Philippians 3:12-21 Eyes on the Prize

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. [Philippians 3:12- 21; ESV]

False teaching in Philippi Judaizers (Phil 3:2ff.) Over-realized eschatology (3:12-16) The Corinthian Error: Antinomianism (3:17-19)

The already-not yet nature of salvation Paul emphasized he had not yet obtained “perfection” (3:12-13)

The already-not yet nature of salvation He continued to “press on” toward the goal (3:12-14) Sanctification is the on-going process through which Christians are gradually transformed

The already-not yet nature of salvation Paul looked upward and forward (3:13-14) The past is past

The already-not yet nature of salvation Paul instructed the Philippians to live in light of the future promise and hope (3:15) They were to live fully committed to the future reality

The danger of distracted living Paul instructed them to keep their attention focused on the right things (3:15-21) They were called to live in obedience (3:15-19) They were citizens of heaven living as sojourners (3:20)

They were not alone in their journey Paul instructed them to have the right role- models (3:17) Paul and others they knew

A dire warning Paul warned them that those who choose their own way were at risk (3:18-19) Those who rejected God’s way were destined for judgment

An important reminder Paul reminded them that salvation was found in Jesus (3:20-21)

significance and application Three tenses of salvation (Roberts) We have been saved from the penalty of sin We are being saved from the power of sin We will be saved from the presence of sin

significance and application We too live in the “overlap of the ages”

significance and application We should not “rest on our laurels”

significance and application Distracted living is as dangerous now as then We are called to live in obedience We too are citizens of heaven living as sojourners

significance and application We are not alone on our journey How we live together matters

significance and application We need to heed Paul’s warning We dare not ignore God and his instruction

significance and application Salvation is still found in Jesus