COACH PAUL'S CHALLENGE

Philippians 3:12-21 [The Message Bible]

When I opened my Bible this morning, I noticed this note.  Apparently somewhere along the way, Debbie had been reading it too!  I’m a blessed man to share a passion for Christ with my wife!

Today’s ten verses are so uplifting and encouraging!   I hope you’ll take the time to look them up and read them [in The Message Bible]!  Here’s my summary of what you’ll find:

FIRST

A.      Paul openly confesses that he doesn’t have it all together.  [That’s the humility that Deb was referring to in her note.] 

BUT, he lived with a deep sense of appreciation for that day when Jesus appeared to him while he was travelling to Damascus!  This intervention is still fresh on his mind!  That was the day that everything changed! 

Do you have a day like that?  A day when Jesus made Himself real to you?  A day when you surrendered to Him and His way?  Do you appreciate the fact that He cared enough about you to pursue you and set you on a new path?  [It would be alright to stop reading right now and give Him thanks for His love for you!]

     B.      Paul goes on to share a secret of success with us:  Keep your eye on the goal and stay focused on it! 

             What is the goal?  TOTAL COMMITMENT to the Lord and His ways! 

 He says: “If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!” [v.15 TM]

C.      Finally, Paul gives a word about determination!  “Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it” [v.16 TM].

 SECOND

Paul speaks to us just like a coach would speak to his/her team! 

     A.      Even though it is repetitive, he emphasizes staying focused on the goal!  KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE! 

B.      “Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal” [v.17 TM].  So much could be said here!  We are not in this alone!  We have many travelling companions!  We are to look after one another!  Protect one another. Warn one another.

             I’m going to curb my desire to extrapolate on this and simply say:  

It’s hard to be this engaged when we only see one another for two hours on Sunday morning! 

C.      Again, like any good coach, Paul warns us to beware of those who would distract us!

 “There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites” [vs.18-19 TM].

 Associate with all, but choose your companions carefully!

 THIRD

The prize!

A.      Although we live with our feet firmly planted on this earth, WE ARE ALREADY CITIZENS OF HEAVEN!

Never allow yourself to forget that! 

B.      While we’re engaged in the busyness of living our lives in the midst of zillions of distractions, paste this reminder into the flyleaf of your mind: “We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies into glorious bodies like his own”  [vs.20-21 TM].

C.      With these transformed bodies, we will be ready and able to enter the celestial city where we will live and serve His purposes for all eternity! 

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Don’t get distracted thinking you’re a citizen of the United States or earth!   What a temporary disposition!  You’re much greater than that!  You have an eternal destiny that so many ignore or are unaware of! 

The Lord Jesus wants to see you there!

Paul wants to see you there.

And so do I!  ;-)