1. In
Philippians 3:7, Paul rejoiced in attaining to the resurrection of the dead,
an obvious reference to his looking forward to spending eternity in heaven.
2. How did
Paul seek to accomplish his goal?
I. Proper
attitude. "Not as though I had already attained
. I count not
myself to have apprehended" - 3:12-13.
A. While
Paul was longing for his home in heaven, he realized he had not yet
accomplished his ultimate goal.
1. Paul
knew it was possible for a person to be saved from his sins but later
lost.
2. Paul
was aware of his own weaknesses I Corinthians 9:24-27.
B. While we
long for our home in heaven, we ought to realize we have not yet
accomplished our ultimate goal.
1. If we
think we have already attained our goal, we may lose our diligence and
perseverance.
2. There
is still much work to do and room for each of us to grow John 4:35, I
Peter 2:2, II Peter 3:18.
II. Proper
perception of time. "This one thing I do" 3:13.
A. Forget
the past. "Forgetting those things which are behind" - 3:13.
1. What
did Paul need to forget? Past failures (and accomplishments) lest he
become discouraged. Past wrongs (those he had done and those that were
done to him).
2. How
did Paul forget the past? Not by completely removing these things from his
memory. By refusing to let his past, both the good and the bad aspects,
overshadow the present.
B. Press
forward. "Reaching forth unto those things which are before" -
3:13.
1.
Reaching forth as a runner in a race reaches forth with his body to
reach the goal.
2.
Indicates effort is involved. How hard are you working toward reaching
heaven? Consider Matthew 7:24-27, James 1:22-25.
III. Be
mindful of the prize. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus" 3:14.
A. Press
(pursue) - to urgently seek.
B. What is
this prize?
1. Crown
of glory I Peter 5:4.
2. Crown
of life James 1:12.
3.
Incorruptible, undefiled inheritance I Peter 1:4-5.
1. To receive
eternal life, we must have the same kind of concentration Paul had.
2. We must
maintain the proper attitude.
3. We must
have a proper perception of time.
4. We must
continue to press toward the prize.
