Description

Join a stirring sermon that urges believers to run like athletes for Christ—forget the past, pursue God’s high calling, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Through personal stories and Scripture (Philippians 3, David, Moses, and Paul), you’ll be encouraged to memorize God’s Word, serve boldly, and share the gospel with zeal.

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The High Calling of God

Text: Philippians 3:1-14

Thesis: As the Apostle Paul saw it, “The Christian is the Athlete of

Christ!” (How do you see yourself?)

1. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (vs. 13a) J It appears at first that Paul can’t count!

• The Greek word for “forgetting” literally means “to neglect or avoid”

1. The fact is there are things in your past that can rob you of Joy and prohibit Spiritual Growth.
   1. Past Sins
   2. Putting confidence in the flesh! (see vs. 2-6)
   3. The Apostle Paul speaks strongly (harshly) about those who try to please God by doing His well in the flesh. “Watch out for those dogs.” (vs2)
   4. The Apostle Paul esteems Jesus highly, “Who put no confidence in the flesh” (vs3c)
   5. In Phil 4:13, Paul makes it clear, “I can do all things…”
2. “Straining towards what is ahead.”
3. “Straining”-means to extend or stretch forward.
   • Paul envisions us as being “Spiritual Athletes of

Christ!”

ILL. God is calling us to be intentional and have intensity in our relationship with God. 

1st- Run to God!

• “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8)
• MEMORIZE THE WORD

2nd Run to God through Jesus Christ!

1. Jesus made it clear, to his disciple, that he was the only way to God. (John 14:6)

3rd   Run to God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit!

1. “In the last days they will have a form of Godliness but denying his power. Have nothing to do with them.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

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With Pastor Chuck Ryan.