In Philippians 3:10-11 Paul discusses what it is to lose your life in Christ and to gain a new life now (spiritually, through the new birth) and forever (eternally, at the resurrection). See Philippians 3:3-9; 1:20-21 cp. Matthew 16:24-26; John 5:24-29; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-11.
Until we die or until the physical resurrection, we are to be minding God's business, discovering the unique purpose for which we were called, when we were born again (Philippians 3:12-13; Ephesians 1:12-13; 2:8-10; 4:1). Let's start at verse 14 and see a plan for fulfilling God's will for our lives.
Pursuing His Goal - Philippians 3:14
God had more in mind than just our destiny, concerning heaven or hell. He saved us to make us like His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).
We are to be pursuing, pressing on, following after the goal that God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1-3; I Corinthians 9:24-27).
Life is not about surviving or about fulfilling myself. It is about advancing God's purposes and Christ's Kingdom. It is about fulfilling His will, not mine (Matthew 6:19-33; II Corinthians 5:14-15; Colossians 3:1-4).
Perfecting Our Pursuit - Philippians 3:15-19
Following God's leadership - Philippians 3:15-16 cp. Psalm 32:7-9; 138:8; Proverbs 2:6-8; Philippians 1:6; I Thessalonians 5:23-24. [Philippians 3:16 - "...the same rule...the same thing." Cp. Philippians 2:1-5; Romans 15:5-9; Galatians 6:14-16; Hebrews 13:9]
Following good examples - Philippians 3:17 cp. I Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 13:7; I Timothy 4:12.
Forsaking bad examples - Philippians 3:18-19 (note: don't walk with them, but weep for them - Psalm 126:5-6) cp. Romans 16:17-19; II Timothy 3:1-5.
Picturing Our Future - Philippians 3:20-21
Focus on your heavenly home and treasure.
Focus on the temporary nature of this life / world (Matthew 6:19-21; Romans 8:18-26; II Corinthians 4:6-18; I John 3:1-3; 2:15-17; I Corinthians 7:29-31; II Peter 3:10-14). |
