The Spiritual Mind, Part 2 Philippians 3:12-21 By Pastor Joel McElreath

This Sermon outline corresponds with the audio link of the sermon on the JBC website. 

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Philippians 3:12-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.       

Sermon: The Spiritual Mind, Part 2 Philippians 3:12-21   By Pastor Joel McElreath

INTRODUCTION: Today in our study of chapter three we will look at two key themes:  sanctification and glorification.  This third chapter may be the most beloved chapter of the letter.  It contains some cardinal doctrines which are a cause for great joy.  Remember, the term joy or joyous is found 16 times in four chapters.

I.  SANCIFICATION: THE BELIEVER’S PRESENT STATE.  3:12-16

A.  Perfection has not yet been achieved. Verse 12.  Sanctification is both a process and a position.

B.  The process is defined as a track race.  Cf. 1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:5.

1.  Awareness of the need to pursue a better condition.  In verse 12.

2.  Must exert ourselves to pursue a better condition. It is a “reaching forth.”   

3.  Focused concentration on the goal. Verse 13. Cf. Hebrews 12:1,2.

4. The daily discipline for the athlete: daily death and daily resurrection. .

5.  Paul would soon finish the race.  Cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

C.  God’s aim for each of His children: a God pleasing character.

D.  The goal and the prize are the same.  Verse 14. Cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

E.   The process to reach the goal is two fold: objective and subjective. (vs. 15,16)

ILLUSTRATION:  True story of a translator in VietNam.

II.  GLORIFICATION: THE BELIEVER’S FUTURE STATE.  3:17-21.

A. Practical steps:

  1. Follow Paul’s example stated in verse 17.  Cf. 1Thess. 1:6

  2. Avoid the enemies of the cross.

B. Note the “pattern you have in us.” Verse 17.

1.  Paul sets the pace.

2.  Observe others who are faithful and obedient and follow them also.

3.  Forget past negative memories and failures.

C.   Focusing on our expectations.  Verses 20-21.

1.  Heaven bound home of our citizenship.

2.  Eagerly awaiting the return of Christ . Cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.

3.  Transformation of our lowly bodies into one like Christ’s. Romans 8:29    

 

D.  Subjection of all things to Christ. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28.

CONCLUSION: True maturity in the faith will produce a strength and a hope that will not fear the future but embrace it.  Your character will also demonstrate love.

Story of Phocas, a fourth century Christian who lived in Asia Minor.