Read Philippians 3
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3&version=NIV
. The unity of the church at Philippi was also threatened by Judaizers—men masquerading as believers who insisted that Christians were obligated to keep the Mosaic Law and, in effect, become Jews. Paul is very blunt about these “men who do evil” (3:1–3). As far as Jewish credentials were concerned, Paul’s were more impressive (vv. 4–7). But in coming to Christ, Paul abandoned all such things. They were rubbish compared to knowing Christ and experiencing a life infused with His resurrection power (vv. 8–11). But such a life requires complete
commitment to a goal that always lies beyond us, yet whose pursuit offers a heavenly prize (vv. 12–14). Paul urges his readers to develop just this kind of mature attitude and to follow his example (vv. 15–17). As for those whose lives show another pattern, particularly a pattern revealing desires and goals that focus on this world, they should be noted and ignored (vv. 18–19). A real Christian’s citizenship is in heaven and his/her heart is fixed on home (vv. 20–21).
Discussion Question
What is the “prize” that Paul is running after? (vs 12-14)
How is the Christian life like a race?
Personal reflection
Since Paul calls us mature Christians to have the same attitude, explain how you feel this applies to your life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I believe the prize is eternal life, heaven. To work toward eternal life. To stay clear of obstacles & work through rough parts with prayer & fellowship. In times of distress to work through the rough parts with prayer & felloship. To guide us back on the right path.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Keith in that the prize is eternal life. As I prepare for my marathon this weekend I know that there will be a time (around 20 miles) when my body, mind and spirit will want to stop that I will think I am too tired to go on, I think that happens to us in life and in our Christian walk as well. It is at those times that we need to lean on Jesus even more to get us through.
ReplyDeletejeanie said:
ReplyDeletePaul is telling the people of his time that the real prise is eternal life. His message transsend time. We as followers of Christ should follow his wisdom for true happeness. Those who base thier happiness on thing of this earth will be let down by they. However when we work to store up our heavenly treasures will have eternal happiness. Thier are abundant peasures for the faithful. God has stored rewards for his faithful here and in heaven.
I thing that Christian might be like a race, if we would compare the two. We would be going for a prise if we win.
I feel tha I am a mature Christian when I follow the wisdom of God's word. I try very hard to do that. I do come short at times. In these times I find that I must repent and get back on tract. I that God still loves me when I mess up in these areas.
I strive to walk in love as God will me to do. I know that God has more for me to do here on this earth . I hope to stay in God's will.
The prize is eternal life, but what is eternal life? Jesus defines eternal life in John 17:3 where he simply says knowing God and Him. We have eternal life here and now when we know (really know) our loving God and our savior Jesus Christ. The prize doesn't have to begin when we die and go to heaven. We get the prize today, at this very momemt.
ReplyDeleteThe primary prize is eternal life, which begins when we accept Jesus as our savior. The Bible mentions crowns as rewards. I'm not sure whether this is a literal crown or if it is symbolic. Death is just a transition into a new phase of our life. Paul was determined to take as many with him as he could.
ReplyDelete