Pressing on the Upward Way Philippians 3:12-14

Identification of the Goal (vv. 12, 14) The Resurrection to Life (v. 11) Universal resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Acts 24:15 To life or condemnation – John 5:28-29 Paul understood – (1) His life temporary – Hebrews 9:27, (2) Physical world temporary – 2 Peter 3:10, (3) Resurrection to spiritual body – 1 Corinthians 15:42-45, (4) Resurrection to occupy a spiritual place – 1 Corinthians 15:50 (heaven); Mark 9:43-44 (hell) Heaven (vv. 17-21)

Constant Awareness of Incompletion (vv. 12, 13) At Home in the Body, Absent from the Lord Still in the body = haven’t “made it” – 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 To live is Christ – Philippians 1:21 Entering rest after ceasing from works – Hebrews 4:9-10 The Danger of Complacency Already rich? – 1 Corinthians 4:8, 14 Leads to being lukewarm – Revelation 3:14-19

Constant Forgetfulness and Forward Reach (vv. 13, 14) Forget the Things Behind Paul’s Jewish pedigree, and progress in faith – Philippians 3:3-6, 11-12 Continue to abide and abound – 2 John 8-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 Don’t leave tower unfinished – Luke 14:28-30

Constant Forgetfulness and Forward Reach (vv. 13, 14) Forget the Things Behind Reach Forward to the Things Ahead (vv. 8-11) Knowledge of Christ – 2 Peter 3:18 Gain Christ – Romans 13:14; Galatians 2:20 Power of Christ’s Resurrection – Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:17-21; Acts 5:28-32 Fellowship of Christ’s Sufferings – Mark 8:34-35; Romans 8:35; Philippians 1:27-30 Conformity to Christ’s Death – John 10:17-18; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:7-8

Pressing on the Upward Way Philippians 3:12-14