Still Growing in Christ

 

 "Still Growing in Christ"

Romans 5:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:15; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:2-4

 

Theme: The chances of being sidetracked increase with trouble and pain, but we must remain focused on learning of the Lord and drawing closer to Him.

Relevance:

Scripture frames pain as a brief test that builds endurance, spiritual strength, and eternal hope.

Introduction:

The idea of maturing in Christ is a subject we have given substantial thought to and have even taught this on a regular basis. Still the possibility of distraction exists, especially during painful experiences; we must focus ourselves on spiritual growth still. The following thoughts help us do just that.

Lesson:

God even Deals with Overcoming Hardships as a Positive Means to our Continuous Growth.   

     A.  Trials test our faith and produce endurance, which leads to spiritual completion and maturity. James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4, But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

     Believers can discover deeper joy during life’s hardships. Difficult times test and strengthen our faith, building patience—endurance. Enduring these tests with patience helps us grow spiritually mature, strong, and complete in our faith, lacking zero crucial qualities for life.

·       “Divers temptations” point to various trials, tests, or troubles sent to try our character, rather than enticements to sin.

·       “Count it all joy” is purposefully choose a mindset of complete holy gladness. This means changing how we view pain…reframing it to see it as a tool for growth instead of just another bad event.

·       “Patience” is steadfast endurance, perseverance, or the ability to remain strong under heavy pressure.

·       “Perfect and entire” or spiritually mature, fully developed, and whole in character, rather than completely sinless.

·       “Wanting nothing” refers to no essential spiritual quality or strength needed for life is missing.

The components that we can immediately adapt are surrounding learning—that is habitually learning with people devoted to God as the primary resource—especially those who are biblically successful in areas we desire progress. We must learn through others ministries. It may be shocking, but we really have incredibly few original thoughts.... Most biblical concepts typically came from someone else…which came from someone else…. This is fairly a humbling fact that helps us remain teachable—always seeking growth in the Lord. Yet, life is full of illustrations of brokenness eventuating into considerable growth:

·        Broken and Repaired: Pottery fixed with gold paint, showing that damage makes life unique.

·        The Heavy Load: A person carrying a big rock or giant book, showing how stress builds inner strength.

·        The Storm: A ship moving through big waves, showing bravery during scary changes.

Many Biblical and Historical Examples Demonstrate Using Faith to Face Challenges:

          ·       Joseph’s Pit to Palace: Sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned, Joseph learned humility, perseverance, and deep compassion. He later recognized that God used those hardships to preserve many lives (Genesis 50:20).

          ·       Corrie ten Boom’s Prison Experience: Imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp where she lost her family, Corrie ten Boom learned firsthand that “no matter how deep our pit, God’s love is deeper still.”

          ·       John Bunyan in Bedford Jail: Arrested for preaching without a license, Bunyan used his time in confinement to write The Pilgrim’s Progress, an enduring Christian allegory of persevering through life’s trials.

     B. Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, not quitting and giving up. Romans 5:3-4, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

     Christ’s followers can rejoice during hard times because tough situations build inner strength. Enduring trials leads to proven character, which then builds a strong and confident hope. 

·       “Tribulations” are hardships, pressures, troubles, or suffering.

·       “Glory in” is to rejoice or exult in, not because pain is good, but because of what God achieves through it.

·       “Worketh patience” or produces endurance, steadfastness, or the ability to remain under pressure without giving up.

·       “Experience” is proven character, testing, or spiritual maturity that has stood the test of time.

·       “Hope” is a certain, confident expectation of God’s promises and eternal good that does not disappoint.

Believers can find joy and purpose in these hard times. Difficult trials build patience, patience builds proven character, and that character strengthens a confident, unshakeable hope in God. We conscientiously reframe suffering as a tool for spiritual growth rather than a punishment.

·       Reflect on the Refiner’s Fire: Precious metals like silver and gold are heated intensely so that impurities rise to the top and can be skimmed off. A refiner knows the process is complete only when he can see his own reflection mirrored in the metal.

·       Meditate on the Next Mile Wisdom: Reminiscent of early explorers facing a daunting 450-mile wilderness trek, the best advice is often given by an old guide: “Just think about the next mile you have to go, never about all 450.” Faith calls believers to trust God for daily, step-by-step grace (Matthew 6:34).

C. It is Extremely Helpful to Note the Spiritual Progression! These verses outline a step-by-step chain reaction in our lives:

     ·       Trial comes first.

     ·       Patience is forged by surviving the trial.

     ·       Character is shaped by long-term patience.

     ·       Hope is the final outcome, rooted deeply in God’s love.

     D.  God in His Wisdom Gives Us Visual Symbols of Growth to Help Us Stay with It and Not Quit.

·        The Mountain Climb: A small person walking up a steep and rocky hill. This shows that reaching the top takes hard work.

·        The Lotus Flower: A pretty flower growing out of thick, dirty mud. It tells us that beauty and wisdom come from bad places.

·        The Kink in the Tree: A tree trunk with a sharp bend that keeps growing tall anyway. It proves that scars do not stop life.

Conclusion:

There must be no genuine differences in our personal philosophy and these thoughts presented in the Word. Concentration in the Scriptures will always be greater than our ideas, but the impressions of mentoring, training our minds to think, and processing godly concepts are all components we must take ownership. There are helpful disciplines we must adopt:

     ·       Fix your eyes on Jesus: Hebrews 12:2 encourages looking past the immediate trial to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.

     ·       Reframe the pain as temporary: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 notes that outer struggles are light and momentary compared to unseen eternal glory.

     ·       Keep on praying without ceasing: Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to swap anxiety for prayer and thanksgiving to receive God’s peace.

     ·       Depend on God’s daily grace: 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. 

Learning during hardships means growing stronger through hard times. We grow wiser when we face dark days, pain, difficulties, or heavy work. Beloved, learning of Christ who points constantly to God must be the goal for us. We will enjoy discovering truths and insights we’ve never seen or thought about before. Consider, the Spark in the Dark: A small light bulb or glowing star shining in a black room. It means a new idea is born from trouble.

Child of God, Recall the Deep-Rooted Sapling: Trees that grow in sheltered, easy environments develop shallow roots. Hard winds, storms, and rocky soil force a tree’s roots to go deep into the earth, resulting in a core strength that withstands future devastation. (Unknown)

The scriptures should always be the final authority in every matter. If the subject was not important enough for God to address it directly or in principle in the Bible, then it is okay for us to be quiet about it as well. You and I may have a personal preference, but that’s all it is…a personal preference. We are not free to elevate that idea to a requirement or standard for others. Know that trials deepen faith, build character, and produce resilient hope.

Today there are many avenues to ingest more Bible content and godly substance. Though we must proceed with real caution, much can be learned as we apply ourselves. We may study more Bible chapters, read more helpful commentaries and books, listen to solid podcasts, watch spiritually edifying videos, listen to inspiring individuals speak in person, set under God-centered preaching and teaching, pay close attention to a panel that’s assembled with godly growth in mind, and many other ways to expose our hearts to God’s truth. There are notable benefits relationally, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and experientially for such endeavors. God works powerfully through a willingness to submit ourselves to His authority in our lives. It is wise to cultivate a holy fear of God as we endeavor. So, take seriously this effort to intentionally learn and develop in the Lord. A life could not be better spent learning and obeying Him. 

Going Further…

Going Further…

Jn. 11; Matt.19:26

 

Sometimes ‘going further’ entails taking a few steps back at first. Perhaps progressing in the Lord feels more like standing still…pausing…to learn key factors well before moving any further. It is very likely we perceive different outcomes than God does…we want something quite unlike God’s intentions. The current situation seems to dictate our existing posture and beliefs…. To be more protective, judicious, and cautious just feels right about here…it even makes good logical sense…right? By taking a step back, we sometimes realize we are guilty of wanting outcomes that are far too small when God is thinking much bigger, grander, and strategic. Further, our expectations may even be more focused on ourselves and not necessarily the broader plan of God. ‘Going further’ requires joining our Lord on this journey of faith.

This kind of thing happened repeatedly in the Bible (Gen. 6; Gen. 17:1-27; 21:1-8; 2Sam. 7), but it was especially punctuated in John 11 with the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Often, we impose our limitations on God restricting Him to fit into our expectations, when God is not limited like that at all. Our need for Him and the opportunity to transcend normality are presented through life’s very real challenges (Jn. 11:1, 4, 14-15), but few believers seldom realize the chance to trust Him and surpass the restrictions imposed by society or our own understanding. It is true death, the grave, and the stench of death (Jn. 11:39-40) are very real limitations we cannot overcome no matter how sincere we are. It is also true that we allow ourselves to ‘think’ within the confines of those limits and we don’t even consider possibilities beyond them…. We err when we impose those same limits onto God only expecting or even requiring Him to operate within our ‘level’ of comprehension (Jn. 11:24). He is NOT obligated to function that way, and further He really knows what He is doing with each occasion. He has a strategic plan in mind (Jn. 11:4, 40)!

It is precisely at this juncture we feel acutely the frustrations…not realizing God is itching to introduce an opportunity that is mind-blowing and life changing! Such an occasion summons us to trust the Lord in this matter. Jesus requires ‘faith’—believing Him to realize the greater realities!  For instance, Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ²⁷ She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11:25-27). He declares Himself as the source of eternal life and tests Martha’s faith. He assures her that He has absolute power over physical and spiritual death. He guarantees eternal life to whoever believes in Him, prompting Martha to confidently confess her ‘faith’ in Him as God’s Messiah. Trust is always appropriate when interacting with the Lord.

But what tends to interfere with such simple faith? Sometimes we are so consumed with the past… ‘what we perceived should have been’ (Jn. 11:21-22, 32, 40), we haven’t even begun entertaining future possibilities yet. There are times all we can see is the gigantic problems…dwarfing others…sometimes more significant…legitimate factors. Perhaps we are even convinced we know what needs to happen. The solution is so obvious to us that we gently suggest ‘our’ remedies. Certainly, we would have been happy with a simple ‘healing’, but God wants a ‘resurrection!’ Often working together with the Lord is ‘imagined’ a certain way…with ‘our ideal’ outcomes given the details we observed…. We may even envision the local impact of a ‘resurrection’ miracle but not yet perceive the farther-reaching shock waves of such a witness for future disciples (Jn. 11:41-42, 45, 51-52). We may influence a ‘healing’ through our prayers, but only God can work His divine plan for our future which may involve another miracle or two. The first instance may court our pride, but the second option clearly illuminates the ‘grace’ of God! We are invited to join Him on this journey of faith; we dare not embark upon it alone!

“With God all things are possible” Jesus insists in Matthew 19:26, referring to the fact that God is unlimited, unrestricted, boundless…His great power transcends all the boundaries that we in our limitations must respect. Child of God, we have assurance…yes, even a guarantee that absolutely no obstacle is too great for God and that He may still intervene in seemingly impossible situations. God’s infinite ability and authority are not bound by natural, human, or earthly restrictions. Again, in Matthew 19:26, Jesus unmistakably says, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” So whatever God calls us to do, He will empower and equip us to accomplish it. Trust Him for such power, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, or mental (2Cor. 12:1-10). Away with our restrictive inhibitions, fears, anxieties, vision for the future, expectations, requirements, and experiences. God is inviting each one of us to go further…so much further with Him by faith in His designs. Beloved, let us align ourselves with His holy character, divine purposes, and eternal plans, rather than merely granting our personal whims, notions, or schemes. 

You and I must trust Him to do the impossible…He abides by no such limitations like us. Prepare yourself for different, astonishing, unanticipated, growth, life investment, adjustments, misunderstanding, and yes even rejection—unfortunately most people will not get it. Learn to be ‘flexible’ as you enter the yoke with God! Be willing to accommodate Him and His designs. You will be glad you did! We must stop thinking too small…too logical…too selfish…too historic; start living by ‘faith’ in God’s limitless power and strategic design—pursuing His glory. Please join the ‘club’ if you feel challenged or intimidated by all of this. I honestly confess I am scared to death, but I must trust Him even when I cannot track Him! Beloved, illegitimate fears tend to limit us…especially our faith. We will experience far less real confusion and continue to ‘go further’ when we ‘believe’ God.

When God Makes a Selection

 

When God Makes a Selection

1 Sam. 16:1-13

God clearly values inner character and faith over mere outer appearance, choosing the most unanticipated person for leadership. God looks much deeper to recognize good character.  We must force our judgment to peer deeper and ask questions that expose the correct kind of character. 

Is there Really a Difference?

Now compare the two concepts across other scriptures, realizing that true substance is far more important than public image:

1.     Character is What You Truly Are

·        1 Samuel 16:7. Accordingly, we must not judge people based on physical stature and outward presentation but evaluate the true condition of the character (the heart).

·        Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Our inward thoughts and motives dictate the reality of our actions.

2.   Reputation is Merely What People Think

·        Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” While reputation has earthly value, it is incredibly fragile.

·        Ecclesiastes 10:1, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” It warns how easily a reputation can be ruined by a single unwise act.

·        Philippians 2:7 Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant...” Christ prioritized fulfilling His Father's will and perfect character over upholding an exalted public status.

3.   Two More Things Are Noteworthy Here:

·       David was the overlooked choice and selection of God. David was the youngest of eight sons. He was considered so insignificant by his own family that he was left behind in the fields tending sheep while his brothers attended a sacred feast. By choosing the most unlikely candidate, God demonstrated that He does not need human qualifications to accomplish His purposes.

·       The power of the Holy Spirit was permanently given (1 Sam. 16:13). When Samuel anointed David with oil, the Spirit of the Lord “came upon David from that day forward”. Anointing with oil was an symbol of being set apart for a holy, God-given mission. This divine dedication points to God’s anointing equipping the chosen individual with divine power, authority, and direction to fulfill this calling. This action represented unique and supernatural empowerment. Unlike the Old Testament era where the Holy Spirit occasionally came upon judges and kings for specific moments, this phrase indicates a permanent equipping of David for his ultimate destiny as king.

·       God judges the heart (v. 7). The principle of verse 7 has always been true: People do judge by looks, dress, and outward things. But today the mass media encourage this faulty outlook by using glamorous people in advertisements, television, and printed matter to such an extent that ordinary-looking people don’t seem as satisfactory as they should. Saul was tall, dark, and handsome. Actually, David was good-looking, too (v. 12), but still looked too young for major service. Unfortunately the church, especially on television, has often emphasized, not spirituality, but superficial glamor—with disastrous results when these TV idols fall.^[1]

In closing, the more we reject Bible-bases qualities the more we seem to embrace self-centered and materialistic traits without even realizing we are doing it. Things like beauty, physical attractiveness, handsomeness and a charming appearance have replaced God-honoring, productive, moral, consistent, and reliable attributes. Along with this fascination with appearances people have resorted to collecting diplomas and degrees, graduating from certain colleges, and certain state or federal certification. Neighbors care more about the house, the lawn, the car, the position, the amount made annually, and their carefully protected ‘image.’ People honestly believe these ‘advantages’ will serve them well…their goals will be realized. In all this God is on the outside waiting to be invited into our lives so we can stop pretending and finally get real. This emphasis consistently stresses God’s criteria for leadership—faith, humility, and integrity—are vastly different from the world’s measures. Beloved, we can finally start growing inwardly and externally to effect significant change. We are NOT ‘Pharisees’…so we can stop acting like them! It is time to permanently throw away the ‘mask’ and choose being real with God. Some individuals need to dethrone themselves, others need to stop worshipping ‘stuff and things,’ while yet others must break away from the grip of materialism. If we want our lives to mean something in the long run then it is time to join God by being real, authentic, a true disciple…. If we are real with Him, we will have little difficulty being real with people.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 308–309.

Turn the Page

 

Turn the Page

Isaiah 40:31, is an inspiring promise of God’s strength for us as we trust Him, stating: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint".

This promise was originally given to Israel during their exile in Babylon, a time of great weariness, spiritual fatigue, and emotional despair. It offers hope and reassurance, illustrating that waiting on God brings renewed energy, the ability to rise above challenges like an eagle, and the perseverance to continue life’s journey without growing weary or faint. We often rightly link this theme of God’s faithful care to our faith and endurance…our continuation.

God powerfully generates hope and strength, promising that those who wait on Him will indeed renew their strength, soar like eagles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting. We secure real help knowing this symbol of God’s empowerment for life’s challenges grants us perseverance, encouraging reliance on God for endurance and renewal when we feel exhausted. 

Is it nerve wracking standing on the very edge of a new chapter in your story? The temptation to retreat to the familiar is terribly unrelenting. Challenged with the unknown…you still have so many questions…. The timing seems off…it’s too soon. You feel uncomfortably rushed.

You cannot merely settle for your past defining you…though. That is unconscionable! Your history is blanketed with regrets and miscalculations. Perhaps you have never ventured beyond your routine. Or…you were courageously steaming ahead seemingly only to be burned, and since then you have been simply treading water. Quitting is not an option…you can’t just walk out of your own story.

There are still things you want to do, aspects of God you wish to experience directly for yourself, heights to which you still dream of ascending to…. You are not done exploring, experiencing, and taking the needed chances. You have episodes that are especially remarkable, yet there is so much more to you. There is so much more God has in store for you. Please don’t be afraid to dream big with Him! Don’t allow your fears, reluctances, or timidity to rob you of your deepest desires. Hope and future life intertwined with the Lord can only be supremely productive, meaningful and significant! Definitely, learn, reimagine, and perceive your past correctly, but rivet your sights on your future…God’s vision in Christ.

Yes, Isaiah 40:31, is a promise of supernatural strength for us as we trust and wait on our Lord! We will gain divine power to rise above difficulties, soar like eagles, and endure life's challenges (running and walking without fainting) because God renews our strength as we depend on Him, not our own puny might. So, if you feel weary, this is your hope assuring you of spiritual and physical resilience through reliance on God's everlasting power. You and I do not traverse the challenges alone no matter our human weaknesses. We can rejoice the Lord is with us every step of the way. So, go ahead and turn the page.

This is God’s reminder of encouragement when we are feeling the incredible weight of our burdens assuring us that He provides the toughness, spirit, resilience, and power we need to overcome trials, frustrations, intimidations, and weaknesses through faith and trust in Him. It is okay and advisable to trust Him still as you move forward.

There is no guarantee you will not make mistakes in the future. God can be relied on still. You don’t enjoy the privilege of knowing the details of the next steps with certainty. You will have anxious moments, and your metal will be testing again. God is gracious and filled with unimaginable mercy! Positive developments are not definite even when you have curated the best options. What is assured; however, is that you will change. You decide if that is for better or worse. Certainly, there is an upward trend in the Lord. But…still…turn the page. The next chapter in your story just may be a page turner.

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.