The Season of Success and Failure

Guest Pastor: Bob Lehman

Sunday, July 7th, 2024

The Passage

Philippians 3:12-17

"Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do."  vs. 17

Paul's Model for Successful Living

1. LOOK IN THE MIRROR:  Face my faults.                                                                12-13 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.…”

Question: "Where do I need to change?"

2. LET IT GO:  Forget the former.                                                                              13b "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” 

Question: What do I need to forget…let go of?

3. PAY ATTENTION:  Focus on the future.                                                                  13b-14: "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 

Question: What am I living for?  What is my goal in life?

4. DON’T QUIT:  Fight to the finish.                                                                          12 - 14: ”Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” 

Question: How do you keep on keeping on when things get discouraging?

3 Suggestions:  vs. 15-16