a person tries to defend themselves from feeling angry, hurt, or ashamed! They perceive the truth or think that God is too harsh and critical for confronting them.

Application: Complaining is how these Jewish individuals expressed their dissatisfaction and discontentment with God. They were crying, bellyaching, and whining about how unfairly God had treated them which seem to be a part of their habitual grumbling. For them it was normal to criticize, bemoan, disagree with, and gripe about their apparent lack of hope. They saw no hope in the love of God; they didn’t even notice or counted God’s love at all.  

CONCLUSION.

Aren’t we as individuals, homes, churches, and Americans among the peoples whom God has especially blessed and smiled upon? Are these words not especially applicable to us, “I have loved you, saith the Lord”? What should we think of our country, civilization, our freedoms, our fruitful lands, our prospering hopes?

Above all, what about our Lord Jesus Christ? 1 John 4:10, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

God’s goodness being his glory, when he does us good we must proclaim him great, for that is magnifying him. It is an instance of his goodness that he has pleasure in the prosperity of his servants, and for this those that love his salvation say, The Lord be magnified, Ps. 35:27.^[h]

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. There are many more blessings to thank You for, and they are as countless as the stars in the night sky. Your grace never fails to amaze me, O God.

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^[a] Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993), Mal 1:1–5.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1175.

^[c] Craig A. Blaising, “Malachi,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1576.

^[d] Craig A. Blaising, “Malachi,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1576.

^[e] James E. Smith, The Minor Prophets, Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin, MO: College Press, 1994), 623.

^[f] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1596.

^[g] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1596.

^[h] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1596.