Jun. 23, 2024
“OVERJOYED”
“THE JOY OF MATURITY”
PHILIPPIANS 3:17-21
1 Corinthians 3:2-3 “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
We need to be “spiritually-minded” which means to look at earth from heavens point of view:
Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
The spiritually-minded believer should not be attracted by the things of this world. We should make decisions based on the Word of God and the values it teaches us.
Mark 8:36 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Paul is encouraging us to have the spiritual mind, and he does this by pointing out the characteristics of the Christian whose citizenship is in heaven.
- Our Names Are On The Roll Up Yonder (Heaven)- Philippians 3:17
In light of this Paul gives us some instructions:
*We are citizenship of heaven and we have godly examples to follow:
Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”
1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
What kind of person makes a good model for us to follow along life’s dangerous path? Paul answers this question in his letter to Timothy.
vs.17 “ join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”
2. We Are To Avoid The Enemies Of The Cross- Philippians 3:18-19.
Paul now sets up a basic contrast. After urging the Philippians to follow the pattern of godly believers, he gives the reason:
Philippians 3:18 “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:”
Paul describes the opponents we will face:
Philippians 3:19 “Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”
* The Bad Examples: “enemies of the cross” vs.18, “whose end is destruction” vs.19, “whose god is their belly” vs.19, “whose glory is their shame” vs.19, and “who set their minds on earthly things.” vs.19
- The Good Example: Embraces the cross, On a path to salvation, Subdue their appetite, Mourn over shame, and Shun worldly things.
Whatever is in the heart comes out through the mouth:
We as believers should be speaking heaven’s language:
Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
3. We Belong Among Those Who Are Bound For Heaven- Philippians 3:20-21
Philippians 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
vs.20 “citizenship” is the Greek word “politeuma” which means commonwealth or state.
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Philippians 3:21 “Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”
When Jesus returns, He will “subdue all things to Himself” vs.21. The word “subdue” means to arrange in ranks.
1 John 2:17 “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Our focus needs on the Lord as the source of our ability to stand firm with confidence, joy, and strength. So let’s look as some areas of your spiritual walk they may need to be addressed:
*First, Are You Dwelling On The Past, Letting It Control Your Attitudes And Actions? Or will you set your mind on things above and continue to take steps forward into spiritual maturity?
*Second, Will You Follow Godly Examples? Do you have a Paul to look too, a Timothy to imitate, or an Epaphroditus to follow, a godly hero to learn from?
*Finally, Are You Eagerly Anticipating The Coming Of Christ?
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