Growing Pains

PowerPoint Video

PowerPoint Video

PowerPoint Video

Last week we looked into the beginning of Philippians 3 where Paul gave his testimony. He taught to not place any confidence in the flesh. Instead, he encouraged his readers to place all confidence in Jesus. He understood that it is in Jesus that we find redemption, salvation, hope. We cannot find these things by our own actions or abilities. Paul then tells the Philippians, and us, to keep our eyes on the prize that is found in Jesus.

Now once we come to understand this, then what? What are we supposed to do with this knowledge. In Philippians 3.15-4.1, Paul gives us some direction as we move forward.

1. Grow toward Maturity—3.15-16

All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained

We are to grow in maturity in having no confidence in the flesh, but all confidence in Jesus. It is all on Jesus and not on our abilities. Then, if there are any areas where we disagree, we can know that God will make things clear.

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A couple good, old examples that touch on maturity involve Bible versions and music choice.

There are some who believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true Word of God. In fact, I recently saw a video of a pastor proclaiming from the pulpit that he could take his KJV and correct the Greek with it! Truth be told, the Greek manuscripts have the authority. In this instance, this pastor shows a lack of maturity in not realizing the positive impact of the newer versions of the scriptures.

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Another example is the choice of music, an issue that still affects many churches today. For some, old hymns are the way to go. There are others that believe that the hymns are too outdated and the new songs is where it is at. When there are arguments over such things, it shows the immaturity of both sides. Can we appreciate the music and message of the old hymns and still enjoy the impact of newer songs? Or can we admire the work of the newer artists while respecting the songs of the past? This is where we can achieve maturity in these areas.

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In any case, as we mature, we are to remain steadfast in the growth we have already achieved. We have all grown in some ways. Because of this, we can rejoice in that growth, but desire even more.

Some simple ways to grow toward maturity…

• Keep our commitments—to family, friends, bosses, coworkers, the church.

• Develop the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.

• Make prayerful decisions—not knee jerk reactions or just as a way to get out of doing something… “let me pray about it,” when we already know the answer.

• Think mature thoughts—Philippians 4.8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

• Associate with mature believers.

• Be purposeful in our spiritual walk.

2. Seek, Follow, and Become Godly Examples—3.17

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.

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It is wise for us to seek out good, Godly people and follow them and their ways. We need to do this because being a Godly example is not an option. We have no choice in being an example of some kind and having an impact on those around us. However, we do have a choice in the kind of witness and impact we provide.

We need to mature in Christ and become believers who provide people with true examples of authentic Christ-like living. Our responsibility is to maintain a consistent example.

Who are those in our life that are mature in the faith and worthy of copying? Are we maturing in a way that others would benefit from if they would choose to follow our lead?

3. Develop Spiritual Awareness—3.18-19

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

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We are to be aware and mindful of those who have their minds set on earthly things. To help us in this area, it is good for us to gain an understanding of the true position of these individuals. Not just their focus on the things of the earth, but the reality of their unknown spiritual needs.

Consider the following passages…

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

1 John 2:15-17

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“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

James 4:4

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“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Mark 8:36

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“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 6:24

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“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

Hebrews 13:5

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These are just a few of the passages that speak to the risk of focusing on the things of this earth. They are a good reminder for us to realize the danger that those who do not know Jesus are facing. This is why developing spiritual awareness is so important for us. When we are aware, then we can be in a position to be used by God to bring about a positive change.

4. Continually Look Ahead—3.20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

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We must know and believe that our home is not on this earth. Our true citizenship is in heaven. Even though we are currently waiting for our arrival to that home, the truth is that everything is still under Jesus’ control. We also need to realize that when that day comes, when we get to experience heaven, we will be transformed. Paul writes to the church in Corinth…

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. – 1 Corinthians 15.51-52

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Because of this truth, we are to be living with eternity in mind. In another letter Paul wrote to the people of Corinth, he states…

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life…

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.  – 2 Corinthians 5.1, 4, 9

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With our eyes fixed on Jesus, on the prize, on what is to come, a confident hope should be permeating our lives. This proper understanding of our current and future reality can help us grow in our faith and witness as we travel this life.

And finally…

5. Stand Firm in the Lord—4.1

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

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Paul tells the people in Philippi to not trust in their works, but to trust wholly upon Jesus. He tells them that their relationship with Jesus should be growing day-by-day, and that they should be becoming more mature in Him. After giving his instructions, he then stops and tells them to remember what he just said.

Paul says, “stand firm in the Lord IN THIS WAY.”

What he is implying here is that we can stand firm in the Lord when we follow his teaching and example. So, if we look back at what he just taught, then, according to Paul, we can stand firm….

• By allowing God to work in us to become the mature believers He desires.

• By seeking out, following, and becoming the Godly examples the world needs to see.

• By developing our spiritual awareness of those around us and being the light in the darkness.

• By keeping our eyes fixed on all that is to come for those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord.

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When we stand firm in the Lord, our life on this earth and in the world to come will bring about a greater meaning and purpose. Because of this, let us always do what we can to grow in our spiritual walk. Let us seek to become the mature people of God so that we may have a greater influence on the world around us.

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Have a Great Day!

Loving… Learning… Living…