Philippians 3:12-16
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. 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, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (ESV)
Introduction:
Sanctification Without Illusion
1. The Confession of Holy Dissatisfaction (vv. 12-13a)
1.1 Paul Denies Perfectionism
1.2 Paul Refuses Presumption
2. The Direction of Sanctified Desire (vv. 13b-14)
2.1 A Holy Focus: “One Thing I Do”
2.2 A Holy Forgetfulness: Forgetting what Lies Behind
2.3 A Holy Forward-Strain: Straining Forward to what Lies Ahead
2.4 A Holy Fixation: Pressing Toward the Prize
Scripture references:
Romans 8:30, Colossians 3:1-2, Hebrews 12:2.
3. The Mindset of Christian Maturity (v. 15)
• Mature Christians know they have not arrived.
• Avoid extremes of self-satisfaction or hopelessness.
• God continues to teach and correct His people.
4. The Discipline of Faithful Continuance (v. 16)