PHILIPPIANS 3 AUGUST 9, 2023
HEAVENLY PRIZES (VERSES 13-14)

SCRIPTURE
I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14, NLT



THE HEAVENLY PRIZE

1/ God gives people the gift of salvation.

...all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

…the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23




EARTHLY PRIZES

1/ God gives all people blessings in this life.

2/ God gives His people the Holy Spirit in this life.

3/ God gives His people spiritual gifts in this life.

4/ God gives His people rewards in this life.




THE BEMA SEAT

While salvation can never be earned, rewards can be earned.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgement day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:11-14

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Ephesians 6:7-8

In the same way, there will be varying degrees of punishment for the wicked.
HEAVENLY PRIZES

1/ The Victor’s Crown

1 Corinthians 9:25-27

2/ The Crown of Rejoicing

1 Thessalonians 2:19

3/ The Crown of Righteousness

2 Timothy 4:8

4/ The Crown of Life

James 1:12; Revelation 2:10

5/ The Crown of Glory

1 Peter 5:4

Scripture implies there will be a functional society in Heaven (Luke 19:11-27).

“Every vessel that is cast into this ocean of happiness is full, though there are some vessels far larger than others; and there shall be no such thing as envy in heaven, but perfect love shall reign throughout the whole society.” Jonathan Edwards

PHILIPPIANS 3 AUGUST 9, 2023
ENEMIES and EXAMPLES (VERSES 17-19)



SCRIPTURE
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. Philippians 3:17-19




ENEMIES OF THE CROSS

There are Christ’s enemies, Christ’s Church’s enemies, and Christ’s Children’s enemies.

Paul was facing a two-fronted war. The Jews added to the Gospel, while Libertines took away from the Gospel.

1/ These enemies have carnal desires.

2/ These enemies boast in shameful things.

3/ These enemies are earthly minded.

4/ These enemies will pass into destruction.




EXAMPLES OF CHRIST

“Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.” C.S. Lewis




THE SCRIPTURAL PATTERN OF MENTORING

Jethro raised up Moses. Moses raised up Joshua. Naomi raised up Ruth. Elijah raised up Elisha. Jesus raised up the Disciples. Paul raised up Timothy.




SEEK OUT SOMEONE BEYOND YOU

This is more like a son/father or daughter/mother relationship.

1/ Has this person been where I want to go?

2/ Does this person have proper convictions and worldview?

3/ Does this person have a holy vision for their life?




SEEK OUT SOMEONE BESIDE YOU

This is more like a sister/sister or brother/brother relationship.

1/ Is this person in a similar season of life?

2/ Does this person possess wisdom and life experience?

3/ Can this person hold confidence?



SEEK OUT SOMEONE BEHIND YOU

This is more like a father/son or mother/daughter relationship.

1/ Does this person have a teachable spirit?

2/ Does this person have a vision for their life?

3/ Does this person have a good work ethic?



PRACTICAL TIPS

1/ Seek people out.

2/ Dialogue about realistic expectations.

3/ Value their input.

4/ Allow the relationship to evolve or devolve.

5/ If you ever outgrow the relationship, be gracious and move on.