New and Better Identity

Well, it was about AD50 when the Apostle Well, it was about AD50 when the Apostle Paul and his traveling companions rolled Paul and his traveling companions rolled Paul and his traveling companions rolled into Philippi for the very first time. into Philippi for the very first time. into Philippi for the very first time. [music] [music] [music] Philippi was no ordinary city. It was a Philippi was no ordinary city. It was a Philippi was no ordinary city. It was a city of prominence in the Roman Empire. city of prominence in the Roman Empire. city of prominence in the Roman Empire. It it existed on the really the I40 of It it existed on the really the I40 of It it existed on the really the I40 of its time. If you were moving goods and its time. If you were moving goods and its time. If you were moving goods and services services services from Asia into Europe, odds are you from Asia into Europe, odds are you from Asia into Europe, odds are you spent a night in Philippi. I think we spent a night in Philippi. I think we spent a night in Philippi. I think we even have a map of Philippi. There you even have a map of Philippi. There you even have a map of Philippi. There you go. And the red line, let's put it on go. And the red line, let's put it on go. And the red line, let's put it on the big screen. The red line is the I40. the big screen. The red line is the I40. the big screen. The red line is the I40. It's the Via Ignatia. That was a It's the Via Ignatia. That was a It's the Via Ignatia. That was a prominent and important highway. And you prominent and important highway. And you prominent and important highway. And you can see how it connected those big land can see how it connected those big land can see how it connected those big land masses. But it wasn't just its location masses. But it wasn't just its location masses. But it wasn't just its location on the map. It was its location in the on the map. It was its location in the on the map. It was its location in the hearts of the Roman people. See, hearts of the Roman people. See, hearts of the Roman people. See, Philippi was the scene of a great battle Philippi was the scene of a great battle Philippi was the scene of a great battle during the Roman civil war. You you may during the Roman civil war. You you may during the Roman civil war. You you may remember a little bit of Roman history, remember a little bit of Roman history, remember a little bit of Roman history, at least from uh Shakespeare. There was at least from uh Shakespeare. There was at least from uh Shakespeare. There was Brutus and Cases, you know, to Brutee if Brutus and Cases, you know, to Brutee if Brutus and Cases, you know, to Brutee if you know your Shakespeare. Brutus and you know your Shakespeare. Brutus and you know your Shakespeare. Brutus and Cases arranged for the murder of Julius Cases arranged for the murder of Julius Cases arranged for the murder of Julius Caesar, sparking a civil war. And just Caesar, sparking a civil war. And just Caesar, sparking a civil war. And just west of the city, Mark Anthony, the west of the city, Mark Anthony, the west of the city, Mark Anthony, the great flamboyant general with Octavius great flamboyant general with Octavius great flamboyant general with Octavius is something of a sidekick, end up is something of a sidekick, end up is something of a sidekick, end up facing off against these forces. And of facing off against these forces. And of facing off against these forces. And of course, Mark Anthony, Octavius are course, Mark Anthony, Octavius are course, Mark Anthony, Octavius are winners of the battle. Brutus and Cases winners of the battle. Brutus and Cases winners of the battle. Brutus and Cases are put down. And so, Philippi becomes

are put down. And so, Philippi becomes are put down. And so, Philippi becomes this almost Gettysburg of sorts of the this almost Gettysburg of sorts of the this almost Gettysburg of sorts of the Roman Empire. But even more than that, Roman Empire. But even more than that, Roman Empire. But even more than that, later when Octavius defeats Mark later when Octavius defeats Mark later when Octavius defeats Mark Anthony. And most of us know Octavius as Anthony. And most of us know Octavius as Anthony. And most of us know Octavius as his other name, Augustus. In fact, here his other name, Augustus. In fact, here his other name, Augustus. In fact, here we have a a image of the August one. we have a a image of the August one. we have a a image of the August one. We'll put this one on the big screen, We'll put this one on the big screen, We'll put this one on the big screen, too. That's very August of him. Uh, I too. That's very August of him. Uh, I too. That's very August of him. Uh, I don't know what's up with the creepy don't know what's up with the creepy don't know what's up with the creepy baby holding on to his gown, don't it? baby holding on to his gown, don't it? baby holding on to his gown, don't it? Actually, I do. Actually, it's Cupid. Actually, I do. Actually, it's Cupid. Actually, I do. Actually, it's Cupid. Doesn't make it better, does it? Uh, if Doesn't make it better, does it? Uh, if Doesn't make it better, does it? Uh, if I was a sculptor, I'd probably just kick I was a sculptor, I'd probably just kick I was a sculptor, I'd probably just kick that one off. But anyhow, but Augustus that one off. But anyhow, but Augustus that one off. But anyhow, but Augustus Caesar was very sentimental about Caesar was very sentimental about Caesar was very sentimental about Philippi and so he bequeathed upon it Philippi and so he bequeathed upon it Philippi and so he bequeathed upon it colony status. It was Colonia Augustus colony status. It was Colonia Augustus colony status. It was Colonia Augustus Julia Julia Julia Philippensis Philippensis Philippensis which just meant that it was a little which just meant that it was a little which just meant that it was a little Rome. It was an important city and that Rome. It was an important city and that Rome. It was an important city and that meant it got subsidies and it meant that meant it got subsidies and it meant that meant it got subsidies and it meant that the citizens of Philip Pi were citizens the citizens of Philip Pi were citizens the citizens of Philip Pi were citizens of the Roman Empire which quite stoked of the Roman Empire which quite stoked of the Roman Empire which quite stoked their ego. But it was also a very their ego. But it was also a very their ego. But it was also a very patriotic town because many of the patriotic town because many of the patriotic town because many of the forces that fought for the various forces that fought for the various forces that fought for the various people were mustered out and retired to people were mustered out and retired to people were mustered out and retired to Philippi. So Philippi became a a a kind Philippi. So Philippi became a a a kind Philippi. So Philippi became a a a kind of town that whenever you walk through of town that whenever you walk through of town that whenever you walk through the streets there were flags and banners the streets there were flags and banners the streets there were flags and banners of the Roman Empire.

of the Roman Empire. of the Roman Empire. And maybe that's why there was no And maybe that's why there was no And maybe that's why there was no synagogue in the town. See, you you you synagogue in the town. See, you you you synagogue in the town. See, you you you had to have enough Jewish men to form a had to have enough Jewish men to form a had to have enough Jewish men to form a synagogue, but you also had to have a synagogue, but you also had to have a synagogue, but you also had to have a town that was amaniable to a synagogue town that was amaniable to a synagogue town that was amaniable to a synagogue being formed. And the Philippi might not being formed. And the Philippi might not being formed. And the Philippi might not have been one of those kind of towns. So have been one of those kind of towns. So have been one of those kind of towns. So when Paul and his traveling companions, when Paul and his traveling companions, when Paul and his traveling companions, Silas, Timothy, Luke, others, when they Silas, Timothy, Luke, others, when they Silas, Timothy, Luke, others, when they come through the town, they they first come through the town, they they first come through the town, they they first interact with Gentiles, non-Jewish interact with Gentiles, non-Jewish interact with Gentiles, non-Jewish people, and they form a church with people, and they form a church with people, and they form a church with non-Jewish people. It's a gentile non-Jewish people. It's a gentile non-Jewish people. It's a gentile church. It's really one of the first, if church. It's really one of the first, if church. It's really one of the first, if not the first, fully gentile church. A a not the first, fully gentile church. A a not the first, fully gentile church. A a businesswoman from Asia Minor from businesswoman from Asia Minor from businesswoman from Asia Minor from modern day Turkey from the town of modern day Turkey from the town of modern day Turkey from the town of Thotyra and a prison warden. Those two Thotyra and a prison warden. Those two Thotyra and a prison warden. Those two individuals become the backbone. And so individuals become the backbone. And so individuals become the backbone. And so it's 10 years later when Paul puts pen it's 10 years later when Paul puts pen it's 10 years later when Paul puts pen to paper and writes the letter that we to paper and writes the letter that we to paper and writes the letter that we know of as Philippians. know of as Philippians. know of as Philippians. And we've been walking through And we've been walking through And we've been walking through Philippians and we're about the 50 yard Philippians and we're about the 50 yard Philippians and we're about the 50 yard line. And this is where we pick up what line. And this is where we pick up what line. And this is where we pick up what Paul has to say to us today. Starts with Paul has to say to us today. Starts with Paul has to say to us today. Starts with this verse. Rejoice in the Lord. It is this verse. Rejoice in the Lord. It is this verse. Rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same no trouble for me to write the same no trouble for me to write the same things to you again. It is and it is a things to you again. It is and it is a things to you again. It is and it is a safeguard for you. Joy and rejoicing safeguard for you. Joy and rejoicing safeguard for you. Joy and rejoicing related terms. These are big terms that related terms. These are big terms that related terms. These are big terms that Paul uses frequently in his writings, Paul uses frequently in his writings, Paul uses frequently in his writings, but in particular in this letter to the but in particular in this letter to the but in particular in this letter to the Philippians. It's a big theme.

Philippians. It's a big theme. Philippians. It's a big theme. In the beginning of the letter, he talks In the beginning of the letter, he talks In the beginning of the letter, he talks about how he can rejoice and find joy about how he can rejoice and find joy about how he can rejoice and find joy even though he's under house arrest, even though he's under house arrest, even though he's under house arrest, even though he has limited mobility even though he has limited mobility even though he has limited mobility because God's doing some good stuff even because God's doing some good stuff even because God's doing some good stuff even even in spite of all that. and and also even in spite of all that. and and also even in spite of all that. and and also he he is able to point to the example of he he is able to point to the example of he he is able to point to the example of Jesus who became downwardly mobile and Jesus who became downwardly mobile and Jesus who became downwardly mobile and and he set aside all the privileges and and he set aside all the privileges and and he set aside all the privileges and rights that he was afforded and he came rights that he was afforded and he came rights that he was afforded and he came and he took a a human uh position and and he took a a human uh position and and he took a a human uh position and and in so doing it you there's like he and in so doing it you there's like he and in so doing it you there's like he shows us how to even have joy in that shows us how to even have joy in that shows us how to even have joy in that and so it begs the question then what and so it begs the question then what and so it begs the question then what more flowers are you going to put in the more flowers are you going to put in the more flowers are you going to put in the vase of joy for us this time Paul so the vase of joy for us this time Paul so the vase of joy for us this time Paul so the next verse is jarring to to say the next verse is jarring to to say the next verse is jarring to to say the least. Here's the next verse. Watch out least. Here's the next verse. Watch out least. Here's the next verse. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those for those dogs, those evildoers, those for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. It's a little mutilators of the flesh. It's a little mutilators of the flesh. It's a little surprising, isn't it? It's so surprising surprising, isn't it? It's so surprising surprising, isn't it? It's so surprising that some scholars who are skeptics that some scholars who are skeptics that some scholars who are skeptics about everything are like, "Did Paul put about everything are like, "Did Paul put about everything are like, "Did Paul put that in or did someone else put that in? that in or did someone else put that in? that in or did someone else put that in? That's weird that that's there." No, That's weird that that's there." No, That's weird that that's there." No, it's not weird that it's there at all it's not weird that it's there at all it's not weird that it's there at all because for Paul, joy and rejoicing can because for Paul, joy and rejoicing can because for Paul, joy and rejoicing can take place in the midst of conflict. It take place in the midst of conflict. It take place in the midst of conflict. It isn't about having just an arenic day.

isn't about having just an arenic day. isn't about having just an arenic day. But but who was he talking about? But but who was he talking about? But but who was he talking about? these metaphors or these uh simileies these metaphors or these uh simileies these metaphors or these uh simileies really uh the these are these are um really uh the these are these are um really uh the these are these are um kind of lost on us. First of all, dogs kind of lost on us. First of all, dogs kind of lost on us. First of all, dogs we have a different relationship with we have a different relationship with we have a different relationship with dogs than the ancients did. Here's a dogs than the ancients did. Here's a dogs than the ancients did. Here's a picture of two of the dogs in our picture of two of the dogs in our picture of two of the dogs in our family. Um yeah, aren't they the the family. Um yeah, aren't they the the family. Um yeah, aren't they the the border collie is uh pretty as can be. border collie is uh pretty as can be. border collie is uh pretty as can be. Dumb as a brick. Uh no, I'm serious. I'm Dumb as a brick. Uh no, I'm serious. I'm Dumb as a brick. Uh no, I'm serious. I'm not putting her down. If she was here, not putting her down. If she was here, not putting her down. If she was here, she'd be like, "I have no idea what you she'd be like, "I have no idea what you she'd be like, "I have no idea what you just said." And the the other one, if just said." And the the other one, if just said." And the the other one, if you know anything about breeds, is a you know anything about breeds, is a you know anything about breeds, is a German shorthair pointer who's German shorthair pointer who's German shorthair pointer who's destroying our home. And so people are destroying our home. And so people are destroying our home. And so people are like, "It's an active dog." I'm like, like, "It's an active dog." I'm like, like, "It's an active dog." I'm like, "I'm an active person." Oh, no, no, no, "I'm an active person." Oh, no, no, no, "I'm an active person." Oh, no, no, no, no. It's a different kind of breed. no. It's a different kind of breed. no. It's a different kind of breed. Well, anyhow, we think of dogs like Well, anyhow, we think of dogs like Well, anyhow, we think of dogs like that, right? We're like, "A, that's that, right? We're like, "A, that's that, right? We're like, "A, that's sweet." No, he's saying in ancient sweet." No, he's saying in ancient sweet." No, he's saying in ancient cultures, you didn't have dogs as pets. cultures, you didn't have dogs as pets. cultures, you didn't have dogs as pets. They were flea ridden and they were they They were flea ridden and they were they They were flea ridden and they were they were uh they had all kinds of things on were uh they had all kinds of things on were uh they had all kinds of things on them. They were unclean. And then them. They were unclean. And then them. They were unclean. And then evildoers. That one we don't need to evildoers. That one we don't need to evildoers. That one we don't need to unpack cuz doers of evil, evildoers, we unpack cuz doers of evil, evildoers, we unpack cuz doers of evil, evildoers, we kind of know what that is. But it's that kind of know what that is. But it's that kind of know what that is. But it's that it's that next one that that it's the it's that next one that that it's the it's that next one that that it's the last one. It's those those mutilators of last one. It's those those mutilators of last one. It's those those mutilators of the flesh are the kind of the giveaway the flesh are the kind of the giveaway the flesh are the kind of the giveaway of the people that Paul is warning them of the people that Paul is warning them of the people that Paul is warning them about.

about. about. See, these were people that uh we would See, these were people that uh we would See, these were people that uh we would come to know at least scholars would come to know at least scholars would come to know at least scholars would come to label them as Judaizers. They come to label them as Judaizers. They come to label them as Judaizers. They weren't Jewish people. They may have weren't Jewish people. They may have weren't Jewish people. They may have been of Jewish origin, but they claimed been of Jewish origin, but they claimed been of Jewish origin, but they claimed to be Christian, but then they imported to be Christian, but then they imported to be Christian, but then they imported into the Christian faith all kinds of into the Christian faith all kinds of into the Christian faith all kinds of customs that were cultural. So they were customs that were cultural. So they were customs that were cultural. So they were bringing into the Christian faith. Like, bringing into the Christian faith. Like, bringing into the Christian faith. Like, yeah, you need Jesus, but you also have yeah, you need Jesus, but you also have yeah, you need Jesus, but you also have to observe this on the Sabbath, and you to observe this on the Sabbath, and you to observe this on the Sabbath, and you also have to avoid these meats, and you also have to avoid these meats, and you also have to avoid these meats, and you also have to do this and not do this. also have to do this and not do this. also have to do this and not do this. And they were adding on. There was a And they were adding on. There was a And they were adding on. There was a whole council in Jerusalem that met to whole council in Jerusalem that met to whole council in Jerusalem that met to say, "No, that is not the way of the say, "No, that is not the way of the say, "No, that is not the way of the Christian faith." But nonetheless, Christian faith." But nonetheless, Christian faith." But nonetheless, wherever Paul started a work, eventually wherever Paul started a work, eventually wherever Paul started a work, eventually these people rolled in right behind him these people rolled in right behind him these people rolled in right behind him and said, "Paul was good, but we have and said, "Paul was good, but we have and said, "Paul was good, but we have the sequel." the sequel." the sequel." And so they bring with them this. And in And so they bring with them this. And in And so they bring with them this. And in a sense, we still have this in our a sense, we still have this in our a sense, we still have this in our culture today. I'm not saying that any culture today. I'm not saying that any culture today. I'm not saying that any people in the church are importing old people in the church are importing old people in the church are importing old Jewish customs, but we import whatever Jewish customs, but we import whatever Jewish customs, but we import whatever customs and cultures that we see fit.

customs and cultures that we see fit. customs and cultures that we see fit. And we say, "Yes, this is what And we say, "Yes, this is what And we say, "Yes, this is what Christianity is." But also, and this is Christianity is." But also, and this is Christianity is." But also, and this is how it plays out. If Jesus was how it plays out. If Jesus was how it plays out. If Jesus was ministering today, he would do this. ministering today, he would do this. ministering today, he would do this. Have you heard people say that? Thank Have you heard people say that? Thank Have you heard people say that? Thank you to the internet. We see the memes of you to the internet. We see the memes of you to the internet. We see the memes of it. If Jesus was ministering today, he'd it. If Jesus was ministering today, he'd it. If Jesus was ministering today, he'd be flipping over a lot of tables. Well, be flipping over a lot of tables. Well, be flipping over a lot of tables. Well, he did it twice in the Gospels. I mean, he did it twice in the Gospels. I mean, he did it twice in the Gospels. I mean, it wasn't like a weekend hobby of his. it wasn't like a weekend hobby of his. it wasn't like a weekend hobby of his. Okay? So maybe he would, maybe he Okay? So maybe he would, maybe he Okay? So maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't. If Jesus was alive today, he'd wouldn't. If Jesus was alive today, he'd wouldn't. If Jesus was alive today, he'd be with the poor and not with the be with the poor and not with the be with the poor and not with the mighty. Jesus was with anyone who would mighty. Jesus was with anyone who would mighty. Jesus was with anyone who would listen to him. Poor mighty. He had them listen to him. Poor mighty. He had them listen to him. Poor mighty. He had them all around him. They're just a lot more all around him. They're just a lot more all around him. They're just a lot more poor people. He be people will put words poor people. He be people will put words poor people. He be people will put words about 30, 40 years ago when the the about 30, 40 years ago when the the about 30, 40 years ago when the the Toyota Prius came out, there was a an Toyota Prius came out, there was a an Toyota Prius came out, there was a an article that was written that sparked a article that was written that sparked a article that was written that sparked a lot of debate. If Jesus was in ministry lot of debate. If Jesus was in ministry lot of debate. If Jesus was in ministry today and owned a car, he would drive a today and owned a car, he would drive a today and owned a car, he would drive a Prius Prius Prius because it was better on the because it was better on the because it was better on the environment. And then other people piped environment. And then other people piped environment. And then other people piped in and was like, well, he did travel in and was like, well, he did travel in and was like, well, he did travel with a lot of people and they won't fit with a lot of people and they won't fit with a lot of people and they won't fit in a Prius. It would pro and also it was in a Prius. It would pro and also it was in a Prius. It would pro and also it was like Judea and Galilee, which is quite, like Judea and Galilee, which is quite, like Judea and Galilee, which is quite, you know, mountainous, so he'd probably you know, mountainous, so he'd probably you know, mountainous, so he'd probably be in like the biggest SUV available.

be in like the biggest SUV available. be in like the biggest SUV available. And then people were back and forth And then people were back and forth And then people were back and forth about what Jesus would and wouldn't about what Jesus would and wouldn't about what Jesus would and wouldn't drive. drive. drive. I I I here's the safest thing to do. Point to here's the safest thing to do. Point to here's the safest thing to do. Point to what Jesus did and point to what Jesus what Jesus did and point to what Jesus what Jesus did and point to what Jesus said. Don't put words in his mouth. And said. Don't put words in his mouth. And said. Don't put words in his mouth. And the Judaizers and the spirit of the the Judaizers and the spirit of the the Judaizers and the spirit of the Judaizers is always putting words in the Judaizers is always putting words in the Judaizers is always putting words in the mouth of Jesus. Now, we know uh it mouth of Jesus. Now, we know uh it mouth of Jesus. Now, we know uh it clarifies the mutilators of the flesh. clarifies the mutilators of the flesh. clarifies the mutilators of the flesh. Like, well, how do you know that's the Like, well, how do you know that's the Like, well, how do you know that's the Judaizers? It's the next sentence that's Judaizers? It's the next sentence that's Judaizers? It's the next sentence that's the real clue. For it is we who are of the real clue. For it is we who are of the real clue. For it is we who are of the circumcision. Now we get a clue. the circumcision. Now we get a clue. the circumcision. Now we get a clue. They were rolling into town and saying, They were rolling into town and saying, They were rolling into town and saying, "All you Gentile men need to get "All you Gentile men need to get "All you Gentile men need to get circumcised, too." And just a brief word circumcised, too." And just a brief word circumcised, too." And just a brief word about circumcision. In the Old about circumcision. In the Old about circumcision. In the Old Testament, it was a sign of the Testament, it was a sign of the Testament, it was a sign of the covenant. To put it discreetly, it was a covenant. To put it discreetly, it was a covenant. To put it discreetly, it was a a private matter that was quite visible. a private matter that was quite visible. a private matter that was quite visible. And so, it would be the clue that one And so, it would be the clue that one And so, it would be the clue that one was following along with the Old was following along with the Old was following along with the Old Testament covenant. you could see it.

Testament covenant. you could see it. Testament covenant. you could see it. However, and this is Paul's probably However, and this is Paul's probably However, and this is Paul's probably pulling from Deuteronomy, circumcise pulling from Deuteronomy, circumcise pulling from Deuteronomy, circumcise your hearts. your hearts. your hearts. >> He says, we're really the people of the >> He says, we're really the people of the >> He says, we're really the people of the circumcision. circumcision. circumcision. We, in other words, we have circumcised We, in other words, we have circumcised We, in other words, we have circumcised hearts. Nothing's easier than external hearts. Nothing's easier than external hearts. Nothing's easier than external shows of religiosity. shows of religiosity. shows of religiosity. This is something for us all to be very This is something for us all to be very This is something for us all to be very aware of, be very careful about. Is it aware of, be very careful about. Is it aware of, be very careful about. Is it good to read your Bible? Yes. Is it good good to read your Bible? Yes. Is it good good to read your Bible? Yes. Is it good to go to church? Yes. Is it good to to go to church? Yes. Is it good to to go to church? Yes. Is it good to serve the Lord? Yes. All those is it serve the Lord? Yes. All those is it serve the Lord? Yes. All those is it good to worship? Yes. But if all of it good to worship? Yes. But if all of it good to worship? Yes. But if all of it is just external and it's not internal, is just external and it's not internal, is just external and it's not internal, now that's not good. And so Paul is able now that's not good. And so Paul is able now that's not good. And so Paul is able to say, we are the people who have to say, we are the people who have to say, we are the people who have hearts that are circumcised. hearts that are circumcised. hearts that are circumcised. And then he goes on to say, but if And then he goes on to say, but if And then he goes on to say, but if outside credit is what really mattered, outside credit is what really mattered, outside credit is what really mattered, I have some bragging to do. And from the I have some bragging to do. And from the I have some bragging to do. And from the letter he wrote to the Philippians, we letter he wrote to the Philippians, we letter he wrote to the Philippians, we know more of Paul's backstory. He tells know more of Paul's backstory. He tells know more of Paul's backstory. He tells us this. He says, "I have all kinds of us this. He says, "I have all kinds of us this. He says, "I have all kinds of reason to put uh confidence in the reason to put uh confidence in the reason to put uh confidence in the flesh. If they have any reason at all, I flesh. If they have any reason at all, I flesh. If they have any reason at all, I have more. I was circumcised on the have more. I was circumcised on the have more. I was circumcised on the eighth day." In other words, as an 8day eighth day." In other words, as an 8day eighth day." In other words, as an 8day old, my parents were deeply spiritual old, my parents were deeply spiritual old, my parents were deeply spiritual and they did it as prescribed in the and they did it as prescribed in the and they did it as prescribed in the Bible. I was of the people of Israel.

Bible. I was of the people of Israel. Bible. I was of the people of Israel. Elsewhere, we know he grows up in Elsewhere, we know he grows up in Elsewhere, we know he grows up in Tarsus, which is not in what we call the Tarsus, which is not in what we call the Tarsus, which is not in what we call the Holy Land, meaning that his family and Holy Land, meaning that his family and Holy Land, meaning that his family and people group identified with the people people group identified with the people people group identified with the people of Israel, even though they weren't in of Israel, even though they weren't in of Israel, even though they weren't in the land of Israel. "I'm of the tribe of the land of Israel. "I'm of the tribe of the land of Israel. "I'm of the tribe of Benjamin," he says. Benjamin was the Benjamin," he says. Benjamin was the Benjamin," he says. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob, born to his youngest son of Jacob, born to his youngest son of Jacob, born to his favorite wife. It's not good to play favorite wife. It's not good to play favorite wife. It's not good to play favorites, but he did. And and not only favorites, but he did. And and not only favorites, but he did. And and not only was Benjamin the last son of the was Benjamin the last son of the was Benjamin the last son of the favorite wife, but he's the only son of favorite wife, but he's the only son of favorite wife, but he's the only son of Jacob to be born in the promised land. Jacob to be born in the promised land. Jacob to be born in the promised land. And so he was able to say, "This is a And so he was able to say, "This is a And so he was able to say, "This is a big flex. I'm of the tribe of Benjamin. big flex. I'm of the tribe of Benjamin. big flex. I'm of the tribe of Benjamin. I'm a Hebrew of Hebrews. I'm a Hebrew of Hebrews. I'm a Hebrew of Hebrews. I I speak the language." Many people of I I speak the language." Many people of I I speak the language." Many people of which he would be compared lost the which he would be compared lost the which he would be compared lost the language. They spoke Greek, maybe Latin, language. They spoke Greek, maybe Latin, language. They spoke Greek, maybe Latin, but they didn't. The Old Testament was but they didn't. The Old Testament was but they didn't. The Old Testament was translated into Greek because so many translated into Greek because so many translated into Greek because so many Yahweh followers had lost the language. Yahweh followers had lost the language. Yahweh followers had lost the language. But he's like, I speak the original But he's like, I speak the original But he's like, I speak the original tongue in regards to law. I was a tongue in regards to law. I was a tongue in regards to law. I was a Pharisee. A Pharisee in our term in our Pharisee. A Pharisee in our term in our Pharisee. A Pharisee in our term in our modern day, nobody ever experiences modern day, nobody ever experiences modern day, nobody ever experiences Pharisee as a compliment. If anyone ever Pharisee as a compliment. If anyone ever Pharisee as a compliment. If anyone ever says, you know, you're a Pharisee, do says, you know, you're a Pharisee, do says, you know, you're a Pharisee, do you ever think, well, thank you. Thank you ever think, well, thank you. Thank you ever think, well, thank you. Thank you very much. I've I've really honored.

you very much. I've I've really honored. you very much. I've I've really honored. But it was a thing of honor because this But it was a thing of honor because this But it was a thing of honor because this meant that these were the people who meant that these were the people who meant that these were the people who were super duper serious about their were super duper serious about their were super duper serious about their faith. They would be what we would today faith. They would be what we would today faith. They would be what we would today label maybe a fundamentalist. Someone label maybe a fundamentalist. Someone label maybe a fundamentalist. Someone who believed in the fundamentals of the who believed in the fundamentals of the who believed in the fundamentals of the faith. Now the Pharisees added to it. faith. Now the Pharisees added to it. faith. Now the Pharisees added to it. There were lots of different rules. But There were lots of different rules. But There were lots of different rules. But when it came to zeal, when this new when it came to zeal, when this new when it came to zeal, when this new Christianity popped up, this religion Christianity popped up, this religion Christianity popped up, this religion popped up. Guess what? I was against it popped up. Guess what? I was against it popped up. Guess what? I was against it and I persecuted it. And when people and I persecuted it. And when people and I persecuted it. And when people compared me to the Old Testament law, I compared me to the Old Testament law, I compared me to the Old Testament law, I fulfilled it externally, fulfilled it externally, fulfilled it externally, if anyone was following me around, I did if anyone was following me around, I did if anyone was following me around, I did the rules. the rules. the rules. And then he says something that would And then he says something that would And then he says something that would have been a bit shocking to people with have been a bit shocking to people with have been a bit shocking to people with his resume. his resume. his resume. He says this, whatever gains to me, I He says this, whatever gains to me, I He says this, whatever gains to me, I now those were all gains. I now consider now those were all gains. I now consider now those were all gains. I now consider loss. I consider loss for the the sake loss. I consider loss for the the sake loss. I consider loss for the the sake of Christ. And he this word loss here is of Christ. And he this word loss here is of Christ. And he this word loss here is an accounting term. It's a in in an in an accounting term. It's a in in an in an accounting term. It's a in in an in the ancient language accountants would the ancient language accountants would the ancient language accountants would have used this word to describe when have used this word to describe when have used this word to describe when they had an asset for instance that they they had an asset for instance that they they had an asset for instance that they had high value on and then either the had high value on and then either the had high value on and then either the assessment comes back or they go to sell assessment comes back or they go to sell assessment comes back or they go to sell it and it sells for much less. This is a it and it sells for much less. This is a it and it sells for much less. This is a write down and he says I write down all write down and he says I write down all write down and he says I write down all of it. I don't think it was as valuable of it. I don't think it was as valuable of it. I don't think it was as valuable as everybody else thinks it as I once as everybody else thinks it as I once as everybody else thinks it as I once thought it. In other words, without thought it. In other words, without thought it. In other words, without Christ, when you compare it all to

Christ, when you compare it all to Christ, when you compare it all to Christ, what is it? And we're so easily Christ, what is it? And we're so easily Christ, what is it? And we're so easily impressed, aren't we? I know I am. I impressed, aren't we? I know I am. I impressed, aren't we? I know I am. I mean, I meet people with really great mean, I meet people with really great mean, I meet people with really great educations or they went to really uh educations or they went to really uh educations or they went to really uh fancy universities and I'm I kind of I I fancy universities and I'm I kind of I I fancy universities and I'm I kind of I I almost sometimes have to resist bowing almost sometimes have to resist bowing almost sometimes have to resist bowing to some that I really admire. But we're to some that I really admire. But we're to some that I really admire. But we're so easily impressed. I like how Max Lo so easily impressed. I like how Max Lo so easily impressed. I like how Max Lo puts it. This is a Christian author. He puts it. This is a Christian author. He puts it. This is a Christian author. He says, "You know, you don't impress the says, "You know, you don't impress the says, "You know, you don't impress the officials at NASA with a paper airplane, officials at NASA with a paper airplane, officials at NASA with a paper airplane, and you don't you don't uh boast about and you don't you don't uh boast about and you don't you don't uh boast about your crayon sketches and the presence of your crayon sketches and the presence of your crayon sketches and the presence of Picasso, and you don't think you're on Picasso, and you don't think you're on Picasso, and you don't think you're on equal footing with Einstein because you equal footing with Einstein because you equal footing with Einstein because you can write E= MC²." And then he says, can write E= MC²." And then he says, can write E= MC²." And then he says, "And you don't boast about your "And you don't boast about your "And you don't boast about your goodness, your greatness, your status goodness, your greatness, your status goodness, your greatness, your status in the presence of the perfect in the presence of the perfect in the presence of the perfect sovereign God." sovereign God." sovereign God." Isn't that that's stinging a little bit? Isn't that that's stinging a little bit? Isn't that that's stinging a little bit? I I I kind of want to be admired. And I I I kind of want to be admired. And I I I kind of want to be admired. And Paul's like, "None of Not for any of Paul's like, "None of Not for any of Paul's like, "None of Not for any of that. You don't all of that. All of that. You don't all of that. All of that. You don't all of that. All of that." He calls He calls it something that." He calls He calls it something that." He calls He calls it something else. He says this. He says, "Um, else. He says this. He says, "Um, else. He says this. He says, "Um, I consider everything a loss." Because I consider everything a loss." Because I consider everything a loss." Because he's he's now comparing. There's Christ he's he's now comparing. There's Christ he's he's now comparing. There's Christ and then there's all my stuff.

and then there's all my stuff. and then there's all my stuff. And when I compare these two, I have And when I compare these two, I have And when I compare these two, I have lost all things. He probably was kicked lost all things. He probably was kicked lost all things. He probably was kicked out of his family when he became a out of his family when he became a out of his family when he became a person of faith. But it doesn't matter person of faith. But it doesn't matter person of faith. But it doesn't matter because I consider them garbage. That's because I consider them garbage. That's because I consider them garbage. That's what he says. He says garbage. Some what he says. He says garbage. Some what he says. He says garbage. Some translates use uh translations use a translates use uh translations use a translates use uh translations use a different word. But I don't know about different word. But I don't know about different word. But I don't know about you, I love words. And if you've heard you, I love words. And if you've heard you, I love words. And if you've heard me preach before, you know I like to me preach before, you know I like to me preach before, you know I like to teach a word or two every now and then. teach a word or two every now and then. teach a word or two every now and then. I just I find the history of words I just I find the history of words I just I find the history of words fascinating. And this word garbage in fascinating. And this word garbage in fascinating. And this word garbage in the old Greek language is so easy to the old Greek language is so easy to the old Greek language is so easy to say. I thought we could say it together. say. I thought we could say it together. say. I thought we could say it together. It's scuba. That's how you say it. So, I It's scuba. That's how you say it. So, I It's scuba. That's how you say it. So, I want to invite you to say it with me. want to invite you to say it with me. want to invite you to say it with me. So, 1 2 3. So, 1 2 3. So, 1 2 3. >> Let's Oh, that was pretty good the first >> Let's Oh, that was pretty good the first >> Let's Oh, that was pretty good the first time, but I think we have more meaning. time, but I think we have more meaning. time, but I think we have more meaning. Do it from your diaphragm this time. Do it from your diaphragm this time. Do it from your diaphragm this time. Okay. On three again. 1 2 3. Okay. On three again. 1 2 3. Okay. On three again. 1 2 3. >> Oh, yeah. That was impressive. I hope >> Oh, yeah. That was impressive. I hope >> Oh, yeah. That was impressive. I hope you at home did it, too. I probably you at home did it, too. I probably you at home did it, too. I probably should have told you beforehand it is an should have told you beforehand it is an should have told you beforehand it is an ancient cuss word.

I I I mean, it's it's not really I I I mean, it's it's not really garbage. If in some translations it's garbage. If in some translations it's garbage. If in some translations it's dung, it's not really dung either. Okay. dung, it's not really dung either. Okay. dung, it's not really dung either. Okay. Uh Uh Uh this uh this word uh there's a there's a this uh this word uh there's a there's a this uh this word uh there's a there's a a pretty simple definition. This is from a pretty simple definition. This is from a pretty simple definition. This is from the new English translation uh notes. the new English translation uh notes. the new English translation uh notes. The word here translated, I love how The word here translated, I love how The word here translated, I love how smart people say very common things. The smart people say very common things. The smart people say very common things. The word translated dung was often used in word translated dung was often used in word translated dung was often used in Greek as a vulgar term for fecal matter. Greek as a vulgar term for fecal matter. Greek as a vulgar term for fecal matter. As I know some of you are like, I can't As I know some of you are like, I can't As I know some of you are like, I can't believe this has ruined my day. The believe this has ruined my day. The believe this has ruined my day. The pastor made me cuss. As such, it would pastor made me cuss. As such, it would pastor made me cuss. As such, it would most likely have had a certain shock most likely have had a certain shock most likely have had a certain shock value for the readers. This may well be value for the readers. This may well be value for the readers. This may well be Paul's meaning here, especially since Paul's meaning here, especially since Paul's meaning here, especially since the context is about what the flesh the context is about what the flesh the context is about what the flesh produces. In other words, when this was read in In other words, when this was read in the church at Philippi, because that's the church at Philippi, because that's the church at Philippi, because that's how they would have done it. They would how they would have done it. They would how they would have done it. They would have said, "Paul wrote us a letter." have said, "Paul wrote us a letter." have said, "Paul wrote us a letter." They would have gathered around. When They would have gathered around. When They would have gathered around. When they got to that part, while we laugh, they got to that part, while we laugh, they got to that part, while we laugh, there would have been silence. Except there would have been silence. Except there would have been silence. Except for that one 13-year-old boy that was for that one 13-year-old boy that was for that one 13-year-old boy that was like, "See, mom, I told you I could say like, "See, mom, I told you I could say like, "See, mom, I told you I could say Apostle Paul shut it."

Apostle Paul shut it." Apostle Paul shut it." And if the mom was quick, she'd be like, And if the mom was quick, she'd be like, And if the mom was quick, she'd be like, "You become an Apostle, you can talk "You become an Apostle, you can talk "You become an Apostle, you can talk like that." You know, like that." You know, like that." You know, it it's it it anything you find your it it's it it anything you find your it it's it it anything you find your identity in that is separated from identity in that is separated from identity in that is separated from Christ at best is temporal. At best is Christ at best is temporal. At best is Christ at best is temporal. At best is temporal. temporal. temporal. Every Every Every every part of your identity rooted in every part of your identity rooted in every part of your identity rooted in Christ, who you are, now that's forever. Christ, who you are, now that's forever. Christ, who you are, now that's forever. Just think about what Jesus what the Just think about what Jesus what the Just think about what Jesus what the what the Bible reveals, what God reveals what the Bible reveals, what God reveals what the Bible reveals, what God reveals about each one of us. It you are of about each one of us. It you are of about each one of us. It you are of infinite worth. infinite worth. infinite worth. You are of infinite worth because Christ You are of infinite worth because Christ You are of infinite worth because Christ shed his blood for you. Yes, for us, but shed his blood for you. Yes, for us, but shed his blood for you. Yes, for us, but for you individually. for you individually. for you individually. Infinite worth. And you are more loved Infinite worth. And you are more loved Infinite worth. And you are more loved than by anyone. than by anyone. than by anyone. You are more loved by God than you are You are more loved by God than you are You are more loved by God than you are by your family, by your mom, by your family, by your mom, by your family, by your mom, by your siblings, by your siblings, by your siblings, by your spouse, by your dog. You are by your spouse, by your dog. You are by your spouse, by your dog. You are more loved by God. How come? Because God more loved by God. How come? Because God more loved by God. How come? Because God so loved the world. He sent his son so loved the world. He sent his son so loved the world. He sent his son that you you are of infinite worth and that you you are of infinite worth and that you you are of infinite worth and you're incredibly loved. And you are you're incredibly loved. And you are you're incredibly loved. And you are made in the image of God. We may be made in the image of God. We may be made in the image of God. We may be mammals, but we are more than that. We mammals, but we are more than that. We mammals, but we are more than that. We bear something in us that separates us

bear something in us that separates us bear something in us that separates us all humans from the animal world. all humans from the animal world. all humans from the animal world. And if if your identity isn't I am made And if if your identity isn't I am made And if if your identity isn't I am made in the image of God, God loves me and in the image of God, God loves me and in the image of God, God loves me and Christ died for me. You see how that's a Christ died for me. You see how that's a Christ died for me. You see how that's a sturdier sense of self? No matter what sturdier sense of self? No matter what sturdier sense of self? No matter what you're facing in life, whatever you're facing in life, whatever you're facing in life, whatever challenge you're facing in life, challenge you're facing in life, challenge you're facing in life, whatever difficulty you're facing in whatever difficulty you're facing in whatever difficulty you're facing in life, if you if you rely on your resume, life, if you if you rely on your resume, life, if you if you rely on your resume, it will take you for a while. It's not it will take you for a while. It's not it will take you for a while. It's not that it's a bad thing. It just can't that it's a bad thing. It just can't that it's a bad thing. It just can't take you where you want to go. Now, Paul take you where you want to go. Now, Paul take you where you want to go. Now, Paul is a practical man and he's talking to is a practical man and he's talking to is a practical man and he's talking to people living in a very real world people living in a very real world people living in a very real world context. So, he's like, "Well, what do context. So, he's like, "Well, what do context. So, he's like, "Well, what do you do with this?" And then Paul speaks you do with this?" And then Paul speaks you do with this?" And then Paul speaks in metaphors. He shifts to something of in metaphors. He shifts to something of in metaphors. He shifts to something of an athletic metaphor. This is this is an athletic metaphor. This is this is an athletic metaphor. This is this is how he he says it. He says, "I want to how he he says it. He says, "I want to how he he says it. He says, "I want to know Christ." Yes, I want to know the know Christ." Yes, I want to know the know Christ." Yes, I want to know the power. So, because I find myself rooted power. So, because I find myself rooted power. So, because I find myself rooted in him, I want to know more of him, more in him, I want to know more of him, more in him, I want to know more of him, more of him. Which is something remarkable of him. Which is something remarkable of him. Which is something remarkable for a guy like Paul to say, if ever you for a guy like Paul to say, if ever you for a guy like Paul to say, if ever you feel like, oh, I have so much to learn.

feel like, oh, I have so much to learn. feel like, oh, I have so much to learn. I I know nothing. Paul would say, I kind I I know nothing. Paul would say, I kind I I know nothing. Paul would say, I kind of feel that way. I feel like there is a of feel that way. I feel like there is a of feel that way. I feel like there is a lifetime in front of me of knowing more lifetime in front of me of knowing more lifetime in front of me of knowing more about him. I want to know. I want to about him. I want to know. I want to about him. I want to know. I want to become like him in his death and I want become like him in his death and I want become like him in his death and I want to attain to the resurrection. And he's to attain to the resurrection. And he's to attain to the resurrection. And he's like, not that I've obtained. Like don't like, not that I've obtained. Like don't like, not that I've obtained. Like don't point to me and say, "Oh, to be Paul." point to me and say, "Oh, to be Paul." point to me and say, "Oh, to be Paul." Yeah. Okay. Follow his example. But Paul Yeah. Okay. Follow his example. But Paul Yeah. Okay. Follow his example. But Paul had a long way to go. Cuz he says, "I had a long way to go. Cuz he says, "I had a long way to go. Cuz he says, "I haven't obtained it. I haven't arrived haven't obtained it. I haven't arrived haven't obtained it. I haven't arrived at my goal. These are all athletic at my goal. These are all athletic at my goal. These are all athletic terms. I press on. I'm running as hard terms. I press on. I'm running as hard terms. I press on. I'm running as hard as I can. I'm pushing as hard as I can." as I can. I'm pushing as hard as I can." as I can. I'm pushing as hard as I can." He keeps the He keeps the athletic He keeps the He keeps the athletic He keeps the He keeps the athletic metaphor going. The next section right metaphor going. The next section right metaphor going. The next section right here, brothers and sisters, I do not here, brothers and sisters, I do not here, brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold consider myself yet to have taken hold consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, I forget of it. But one thing I do, I forget of it. But one thing I do, I forget what's behind. If you're running a race, what's behind. If you're running a race, what's behind. If you're running a race, you can't look over your shoulder. If you can't look over your shoulder. If you can't look over your shoulder. If you look over your shoulder, you will you look over your shoulder, you will you look over your shoulder, you will not come in first place. I forget what's not come in first place. I forget what's not come in first place. I forget what's behind. I strain like an athlete does behind. I strain like an athlete does behind. I strain like an athlete does it. You you we watch those at the very it. You you we watch those at the very it. You you we watch those at the very end of the race when there's the string end of the race when there's the string end of the race when there's the string across and the athlete thrusts himself across and the athlete thrusts himself across and the athlete thrusts himself ahead. I'm straining toward what is ahead. I'm straining toward what is ahead. I'm straining toward what is head. I press on toward the goal to win head. I press on toward the goal to win head. I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me the prize which God has called me the prize which God has called me heavenward to Christ. He's he's heavenward to Christ. He's he's heavenward to Christ. He's he's picturing himself. And and you think we picturing himself. And and you think we picturing himself. And and you think we as a culture like sports. The Romans as a culture like sports. The Romans as a culture like sports. The Romans loved sports. Every town had a loved sports. Every town had a loved sports. Every town had a gymnasium.

gymnasium. gymnasium. Every city of any size had an arena in Every city of any size had an arena in Every city of any size had an arena in which competitions took place. I I was a which competitions took place. I I was a which competitions took place. I I was a year plus ago in western Turkey and in year plus ago in western Turkey and in year plus ago in western Turkey and in one of the Roman ruined towns, I snapped one of the Roman ruined towns, I snapped one of the Roman ruined towns, I snapped a couple pictures for us to look at. a couple pictures for us to look at. a couple pictures for us to look at. We'll put them on the the big screen We'll put them on the the big screen We'll put them on the the big screen here so you can enjoy them. This is from here so you can enjoy them. This is from here so you can enjoy them. This is from one end, but you can kind of see one one end, but you can kind of see one one end, but you can kind of see one person off to the top left. But the next person off to the top left. But the next person off to the top left. But the next picture is one that gives you a little picture is one that gives you a little picture is one that gives you a little more sense of scale. They the experts more sense of scale. They the experts more sense of scale. They the experts say about 30,000 people would fill the say about 30,000 people would fill the say about 30,000 people would fill the arenas and people would be screaming and arenas and people would be screaming and arenas and people would be screaming and you would be competing as hard as you you would be competing as hard as you you would be competing as hard as you could. There'd be foot races and there'd could. There'd be foot races and there'd could. There'd be foot races and there'd be gladatorial events. There would be be gladatorial events. There would be be gladatorial events. There would be all kinds of of uh competitions. And the all kinds of of uh competitions. And the all kinds of of uh competitions. And the reason that you compete is what? To win. reason that you compete is what? To win. reason that you compete is what? To win. And so Paul's like, I just picture the And so Paul's like, I just picture the And so Paul's like, I just picture the end. end. end. At some point, all of our lives will be At some point, all of our lives will be At some point, all of our lives will be judged. judged. judged. We'll be judged. And so, I I picture We'll be judged. And so, I I picture We'll be judged. And so, I I picture myself at the end, and it's good.

myself at the end, and it's good. myself at the end, and it's good. There's there's a there's a there's a There's there's a there's a there's a There's there's a there's a there's a crown. There's a trophy for me. Many crown. There's a trophy for me. Many crown. There's a trophy for me. Many many athletes, that's what drives them, many athletes, that's what drives them, many athletes, that's what drives them, right? They picture themselves. They right? They picture themselves. They right? They picture themselves. They visualize themselves. A year ago at the visualize themselves. A year ago at the visualize themselves. A year ago at the Oklahoma City Thunder Victory Parade, a Oklahoma City Thunder Victory Parade, a Oklahoma City Thunder Victory Parade, a picture was snapped. We'll put this on picture was snapped. We'll put this on picture was snapped. We'll put this on the big screen as well. And it is an the big screen as well. And it is an the big screen as well. And it is an iconic uh photograph and uh the the in iconic uh photograph and uh the the in iconic uh photograph and uh the the in the background is of course the memorial the background is of course the memorial the background is of course the memorial arch. arch. arch. It symbolizes this tragic moment and the It symbolizes this tragic moment and the It symbolizes this tragic moment and the history of our nation and our city. But history of our nation and our city. But history of our nation and our city. But also it reminds us of great courage and also it reminds us of great courage and also it reminds us of great courage and endurance. But of course the bus is just endurance. But of course the bus is just endurance. But of course the bus is just perfectly positioned. And this was a a perfectly positioned. And this was a a perfectly positioned. And this was a a moment for our city. Shay has got his moment for our city. Shay has got his moment for our city. Shay has got his arms outstretched just sort of arms outstretched just sort of arms outstretched just sort of perfectly. Jimmy Doo, the official perfectly. Jimmy Doo, the official perfectly. Jimmy Doo, the official photographer for the Oklahoma City uh photographer for the Oklahoma City uh photographer for the Oklahoma City uh Thunder took this picture and thanks to Thunder took this picture and thanks to Thunder took this picture and thanks to the National Memorial for sharing it the National Memorial for sharing it the National Memorial for sharing it with us.

with us. with us. Profound picture and just look at that Profound picture and just look at that Profound picture and just look at that image and just in one image is extreme image and just in one image is extreme image and just in one image is extreme emotions in two different directions. sorrow, sadness, perseverance, courage, sorrow, sadness, perseverance, courage, and in the front is great victory. and in the front is great victory. and in the front is great victory. I think that snap that that snapshot I think that snap that that snapshot I think that snap that that snapshot almost tells the story that Paul is almost tells the story that Paul is almost tells the story that Paul is trying to tell us. Like the Bible never trying to tell us. Like the Bible never trying to tell us. Like the Bible never says just forget about what happened to says just forget about what happened to says just forget about what happened to you in the past. Just don't even worry you in the past. Just don't even worry you in the past. Just don't even worry about it. Bible never says that. In about it. Bible never says that. In about it. Bible never says that. In fact, the Bible records terrible things fact, the Bible records terrible things fact, the Bible records terrible things that had happened in the past. The that had happened in the past. The that had happened in the past. The Bible, the Bible puts the past in Bible, the Bible puts the past in Bible, the Bible puts the past in context. context. context. It's not that today's victory It's not that today's victory It's not that today's victory wipes away yesterday's tragedy. wipes away yesterday's tragedy. wipes away yesterday's tragedy. It's a it's a greater context than this. It's a it's a greater context than this. It's a it's a greater context than this. The context of eternity The context of eternity The context of eternity makes it all sort of calibrated makes it all sort of calibrated makes it all sort of calibrated appropriately.

appropriately. appropriately. And so Paul says, "There's a prize And so Paul says, "There's a prize And so Paul says, "There's a prize waiting for me." But not just for me. waiting for me." But not just for me. waiting for me." But not just for me. There is a prize waiting for all of us. There is a prize waiting for all of us. There is a prize waiting for all of us. Now in store for me is the crown of Now in store for me is the crown of Now in store for me is the crown of righteousness. He writes a letter here righteousness. He writes a letter here righteousness. He writes a letter here to his uh protege Timothy. to his uh protege Timothy. to his uh protege Timothy. And in this letter, he tells us, I'm And in this letter, he tells us, I'm And in this letter, he tells us, I'm looking forward to this crown of looking forward to this crown of looking forward to this crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on righteous judge, will award to me on righteous judge, will award to me on that day. And not not just to me, that day. And not not just to me, that day. And not not just to me, though. I'm not just being selfish, but though. I'm not just being selfish, but though. I'm not just being selfish, but to all. To all. Say that with me. To. to all. To all. Say that with me. To. to all. To all. Say that with me. To. >> All. Say it with meaning. Come on. >> All. Say it with meaning. Come on. >> All. Say it with meaning. Come on. >> All. It's all. >> All. It's all. >> All. It's all. God works with the willing. We can God works with the willing. We can God works with the willing. We can resist him. We can push him away. He'll resist him. We can push him away. He'll resist him. We can push him away. He'll respect our boundaries, but he works respect our boundaries, but he works respect our boundaries, but he works with the willing. with the willing. with the willing. Come one, come all. Come one, come all. Come one, come all. And and then then he says this. He says And and then then he says this. He says And and then then he says this. He says to close out this thought in to the to close out this thought in to the to close out this thought in to the Philippians, he says all of us who are Philippians, he says all of us who are Philippians, he says all of us who are mature should take such a view of mature should take such a view of mature should take such a view of things. Yeah, this is um for the person things. Yeah, this is um for the person things. Yeah, this is um for the person who's who's who's growing in their faith. This will growing in their faith. This will growing in their faith. This will resonate. This will make sense. Now, at resonate. This will make sense. Now, at resonate. This will make sense. Now, at some point, if you think differently, in some point, if you think differently, in some point, if you think differently, in other words, I really appreciate this other words, I really appreciate this other words, I really appreciate this about Paul.

about Paul. about Paul. He doesn't he tells you what he thinks He doesn't he tells you what he thinks He doesn't he tells you what he thinks but he also invites you to ponder but he also invites you to ponder but he also invites you to ponder if you think differently that too God if you think differently that too God if you think differently that too God will make clear to you only let us live will make clear to you only let us live will make clear to you only let us live up he uses a a military metaphor this up he uses a a military metaphor this up he uses a a military metaphor this time like let's like soldiers on parade time like let's like soldiers on parade time like let's like soldiers on parade live up to this live up to this live up to this but but it's this think differently that but but it's this think differently that but but it's this think differently that I think could be a moment for any of us I think could be a moment for any of us I think could be a moment for any of us to ponder just think for a moment I to ponder just think for a moment I to ponder just think for a moment I don't know about you but sometimes I don't know about you but sometimes I don't know about you but sometimes I read people like the Apostle Paul and read people like the Apostle Paul and read people like the Apostle Paul and there are others in the Bible and I read there are others in the Bible and I read there are others in the Bible and I read them and I think I'm so mediocre. them and I think I'm so mediocre. them and I think I'm so mediocre. I I have they these were people up here I I have they these were people up here I I have they these were people up here and I am here and I am here and I am here I they had perspective and I have a lot I they had perspective and I have a lot I they had perspective and I have a lot of pers of pers of pers I need to I think what Paul's inviting I need to I think what Paul's inviting I need to I think what Paul's inviting us to do here us to do here us to do here is to turn it to God. Those who think is to turn it to God. Those who think is to turn it to God. Those who think differently, you might hear this and go, differently, you might hear this and go, differently, you might hear this and go, "Yeah, but I think that I should be more "Yeah, but I think that I should be more "Yeah, but I think that I should be more legalistic. I think I need more rules in legalistic. I think I need more rules in legalistic. I think I need more rules in my life." Bring that before the Lord.

my life." Bring that before the Lord. my life." Bring that before the Lord. You might you might think, "But I'm You might you might think, "But I'm You might you might think, "But I'm really proud of all my accomplishments, really proud of all my accomplishments, really proud of all my accomplishments, and I want people to be proud of my and I want people to be proud of my and I want people to be proud of my accomplishments. I want them to I want accomplishments. I want them to I want accomplishments. I want them to I want them to celebrate me." Bring that them to celebrate me." Bring that them to celebrate me." Bring that attitude before the Lord. attitude before the Lord. attitude before the Lord. I my identity is a little bit him and a I my identity is a little bit him and a I my identity is a little bit him and a lot me. Bring that before the Lord. And lot me. Bring that before the Lord. And lot me. Bring that before the Lord. And so as we conclude our time together, so as we conclude our time together, so as we conclude our time together, this is just one question for you to this is just one question for you to this is just one question for you to ponder. If you have a good friend, maybe ponder. If you have a good friend, maybe ponder. If you have a good friend, maybe you talk about it with them. If you're a you talk about it with them. If you're a you talk about it with them. If you're a journaler, maybe you journal. But here's journaler, maybe you journal. But here's journaler, maybe you journal. But here's the question. the question. the question. Where is my identity? Where is my identity? Where is my identity? What's the root? What's the foundation? What's the root? What's the foundation? What's the root? What's the foundation? What's the baseline of my identity What's the baseline of my identity What's the baseline of my identity that not just who do other people say I that not just who do other people say I that not just who do other people say I am, who do I see myself as? am, who do I see myself as? am, who do I see myself as? And if it's not founded in Christ, let And if it's not founded in Christ, let And if it's not founded in Christ, let me challenge you. Bring that before the me challenge you. Bring that before the me challenge you. Bring that before the Lord. Let him speak into that. Would you Lord. Let him speak into that. Would you Lord. Let him speak into that. Would you pray with me?

pray with me? pray with me? Heavenly Father, we are privileged to Heavenly Father, we are privileged to Heavenly Father, we are privileged to come into a space like this. come into a space like this. come into a space like this. Many of us come in with all kinds of Many of us come in with all kinds of Many of us come in with all kinds of burdens and thoughts on our minds. burdens and thoughts on our minds. burdens and thoughts on our minds. Some of us uh we come into a a place of Some of us uh we come into a a place of Some of us uh we come into a a place of reflection and the burdens creep in. reflection and the burdens creep in. reflection and the burdens creep in. We've quieted them because we've been We've quieted them because we've been We've quieted them because we've been noisy in other places and then we come noisy in other places and then we come noisy in other places and then we come in and there's a moment of quiet and in and there's a moment of quiet and in and there's a moment of quiet and reflection and things flood in. So Lord, reflection and things flood in. So Lord, reflection and things flood in. So Lord, let us just for those troubled hearts, let us just for those troubled hearts, let us just for those troubled hearts, let them be mended let them be mended let them be mended for all of us. Lord, help us to for all of us. Lord, help us to for all of us. Lord, help us to calibrate our lives, to see our lives, calibrate our lives, to see our lives, calibrate our lives, to see our lives, focus our lives around you. For all of focus our lives around you. For all of focus our lives around you. For all of us who find ourselves that are either on us who find ourselves that are either on us who find ourselves that are either on the steady path or a drift, move us the steady path or a drift, move us the steady path or a drift, move us further along one step at a time. We further along one step at a time. We further along one step at a time. We pray this in the name of Jesus. And pray this in the name of Jesus. And pray this in the name of Jesus. And everyone said, "Amen." And amen.