THE GOAL OF Friends of jesus Philippians 3:1-21

MEMORY VERSE “I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3: 14).

INTRODUCTION A goal is what you have planned to get when you are doing something such as following Jesus till the end, know more about Jesus, doing your quiet time daily. For example a boy called Edward was promoted to a new class and his father promised to buy him a bicycle if he takes the first position in his new class. Edward made up his mind to do the following things so that he would get the bicycle. Always be in school on time. That means no more crying in the morning before taking his bath. Attentive and listen in the class. That means, no more talking and playing with his friends when the teacher is teaching. Do all his classwork and homework. Ask questions on things he does not understand even when others laugh at him.

INTRODUCTION At the end of the term, Edward took the first position in the class and got his bicycle. This happened because he set a goal and regularly did things that made him to achieve the goal

Goals Of Friends Of Jesus Today, we are looking at what the goal of friends of Jesus should be so that they can obey Jesus’ command and receive the prize. Friends of Jesus are children who have stopped doing bad things like lying, abusing people, fighting, stealing and other bad things. They have asked God to forgive and cleanse them with the blood of Jesus. Their lives have changed and they no longer do those bad things (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Goals Of Friends Of Jesus (i) God loves all boys and girls and does not want any child to suffer in hell (John 3: 16) (ii) If you are still doing any bad thing, God is angry with you (Psalm 7: 11b). Make peace with God now by: Knowing and accepting that you are a sinner (Romans 3: 23) Being sorry for your sins Telling God those bad things and promise never to do them again (Proverbs 28:13) Asking God to forgive you and wash you with the blood of Jesus (1John 1:9) Thank God for answering your prayer.

Goals Of Friends Of Jesus Every true friends of Jesus must have set goals as Paul the Apostle did. Paul: Keep on following Jesus without looking back Knowing more about Jesus through reading the Bible, listening to the word of God and prayer Be righteous and pure in thoughts and actions Meet Jesus in the air during the rapture Be always ready to suffer for Christ (Matthew 5: 11,12).

Goals For Friends Of Jesus To get what you need(Goals): To be ready to meet Jesus in the air (Rapture), friends of Jesus must keep away from things that will make him do bad things and have bad thought Be busy telling others about Jesus Remember: It is only those who endure to end that shall be saved. Have this as your goal As you determine to follow Jesus till the end, He will help you and reward you with eternal life and a crown with stars.

1. Edward got the bicycle because he had a goal. Yes/No 2. The goal of true friends of Jesus is______ ______ and ______ 3. To know more about Jesus, you must spend time to______________________________________ 4. How can a sinful child because a true friend of Jesus?__________________________________________

LESSON: Knowing more about Christ and following Him all the way should be goal of every saved child. THOUGHT: My greatest desire is to know more about Jesus.