The Most Important Goal In Life
Sermon Notes
KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 3:13-15 (ESV)
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.
We often have competing goals.
Competing goals are overwhelming, distracting, and often self-sabotaging.
You will do what you adore.
What if you focused on one goal that sorted everything else out?
All is rubbish compared to Christ (Philippians 3:8-11)
“Rubbish“ in Greek = dung.
Righteousness only comes from Christ alone, not us.
There’s a big difference between knowing Christ and knowing about Christ.
Eternity with Christ is the prize.
Do one thing: Make Christ the singular goal of your life (Philippians 3:12-16)
Nobody is perfect. Maturity is realizing you aren’t perfect.
Avoid two mistakes: Don’t duck out of the race or think you’ve already finished.
You must move on from your past to look forward to the goal.
There are two paths: Walk Christ-centered or self-centered (Philippians 3:12-16)
You need good examples of other believers to imitate.
Many are enemies of Christ, worshipping another god.
What will you adore in 2024?
“If Christ is not first with you, Christ is nothing to you.“ - Charles Spurgeon
“Therefore… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith“ (Hebrews 12:1-2)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
Why is it hard for people to set and keep goals?
Why does Paul consider all things rubbish compared to knowing Christ?
What’s the difference between knowing someone and knowing about someone?
What in your past is hard for you to move on from?
Do you know anyone who is a good example of a faithful Christian that you can imitate? If so, who? If not, where might you find someone?
Which area of your life do you struggle putting Christ first?
What does Charles Spurgeon mean by the quote above?