Time to Grow Up: Maturing in Christ | Curtis Andrusko

Well, good morning, Summit Church. Well, good morning, Summit Church. Philippians chapter 3. If you have your Philippians chapter 3. If you have your Philippians chapter 3. If you have your Bibles on this balmy July 4th weekend, Bibles on this balmy July 4th weekend, Bibles on this balmy July 4th weekend, um, hope you guys lived it up yesterday. um, hope you guys lived it up yesterday. um, hope you guys lived it up yesterday. Let me put an exclamation point on what Let me put an exclamation point on what Let me put an exclamation point on what our campus pastors already said by our campus pastors already said by our campus pastors already said by saying, "Happy birthday, America. You do saying, "Happy birthday, America. You do saying, "Happy birthday, America. You do not look a day over 200." not look a day over 200." not look a day over 200." I hope you showed up this morning just I hope you showed up this morning just I hope you showed up this morning just still full from burgers and dogs and still full from burgers and dogs and still full from burgers and dogs and chicken wings and all the things. Let me chicken wings and all the things. Let me chicken wings and all the things. Let me tell you, um I played some pool tell you, um I played some pool tell you, um I played some pool basketball with some high school boys basketball with some high school boys basketball with some high school boys and I feel like I was in a UFC fight and I feel like I was in a UFC fight and I feel like I was in a UFC fight yesterday. Okay, that's what I woke up yesterday. Okay, that's what I woke up yesterday. Okay, that's what I woke up feeling like your boy ain't as young as feeling like your boy ain't as young as feeling like your boy ain't as young as spry as he used to be. And so, um I do spry as he used to be. And so, um I do spry as he used to be. And so, um I do love this country and so here's what I love this country and so here's what I love this country and so here's what I want us to do. Can we stand for the want us to do. Can we stand for the want us to do. Can we stand for the national anthem? I'm totally kidding. national anthem? I'm totally kidding. national anthem? I'm totally kidding. Can we stand? Hey, can we stand for the Can we stand? Hey, can we stand for the Can we stand? Hey, can we stand for the reading of God's word? reading of God's word? reading of God's word? Could y'all imagine Twitter if we did Could y'all imagine Twitter if we did Could y'all imagine Twitter if we did that, man? that, man? that, man? You think Pastor JD has it hard? You think Pastor JD has it hard? You think Pastor JD has it hard? Philippians chapter 3, we're going to Philippians chapter 3, we're going to Philippians chapter 3, we're going to begin in verse 12. begin in verse 12. begin in verse 12. Paul says, "Not that I have already Paul says, "Not that I have already Paul says, "Not that I have already obtained this or I'm already perfect, obtained this or I'm already perfect, obtained this or I'm already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because but I press on to make it my own because but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus had made has made me his Christ Jesus had made has made me his Christ Jesus had made has made me his own." Brothers, I do not consider that I own." Brothers, I do not consider that I own." Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do, have made it my own. But one thing I do, have made it my own. But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I straining forward to what lies ahead, I straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize press on toward the goal for the prize press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ of the upward call of God in Christ of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [snorts] Let those of us who are Jesus. [snorts] Let those of us who are Jesus. [snorts] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in mature think this way, and if in mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will anything you think otherwise, God will anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us reveal that also to you. Only let us reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

hold true to what we have attained. hold true to what we have attained. Verse 17, brothers, join in imitating Verse 17, brothers, join in imitating Verse 17, brothers, join in imitating me. Keep your eyes on those who walk me. Keep your eyes on those who walk me. Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. according to the example you have in us. according to the example you have in us. For many of whom I have often told you For many of whom I have often told you For many of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears walk as and now tell you even with tears walk as and now tell you even with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their enemies of the cross of Christ. Their enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their god is their end is destruction. Their god is their end is destruction. Their god is their belly. And they glory in their shame belly. And they glory in their shame belly. And they glory in their shame with minds set on earthly things. But with minds set on earthly things. But with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And from our citizenship is in heaven. And from our citizenship is in heaven. And from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly Christ, who will transform our lowly Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the body to be like his glorious body by the body to be like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject power that enables him even to subject power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. And then chapter all things to himself. And then chapter all things to himself. And then chapter 4 verse one, therefore my brothers whom 4 verse one, therefore my brothers whom 4 verse one, therefore my brothers whom I love and long for my joy and crown I love and long for my joy and crown I love and long for my joy and crown stand firm thus in the Lord my beloved. stand firm thus in the Lord my beloved. stand firm thus in the Lord my beloved. Summit family, this is the word of God Summit family, this is the word of God Summit family, this is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks. for the people of God. Thanks. for the people of God. Thanks. >> Thanks be to God. Y'all can have a seat.

Um, I don't know about you guys, our Um, I don't know about you guys, our family is just in full summer swing. Um, family is just in full summer swing. Um, family is just in full summer swing. Um, we took our annual family beach trip a we took our annual family beach trip a we took our annual family beach trip a couple weeks ago and because as I've couple weeks ago and because as I've couple weeks ago and because as I've told you before, we have four kids 12 told you before, we have four kids 12 told you before, we have four kids 12 and under. Uh, I use the word trip very and under. Uh, I use the word trip very and under. Uh, I use the word trip very intentionally because it ain't a intentionally because it ain't a intentionally because it ain't a vacation when you got four kids 12 and vacation when you got four kids 12 and vacation when you got four kids 12 and under. Um, but they are, man, they're under. Um, but they are, man, they're under. Um, but they are, man, they're just at these awesome ages. is they're just at these awesome ages. is they're just at these awesome ages. is they're at kind of these golden years where at at kind of these golden years where at at kind of these golden years where at least at the beach, like they're at the least at the beach, like they're at the least at the beach, like they're at the point where we can just hand him a point where we can just hand him a point where we can just hand him a boogie board and they are content for boogie board and they are content for boogie board and they are content for like six straight hours. It's awesome. like six straight hours. It's awesome. like six straight hours. It's awesome. Um my six-year-old, he's my only son. Uh Um my six-year-old, he's my only son. Uh Um my six-year-old, he's my only son. Uh he's just at this wonderful age where he he's just at this wonderful age where he he's just at this wonderful age where he is boasting in all the confidence in the is boasting in all the confidence in the is boasting in all the confidence in the world that a kid has. And so we go to world that a kid has. And so we go to world that a kid has. And so we go to the beach, right? And like he rides a the beach, right? And like he rides a the beach, right? And like he rides a wave from like here to here and he's wave from like here to here and he's wave from like here to here and he's like, "Dad, I rode that thing a mile." like, "Dad, I rode that thing a mile." like, "Dad, I rode that thing a mile." AND YOU'RE LIKE, "YEAH, YOU DID, BUDDY. AND YOU'RE LIKE, "YEAH, YOU DID, BUDDY. AND YOU'RE LIKE, "YEAH, YOU DID, BUDDY. THAT WAS AWESOME." UM, or he sees like THAT WAS AWESOME." UM, or he sees like THAT WAS AWESOME." UM, or he sees like somebody jogging down the beach and he's somebody jogging down the beach and he's somebody jogging down the beach and he's like, "I could run faster than that like, "I could run faster than that like, "I could run faster than that guy." I'm like, "Could you?" And he's guy." I'm like, "Could you?" And he's guy." I'm like, "Could you?" And he's like, "I'm faster than Sonic." I'm like, like, "I'm faster than Sonic." I'm like, like, "I'm faster than Sonic." I'm like, "I bet you are." Or like he thinks he's "I bet you are." Or like he thinks he's "I bet you are." Or like he thinks he's trying to chase the birds. He's like, "I trying to chase the birds. He's like, "I trying to chase the birds. He's like, "I can jump higher than that bird or I can jump higher than that bird or I can jump higher than that bird or I could fly higher than that winds." I'm could fly higher than that winds." I'm could fly higher than that winds." I'm like, "I bet you can, buddy." Um, and like, "I bet you can, buddy." Um, and like, "I bet you can, buddy." Um, and man, I just love it. Like he is man, I just love it. Like he is man, I just love it. Like he is completely detached from reality, but I completely detached from reality, but I completely detached from reality, but I think it's pretty awesome. So, I'm going think it's pretty awesome. So, I'm going think it's pretty awesome. So, I'm going to cheer him on. And see, when he's 6 to cheer him on. And see, when he's 6 to cheer him on. And see, when he's 6 years old, that kind of confidence is years old, that kind of confidence is years old, that kind of confidence is really cute, isn't it? But if he was 26 really cute, isn't it? But if he was 26 really cute, isn't it? But if he was 26 years old, still making some of those years old, still making some of those years old, still making some of those claims, it's no longer cute, starts to claims, it's no longer cute, starts to claims, it's no longer cute, starts to be a little concerning, right? That's be a little concerning, right? That's be a little concerning, right? That's because at some point, we've all got to because at some point, we've all got to because at some point, we've all got to grow up.

grow up. grow up. See, when you're a new follower of See, when you're a new follower of See, when you're a new follower of Jesus, there's a phrase we tend to use Jesus, there's a phrase we tend to use Jesus, there's a phrase we tend to use to describe you, and it's in no way a to describe you, and it's in no way a to describe you, and it's in no way a derogatory phrase, but if you're a new derogatory phrase, but if you're a new derogatory phrase, but if you're a new follower of Jesus, we tend to call you a follower of Jesus, we tend to call you a follower of Jesus, we tend to call you a baby Christian. Again, that's not baby Christian. Again, that's not baby Christian. Again, that's not derogatory at all. It's just recognizing derogatory at all. It's just recognizing derogatory at all. It's just recognizing that you are brand new to this whole that you are brand new to this whole that you are brand new to this whole Christian life thing. And with that Christian life thing. And with that Christian life thing. And with that newness, understandably, when you're a newness, understandably, when you're a newness, understandably, when you're a baby Christian, man, there's some baby Christian, man, there's some baby Christian, man, there's some struggles and there's some blind spots struggles and there's some blind spots struggles and there's some blind spots and there's some insecurities and and there's some insecurities and and there's some insecurities and ignorances that honestly make sense for ignorances that honestly make sense for ignorances that honestly make sense for somebody that has just entered into this somebody that has just entered into this somebody that has just entered into this new life with Jesus. And if [snorts] new life with Jesus. And if [snorts] new life with Jesus. And if [snorts] that's you, then man, I just want to that's you, then man, I just want to that's you, then man, I just want to tell you that's okay. Babies are tell you that's okay. Babies are tell you that's okay. Babies are supposed to act like babies. But at some supposed to act like babies. But at some supposed to act like babies. But at some point, babies are also supposed to grow point, babies are also supposed to grow point, babies are also supposed to grow up. And see, just like physical maturity up. And see, just like physical maturity up. And see, just like physical maturity has signs of growing up. You walk, you has signs of growing up. You walk, you has signs of growing up. You walk, you talk, you think differently, spiritual talk, you think differently, spiritual talk, you think differently, spiritual maturity has signs, too. So that's what maturity has signs, too. So that's what maturity has signs, too. So that's what Paul is concerned about with the back Paul is concerned about with the back Paul is concerned about with the back half of chapter 3. He he wants to know half of chapter 3. He he wants to know half of chapter 3. He he wants to know if your life is showing signs, showing if your life is showing signs, showing if your life is showing signs, showing marks of someone who is growing up in marks of someone who is growing up in marks of someone who is growing up in Christ. And the way that Paul frames Christ. And the way that Paul frames Christ. And the way that Paul frames spiritual maturity is not mainly about spiritual maturity is not mainly about spiritual maturity is not mainly about how much Bible knowledge you have how much Bible knowledge you have how much Bible knowledge you have accumulated. It's not about how long accumulated. It's not about how long accumulated. It's not about how long you've been in church. It's not about you've been in church. It's not about you've been in church. It's not about how polished you look on the outside.

how polished you look on the outside. how polished you look on the outside. No. For the Apostle Paul, maturity shows No. For the Apostle Paul, maturity shows No. For the Apostle Paul, maturity shows up in a life that is being shaped to up in a life that is being shaped to up in a life that is being shaped to look more and more like Jesus Christ. look more and more like Jesus Christ. look more and more like Jesus Christ. Last weekend, Pastor JD opened up with Last weekend, Pastor JD opened up with Last weekend, Pastor JD opened up with the first 11 verses of chapter 3, where the first 11 verses of chapter 3, where the first 11 verses of chapter 3, where Paul kind of puts forth his religious Paul kind of puts forth his religious Paul kind of puts forth his religious resume. And I don't know about you, but resume. And I don't know about you, but resume. And I don't know about you, but as we've been going through the book of as we've been going through the book of as we've been going through the book of Philippians and anything else we've read Philippians and anything else we've read Philippians and anything else we've read by Paul, it's real easy to start looking by Paul, it's real easy to start looking by Paul, it's real easy to start looking at Paul like he's some type of superch at Paul like he's some type of superch at Paul like he's some type of superch Christian. Like honestly, I I Paul just Christian. Like honestly, I I Paul just Christian. Like honestly, I I Paul just kind of sounds like the Michael Jordan kind of sounds like the Michael Jordan kind of sounds like the Michael Jordan of Christianity. again, his resume, of Christianity. again, his resume, of Christianity. again, his resume, which we saw last week, man, he's it's which we saw last week, man, he's it's which we saw last week, man, he's it's just unbelievable. Like, he counts just unbelievable. Like, he counts just unbelievable. Like, he counts everything as loss. He treasures Christ everything as loss. He treasures Christ everything as loss. He treasures Christ above all. He's willing to suffer for above all. He's willing to suffer for above all. He's willing to suffer for Jesus. He continues on mission. Like, Jesus. He continues on mission. Like, Jesus. He continues on mission. Like, he's just the whole package. And just he's just the whole package. And just he's just the whole package. And just when I'm ready to like retire his jersey when I'm ready to like retire his jersey when I'm ready to like retire his jersey and assume Paul is just in a different and assume Paul is just in a different and assume Paul is just in a different category than the rest of us, look what category than the rest of us, look what category than the rest of us, look what he says in verse 12. he says in verse 12. he says in verse 12. He says, "Not that I have already He says, "Not that I have already He says, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect." obtained this or am already perfect." obtained this or am already perfect." Now, when Paul says, "Obtain this," he's Now, when Paul says, "Obtain this," he's Now, when Paul says, "Obtain this," he's talking about knowing and becoming fully talking about knowing and becoming fully talking about knowing and becoming fully like Jesus Christ. And I just need you like Jesus Christ. And I just need you like Jesus Christ. And I just need you to wrap your mind around this because to wrap your mind around this because to wrap your mind around this because this is the Apostle Paul saying, "Hey, this is the Apostle Paul saying, "Hey, this is the Apostle Paul saying, "Hey, lest you think too highly of me, what lest you think too highly of me, what lest you think too highly of me, what you need to know is that I'm still a you need to know is that I'm still a you need to know is that I'm still a work in progress. Man, I've still got a work in progress. Man, I've still got a work in progress. Man, I've still got a way to go. I have not arrived. I do not way to go. I have not arrived. I do not way to go. I have not arrived. I do not look like Jesus just yet." And that's look like Jesus just yet." And that's look like Jesus just yet." And that's the Apostle Paul saying this. That the Apostle Paul saying this. That the Apostle Paul saying this. That that's church planner Paul. Missionary that's church planner Paul. Missionary that's church planner Paul. Missionary Paul wrote half twothirds of the New

Paul wrote half twothirds of the New Paul wrote half twothirds of the New Testament. Paul, this is shipwrecked, Testament. Paul, this is shipwrecked, Testament. Paul, this is shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, but kept going beaten, imprisoned, but kept going beaten, imprisoned, but kept going anyways. Paul and he says, "Man, I ain't anyways. Paul and he says, "Man, I ain't anyways. Paul and he says, "Man, I ain't arrived." And y'all, I absolutely love arrived." And y'all, I absolutely love arrived." And y'all, I absolutely love this because listen, for 21 years, even this because listen, for 21 years, even this because listen, for 21 years, even though I was in the same seat you were though I was in the same seat you were though I was in the same seat you were sitting in, for 21 years, even though I sitting in, for 21 years, even though I sitting in, for 21 years, even though I called myself a Christian, I was not a called myself a Christian, I was not a called myself a Christian, I was not a Christian. And for 21 years, I sat there Christian. And for 21 years, I sat there Christian. And for 21 years, I sat there every Sunday morning. And whenever the every Sunday morning. And whenever the every Sunday morning. And whenever the pastor would preach and open up the pastor would preach and open up the pastor would preach and open up the words of Jesus or the words of Paul or words of Jesus or the words of Paul or words of Jesus or the words of Paul or the words of the Bible, all I remember the words of the Bible, all I remember the words of the Bible, all I remember sitting there thinking is, "Pastor, sitting there thinking is, "Pastor, sitting there thinking is, "Pastor, thank you for this cute little message, thank you for this cute little message, thank you for this cute little message, but you have no idea what my life is but you have no idea what my life is but you have no idea what my life is like." Like, "Pastor Paul, Jesus, like." Like, "Pastor Paul, Jesus, like." Like, "Pastor Paul, Jesus, y'all's life is perfect. Your family's y'all's life is perfect. Your family's y'all's life is perfect. Your family's probably perfect. Your kids are probably probably perfect. Your kids are probably probably perfect. Your kids are probably perfect. Your finances are probably perfect. Your finances are probably perfect. Your finances are probably perfect. Like, you've got life figured perfect. Like, you've got life figured perfect. Like, you've got life figured out." That's what I remember sitting in out." That's what I remember sitting in out." That's what I remember sitting in your seat thinking. And see, I love that your seat thinking. And see, I love that your seat thinking. And see, I love that Paul says this because Paul in his Paul says this because Paul in his Paul says this because Paul in his wisdom anticipates that. And he's like, wisdom anticipates that. And he's like, wisdom anticipates that. And he's like, "No, bro. Like, if you only knew, if you "No, bro. Like, if you only knew, if you "No, bro. Like, if you only knew, if you only knew the things I still struggle only knew the things I still struggle only knew the things I still struggle with. If if you only knew that I still with. If if you only knew that I still with. If if you only knew that I still do things I don't want to do and I don't do things I don't want to do and I don't do things I don't want to do and I don't do things that I do want to do." He he do things that I do want to do." He he do things that I do want to do." He he says, "I'm not perfect, man. I've not says, "I'm not perfect, man. I've not says, "I'm not perfect, man. I've not obtained this. I haven't arrived yet."

obtained this. I haven't arrived yet." obtained this. I haven't arrived yet." And what he's trying to show us is that And what he's trying to show us is that And what he's trying to show us is that Paul and you and me are way more similar Paul and you and me are way more similar Paul and you and me are way more similar than we are different. He he's saying than we are different. He he's saying than we are different. He he's saying this to try to be encouraging to us. His this to try to be encouraging to us. His this to try to be encouraging to us. His point is, hey, nobody's perfect yet. And point is, hey, nobody's perfect yet. And point is, hey, nobody's perfect yet. And even though we haven't arrived, what even though we haven't arrived, what even though we haven't arrived, what we've got to do is keep putting one we've got to do is keep putting one we've got to do is keep putting one spiritual foot in front of the other. spiritual foot in front of the other. spiritual foot in front of the other. And so to get that idea across, Paul And so to get that idea across, Paul And so to get that idea across, Paul actually uses the same Greek word three actually uses the same Greek word three actually uses the same Greek word three different times in verse 12. It's hard different times in verse 12. It's hard different times in verse 12. It's hard to see in our English translations, but to see in our English translations, but to see in our English translations, but look at it and I'll point it out to you. look at it and I'll point it out to you. look at it and I'll point it out to you. In verse 12, he says, "Not that I have In verse 12, he says, "Not that I have In verse 12, he says, "Not that I have already, here's the first use, obtained already, here's the first use, obtained already, here's the first use, obtained this, or I'm already perfect, but I this, or I'm already perfect, but I this, or I'm already perfect, but I press on to, here's the second use, make press on to, here's the second use, make press on to, here's the second use, make it my own it my own it my own because Christ Jesus has, here's the because Christ Jesus has, here's the because Christ Jesus has, here's the third time, made me his own." In Greek, third time, made me his own." In Greek, third time, made me his own." In Greek, all three of those words come from the all three of those words come from the all three of those words come from the same root word meaning obtain, to to lay same root word meaning obtain, to to lay same root word meaning obtain, to to lay hold of, to seize. It's a hunting word. hold of, to seize. It's a hunting word. hold of, to seize. It's a hunting word. It's like when you catch something. What It's like when you catch something. What It's like when you catch something. What Paul is saying, he says, "Not that I've Paul is saying, he says, "Not that I've Paul is saying, he says, "Not that I've already obtained perfect maturity, but I already obtained perfect maturity, but I already obtained perfect maturity, but I press on to obtain it because Christ press on to obtain it because Christ press on to obtain it because Christ Jesus has obtained me." Now, notice what Jesus has obtained me." Now, notice what Jesus has obtained me." Now, notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't say, "I Paul doesn't say. He doesn't say, "I Paul doesn't say. He doesn't say, "I press on so Christ will make me his press on so Christ will make me his press on so Christ will make me his own." He says, "I press on because own." He says, "I press on because own." He says, "I press on because Christ Jesus has made me his own."

Christ Jesus has made me his own." Christ Jesus has made me his own." He's just chasing after the God who has He's just chasing after the God who has He's just chasing after the God who has already found him. He's trying to obtain already found him. He's trying to obtain already found him. He's trying to obtain that which who has already obtained him. that which who has already obtained him. that which who has already obtained him. Y'all, you got to realize our entire Y'all, you got to realize our entire Y'all, you got to realize our entire lives are just a response to Jesus's lives are just a response to Jesus's lives are just a response to Jesus's love toward us. You strip away all the love toward us. You strip away all the love toward us. You strip away all the rules and all the regulations and all rules and all the regulations and all rules and all the regulations and all the religiosity of this whole thing. And the religiosity of this whole thing. And the religiosity of this whole thing. And what it means to be a Christian at the what it means to be a Christian at the what it means to be a Christian at the end of the day is to be taken hold of end of the day is to be taken hold of end of the day is to be taken hold of and obtained by Christ in a way that and obtained by Christ in a way that and obtained by Christ in a way that permeates every single little area of permeates every single little area of permeates every single little area of our lives. If you're a follower of our lives. If you're a follower of our lives. If you're a follower of Jesus, it is because Christ first and Jesus, it is because Christ first and Jesus, it is because Christ first and foremost made you his own. And that's foremost made you his own. And that's foremost made you his own. And that's good news. But while salvation is good news. But while salvation is good news. But while salvation is finished, yes, our spiritual growth is finished, yes, our spiritual growth is finished, yes, our spiritual growth is not. Therefore, Paul says in verse 12, not. Therefore, Paul says in verse 12, not. Therefore, Paul says in verse 12, he says, "We press on." When when he he says, "We press on." When when he he says, "We press on." When when he uses that phrase press on, when the uses that phrase press on, when the uses that phrase press on, when the Philippians would have read this letter Philippians would have read this letter Philippians would have read this letter from Paul, that phrase press on would from Paul, that phrase press on would from Paul, that phrase press on would have made them immediately think of what have made them immediately think of what have made them immediately think of what uh they called the Ismian Games. It was uh they called the Ismian Games. It was uh they called the Ismian Games. It was basically their version of the Olympics.

basically their version of the Olympics. basically their version of the Olympics. It would have conjured up an image of an It would have conjured up an image of an It would have conjured up an image of an athlete straining to the finish line athlete straining to the finish line athlete straining to the finish line with vigorous and determined effort. And with vigorous and determined effort. And with vigorous and determined effort. And what Paul's telling us and telling them what Paul's telling us and telling them what Paul's telling us and telling them is that the Christian life is like that. is that the Christian life is like that. is that the Christian life is like that. that yes, Christ has made you his own. that yes, Christ has made you his own. that yes, Christ has made you his own. And so now your job is to press on to And so now your job is to press on to And so now your job is to press on to become fully what he's already declared become fully what he's already declared become fully what he's already declared you to be. That's the Christian life. you to be. That's the Christian life. you to be. That's the Christian life. The Christian life is a journey of The Christian life is a journey of The Christian life is a journey of becoming what Christ has already made becoming what Christ has already made becoming what Christ has already made us. And so that's why Paul says, look at us. And so that's why Paul says, look at us. And so that's why Paul says, look at verse 13, the end of it. He says, "But verse 13, the end of it. He says, "But verse 13, the end of it. He says, "But one thing I do as I press on, one thing I do as I press on, one thing I do as I press on, forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." straining forward to what lies ahead." straining forward to what lies ahead." Verse 14, I press on toward the goal for Verse 14, I press on toward the goal for Verse 14, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in the prize of the upward call of God in the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Again, just kind of Christ Jesus. Again, just kind of Christ Jesus. Again, just kind of pinging off the Olympic runner pinging off the Olympic runner pinging off the Olympic runner illustration. When an Olympic runner is illustration. When an Olympic runner is illustration. When an Olympic runner is straining for the finish line, and straining for the finish line, and straining for the finish line, and they're not looking side to side, are they're not looking side to side, are they're not looking side to side, are they? They're not seeing what everybody they? They're not seeing what everybody they? They're not seeing what everybody else is doing. They're not checking else is doing. They're not checking else is doing. They're not checking their Instagram to see where the other their Instagram to see where the other their Instagram to see where the other races are. Every muscle is aimed in one races are. Every muscle is aimed in one races are. Every muscle is aimed in one direction. And what Paul's saying is direction. And what Paul's saying is direction. And what Paul's saying is he's saying that's the picture of he's saying that's the picture of he's saying that's the picture of Christian maturity. It is a determined Christian maturity. It is a determined Christian maturity. It is a determined holy focus to reach the goal of becoming holy focus to reach the goal of becoming holy focus to reach the goal of becoming what Christ has made us. He says that's what Christ has made us. He says that's what Christ has made us. He says that's our finish line. And so he says, look at our finish line. And so he says, look at our finish line. And so he says, look at verse 15.

verse 15. verse 15. Let those of us who are mature think Let those of us who are mature think Let those of us who are mature think this way. I think it's funny. And if in this way. I think it's funny. And if in this way. I think it's funny. And if in anything you think otherwise, God will anything you think otherwise, God will anything you think otherwise, God will reveal it to you also. It's kind of his reveal it to you also. It's kind of his reveal it to you also. It's kind of his polite way of saying, hey, this is what polite way of saying, hey, this is what polite way of saying, hey, this is what grown-up Christians think like. Okay? grown-up Christians think like. Okay? grown-up Christians think like. Okay? Like I love it. As for us, Paul says, Like I love it. As for us, Paul says, Like I love it. As for us, Paul says, verse 16, verse 16, verse 16, "Only let us hold true to what we have "Only let us hold true to what we have "Only let us hold true to what we have attained." So, brothers, join in attained." So, brothers, join in attained." So, brothers, join in imitating me. Keep your eyes on those imitating me. Keep your eyes on those imitating me. Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the examples you who walk according to the examples you who walk according to the examples you have in us. Now, when [snorts] Paul have in us. Now, when [snorts] Paul have in us. Now, when [snorts] Paul says, "Hey, join in imitating me." says, "Hey, join in imitating me." says, "Hey, join in imitating me." That's not Paul being arrogant here. That's not Paul being arrogant here. That's not Paul being arrogant here. He's not saying, "I'm the standard." He's not saying, "I'm the standard." He's not saying, "I'm the standard." Only Jesus is the standard. He's not Only Jesus is the standard. He's not Only Jesus is the standard. He's not saying, "I'm the standard." What he's saying, "I'm the standard." What he's saying, "I'm the standard." What he's saying is you and I need examples that saying is you and I need examples that saying is you and I need examples that we need more than sermons. We need more we need more than sermons. We need more we need more than sermons. We need more than books. We need more than podcasts. than books. We need more than podcasts. than books. We need more than podcasts. We need living examples of people that We need living examples of people that We need living examples of people that are up close that you are sitting across are up close that you are sitting across are up close that you are sitting across the table from that you can point to and the table from that you can point to and the table from that you can point to and say, "Man, I want a kind of faith like say, "Man, I want a kind of faith like say, "Man, I want a kind of faith like that. I want a marriage like that. I that. I want a marriage like that. I that. I want a marriage like that. I want transparency and generosity and want transparency and generosity and want transparency and generosity and humility and courage. I want the joy humility and courage. I want the joy humility and courage. I want the joy that that person has." What Paul's doing that that person has." What Paul's doing that that person has." What Paul's doing is he's emphasizing the importance of is he's emphasizing the importance of is he's emphasizing the importance of choosing what examples we follow.

choosing what examples we follow. choosing what examples we follow. Because see, whether you realize it or Because see, whether you realize it or Because see, whether you realize it or not, you and I are always being not, you and I are always being not, you and I are always being discipled by somebody. And so he says discipled by somebody. And so he says discipled by somebody. And so he says you got to choose good examples. Which you got to choose good examples. Which you got to choose good examples. Which is why he says in verse 18, he kind of is why he says in verse 18, he kind of is why he says in verse 18, he kind of gives us the flip of that. He says, "For gives us the flip of that. He says, "For gives us the flip of that. He says, "For many of whom I have often told you and many of whom I have often told you and many of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears walk as now tell you even with tears walk as now tell you even with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." See, enemies of the cross of Christ." See, enemies of the cross of Christ." See, Paul says this with tears because these Paul says this with tears because these Paul says this with tears because these are not just bad influences. These are are not just bad influences. These are are not just bad influences. These are people who are actually fooling people who are actually fooling people who are actually fooling themselves and in doing so are confusing themselves and in doing so are confusing themselves and in doing so are confusing others. These are people who are close others. These are people who are close others. These are people who are close enough to Christianity to sound enough to Christianity to sound enough to Christianity to sound convincing, but their lives are actually convincing, but their lives are actually convincing, but their lives are actually moving in the opposite direction of the moving in the opposite direction of the moving in the opposite direction of the cross. They're enemies of the cross of cross. They're enemies of the cross of cross. They're enemies of the cross of Christ. And Paul says, "Man, you got to Christ. And Paul says, "Man, you got to Christ. And Paul says, "Man, you got to learn to spot these people. Don't be learn to spot these people. Don't be learn to spot these people. Don't be fooled by them. Learn to recognize fooled by them. Learn to recognize fooled by them. Learn to recognize actually not just what they're doing, actually not just what they're doing, actually not just what they're doing, but recognize where their life is but recognize where their life is but recognize where their life is headed." And so he tells us in verse 19, headed." And so he tells us in verse 19, headed." And so he tells us in verse 19, look, he says, "Where their life is look, he says, "Where their life is look, he says, "Where their life is headed, first and foremost, their end is headed, first and foremost, their end is headed, first and foremost, their end is destruction." Man, their lives might destruction." Man, their lives might destruction." Man, their lives might look freeing and fun right now, but the look freeing and fun right now, but the look freeing and fun right now, but the end of a life rejecting Jesus and end of a life rejecting Jesus and end of a life rejecting Jesus and rejecting the cross is not freedom. It rejecting the cross is not freedom. It rejecting the cross is not freedom. It is eternal and irreversible separation is eternal and irreversible separation is eternal and irreversible separation from God in a lake of fire that will from God in a lake of fire that will from God in a lake of fire that will lead to pure and full destruction.

lead to pure and full destruction. lead to pure and full destruction. And not just that, but he says their God And not just that, but he says their God And not just that, but he says their God here and now is their belly. What he's here and now is their belly. What he's here and now is their belly. What he's saying is these are people who are ruled saying is these are people who are ruled saying is these are people who are ruled by their appetites and their desires. by their appetites and their desires. by their appetites and their desires. Whether that is food or sex or comfort Whether that is food or sex or comfort Whether that is food or sex or comfort or attention or laziness or control, or attention or laziness or control, or attention or laziness or control, he's saying those desires are in charge. he's saying those desires are in charge. he's saying those desires are in charge. Whatever their flesh wants, they just Whatever their flesh wants, they just Whatever their flesh wants, they just give into it. And not only do they give give into it. And not only do they give give into it. And not only do they give into it, but he says they glory in their into it, but he says they glory in their into it, but he says they glory in their shame. Basically, these are people who shame. Basically, these are people who shame. Basically, these are people who have lost the ability to blush. Instead have lost the ability to blush. Instead have lost the ability to blush. Instead of repenting of sin, they're busy of repenting of sin, they're busy of repenting of sin, they're busy defending and applauding the sins that defending and applauding the sins that defending and applauding the sins that they're part of. And they do this, he they're part of. And they do this, he they're part of. And they do this, he says, because their minds are set on says, because their minds are set on says, because their minds are set on earthly things. Again, he's talking earthly things. Again, he's talking earthly things. Again, he's talking about people close to the church. And about people close to the church. And about people close to the church. And so, they might believe in eternity on so, they might believe in eternity on so, they might believe in eternity on paper, but their decisions are driven by paper, but their decisions are driven by paper, but their decisions are driven by whatever is going to make this life whatever is going to make this life whatever is going to make this life easier and this life richer and this easier and this life richer and this easier and this life richer and this life safer and this life more life safer and this life more life safer and this life more impressive. They live as if this world impressive. They live as if this world impressive. They live as if this world is all there is. And so success and is all there is. And so success and is all there is. And so success and things and pleasure always end up things and pleasure always end up things and pleasure always end up carrying more weight than eternity does.

carrying more weight than eternity does. carrying more weight than eternity does. See, these are folks you got to learn to See, these are folks you got to learn to See, these are folks you got to learn to recognize these. You got to see if you recognize these. You got to see if you recognize these. You got to see if you are one. You got to know these are folks are one. You got to know these are folks are one. You got to know these are folks who know the church language. They know who know the church language. They know who know the church language. They know the church songs. They know the verses. the church songs. They know the verses. the church songs. They know the verses. They have the Christian vocabulary, the They have the Christian vocabulary, the They have the Christian vocabulary, the Christian veneer. But when you actually Christian veneer. But when you actually Christian veneer. But when you actually look at the direction of their lives, look at the direction of their lives, look at the direction of their lives, they are not being satisfied in Christ. they are not being satisfied in Christ. they are not being satisfied in Christ. They are busy gratifying the flesh. They They are busy gratifying the flesh. They They are busy gratifying the flesh. They might say that Jesus is Lord, but their might say that Jesus is Lord, but their might say that Jesus is Lord, but their browser history actually says lust is browser history actually says lust is browser history actually says lust is Lord. Their spending says status is Lord. Their spending says status is Lord. Their spending says status is Lord. Their anger says control is Lord. Lord. Their anger says control is Lord. Lord. Their anger says control is Lord. And even though their mouths might say I And even though their mouths might say I And even though their mouths might say I belong to Jesus, their lifestyle says I belong to Jesus, their lifestyle says I belong to Jesus, their lifestyle says I belong to this earth. And so this is belong to this earth. And so this is belong to this earth. And so this is what Paul is warning us about. what Paul is warning us about. what Paul is warning us about. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Not just people outside the church who >> Not just people outside the church who >> Not just people outside the church who reject the cross openly, but people who reject the cross openly, but people who reject the cross openly, but people who are around the church who use Christian are around the church who use Christian are around the church who use Christian language while simultaneously living language while simultaneously living language while simultaneously living cross-resistant lives. cross-resistant lives. cross-resistant lives. Then he says in verse 20, but by Then he says in verse 20, but by Then he says in verse 20, but by contrast contrast contrast our citizenship is in heaven, not earth, our citizenship is in heaven, not earth, our citizenship is in heaven, not earth, and from it we await a savior, the Lord and from it we await a savior, the Lord and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. See, Philippi, who he's Jesus Christ. See, Philippi, who he's Jesus Christ. See, Philippi, who he's writing this to, had become a Roman writing this to, had become a Roman writing this to, had become a Roman colony. And the citizens of Philippi colony. And the citizens of Philippi colony. And the citizens of Philippi were really proud of that. I mean, were really proud of that. I mean, were really proud of that. I mean, Rome's the great superpower of the day.

Rome's the great superpower of the day. Rome's the great superpower of the day. And so, all the Roman things start And so, all the Roman things start And so, all the Roman things start making their way into Philippi. Romans making their way into Philippi. Romans making their way into Philippi. Romans upshaping their laws and their values upshaping their laws and their values upshaping their laws and their values and their lifestyles and ultimately and their lifestyles and ultimately and their lifestyles and ultimately their identity. And so, when Paul writes their identity. And so, when Paul writes their identity. And so, when Paul writes to the church at Philippi and tells to the church at Philippi and tells to the church at Philippi and tells them, "Our citizenship is in heaven," them, "Our citizenship is in heaven," them, "Our citizenship is in heaven," he's actually making a really bold he's actually making a really bold he's actually making a really bold statement to the believers there. what statement to the believers there. what statement to the believers there. what he's saying, hey believers at Philippi, he's saying, hey believers at Philippi, he's saying, hey believers at Philippi, he's saying heaven is now where your he's saying heaven is now where your he's saying heaven is now where your deepest identity comes from. It's not deepest identity comes from. It's not deepest identity comes from. It's not Rome. It's not your resume. It's not Rome. It's not your resume. It's not Rome. It's not your resume. It's not your appetites. It's not this world. your appetites. It's not this world. your appetites. It's not this world. It's heaven. And as heavenly citizens, It's heaven. And as heavenly citizens, It's heaven. And as heavenly citizens, we await a savior. Verse 21, who will we await a savior. Verse 21, who will we await a savior. Verse 21, who will transform our lowly body to be like his transform our lowly body to be like his transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power that enables glorious body by the power that enables glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject all things to him even to subject all things to him even to subject all things to himself. And then we're going to go into himself. And then we're going to go into himself. And then we're going to go into chapter 4 verse one. He says, chapter 4 verse one. He says, chapter 4 verse one. He says, "Therefore, my brothers," that therefore "Therefore, my brothers," that therefore "Therefore, my brothers," that therefore pulls this whole thing together, "whom pulls this whole thing together, "whom pulls this whole thing together, "whom my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord my beloved. Again, that therefore Lord my beloved. Again, that therefore Lord my beloved. Again, that therefore pulls this whole thing together because pulls this whole thing together because pulls this whole thing together because what he's saying is, "Hey church, what he's saying is, "Hey church, what he's saying is, "Hey church, because your citizenship is in heaven, because your citizenship is in heaven, because your citizenship is in heaven, because your Jesus is coming back, because your Jesus is coming back, because your Jesus is coming back, because this world you live in is because this world you live in is because this world you live in is temporary, and because there are real temporary, and because there are real temporary, and because there are real dangers trying to pull your heart toward dangers trying to pull your heart toward dangers trying to pull your heart toward earthly things, what you got to do is earthly things, what you got to do is earthly things, what you got to do is you got to grow up. You got to mature in you got to grow up. You got to mature in you got to grow up. You got to mature in Christ, and you got to stand firm in the Christ, and you got to stand firm in the Christ, and you got to stand firm in the Lord."

Lord." Lord." And so to help us mature, what Paul does And so to help us mature, what Paul does And so to help us mature, what Paul does is he gives us four ways that we've got is he gives us four ways that we've got is he gives us four ways that we've got to grow up spiritually. Four ways we to grow up spiritually. Four ways we to grow up spiritually. Four ways we grow up. That's what we're going to grow up. That's what we're going to grow up. That's what we're going to spend the rest of our time looking at. spend the rest of our time looking at. spend the rest of our time looking at. And the first way he tells us to grow up And the first way he tells us to grow up And the first way he tells us to grow up is that we got to tell the truth about is that we got to tell the truth about is that we got to tell the truth about where we are. where we are. where we are. First way we grow up is you got to learn First way we grow up is you got to learn First way we grow up is you got to learn to tell the truth about where you are. to tell the truth about where you are. to tell the truth about where you are. Essentially, what Paul's saying is that Essentially, what Paul's saying is that Essentially, what Paul's saying is that the first sign of spiritual maturity is the first sign of spiritual maturity is the first sign of spiritual maturity is actually admitting that you are not as actually admitting that you are not as actually admitting that you are not as mature as you think you are. Again, Paul mature as you think you are. Again, Paul mature as you think you are. Again, Paul verse 12, not that I have already verse 12, not that I have already verse 12, not that I have already obtained this or I'm already perfect. If obtained this or I'm already perfect. If obtained this or I'm already perfect. If anybody could say that they are mature anybody could say that they are mature anybody could say that they are mature in Christ, it feels like it would be the in Christ, it feels like it would be the in Christ, it feels like it would be the Apostle Paul. But what he wants us to Apostle Paul. But what he wants us to Apostle Paul. But what he wants us to understand is that maturity doesn't understand is that maturity doesn't understand is that maturity doesn't begin by finally getting all our entire begin by finally getting all our entire begin by finally getting all our entire life together. No, maturity begins when life together. No, maturity begins when life together. No, maturity begins when you stop lying about the fact that you you stop lying about the fact that you you stop lying about the fact that you don't have it all together. Like listen, don't have it all together. Like listen, don't have it all together. Like listen, some some of y'all are stuck in your some some of y'all are stuck in your some some of y'all are stuck in your spiritual growth. And it's not because spiritual growth. And it's not because spiritual growth. And it's not because Jesus doesn't want to help you grow. Jesus doesn't want to help you grow. Jesus doesn't want to help you grow. It's because you won't be honest about It's because you won't be honest about It's because you won't be honest about the very places you need to grow. And so the very places you need to grow. And so the very places you need to grow. And so what happens is you keep excusing your what happens is you keep excusing your what happens is you keep excusing your own immaturity by calling it your own immaturity by calling it your own immaturity by calling it your personality. You keep excusing your lust personality. You keep excusing your lust personality. You keep excusing your lust problem by just calling it a struggle.

problem by just calling it a struggle. problem by just calling it a struggle. You keep excusing your own selfishness You keep excusing your own selfishness You keep excusing your own selfishness in the name of setting up personal in the name of setting up personal in the name of setting up personal boundaries. Man, you're blaming your boundaries. Man, you're blaming your boundaries. Man, you're blaming your anger on your stress or your schedule or anger on your stress or your schedule or anger on your stress or your schedule or your kids. Basically anybody and your kids. Basically anybody and your kids. Basically anybody and anything except for your own heart. Like anything except for your own heart. Like anything except for your own heart. Like whatever diagnostic tool helps you sound whatever diagnostic tool helps you sound whatever diagnostic tool helps you sound self-aware without actually having to self-aware without actually having to self-aware without actually having to change yourself, that's what you run to change yourself, that's what you run to change yourself, that's what you run to first. I mean, these are copouts. And first. I mean, these are copouts. And first. I mean, these are copouts. And you and I know it. You got to start by you and I know it. You got to start by you and I know it. You got to start by being honest. being honest. being honest. One of the clearest signs of spiritual One of the clearest signs of spiritual One of the clearest signs of spiritual immaturity is not that you still immaturity is not that you still immaturity is not that you still struggle. Hear me clearly. It's that struggle. Hear me clearly. It's that struggle. Hear me clearly. It's that you've made peace with the struggle and you've made peace with the struggle and you've made peace with the struggle and you've actually become fine with it. And you've actually become fine with it. And you've actually become fine with it. And so, let me ask you this question. so, let me ask you this question. so, let me ask you this question. Where have you stopped praying and Where have you stopped praying and Where have you stopped praying and saying,"Lord, would you change me?" and saying,"Lord, would you change me?" and saying,"Lord, would you change me?" and started just saying,"Well, that's just started just saying,"Well, that's just started just saying,"Well, that's just me." me." me." What have you learned to explain or What have you learned to explain or What have you learned to explain or excuse or rename or hide in your life?

excuse or rename or hide in your life? excuse or rename or hide in your life? What sin have you gotten comfortable What sin have you gotten comfortable What sin have you gotten comfortable just managing instead of confessing and just managing instead of confessing and just managing instead of confessing and killing it? killing it? killing it? Because here's the reality. You and I, Because here's the reality. You and I, Because here's the reality. You and I, we will never mature beyond the truth we will never mature beyond the truth we will never mature beyond the truth you refuse to face or the secret you you refuse to face or the secret you you refuse to face or the secret you refuse to confess. refuse to confess. refuse to confess. Maturity begins when you tell the truth Maturity begins when you tell the truth Maturity begins when you tell the truth about where you are and stop defending about where you are and stop defending about where you are and stop defending the very sins that Jesus died to deliver the very sins that Jesus died to deliver the very sins that Jesus died to deliver you from. And so, very practically, you from. And so, very practically, you from. And so, very practically, here's what I want you to do this week. here's what I want you to do this week. here's what I want you to do this week. Uh, I want you to find somebody close to Uh, I want you to find somebody close to Uh, I want you to find somebody close to you, somebody that you trust, and I just you, somebody that you trust, and I just you, somebody that you trust, and I just want you to ask them the question. I I want you to ask them the question. I I want you to ask them the question. I I just want you to ask them, "Hey, where just want you to ask them, "Hey, where just want you to ask them, "Hey, where do you see immaturity in me? where where do you see immaturity in me? where where do you see immaturity in me? where where do I need to grow up spiritually? do I need to grow up spiritually? do I need to grow up spiritually? Like you can ask them, if I were to look Like you can ask them, if I were to look Like you can ask them, if I were to look more like Jesus a year from now than I more like Jesus a year from now than I more like Jesus a year from now than I do today, what's one area of my life do today, what's one area of my life do today, what's one area of my life that I need to look at? And listen, that I need to look at? And listen, that I need to look at? And listen, here's the here's the key. When they here's the here's the key. When they here's the here's the key. When they answer that, don't get mad. Don't answer that, don't get mad. Don't answer that, don't get mad. Don't defend. Don't justify. Don't ac like defend. Don't justify. Don't ac like defend. Don't justify. Don't ac like none of that. Just receive it. Submit it none of that. Just receive it. Submit it none of that. Just receive it. Submit it to the Holy Spirit. Say, "God, what do to the Holy Spirit. Say, "God, what do to the Holy Spirit. Say, "God, what do you want me to do with this?" Okay? you want me to do with this?" Okay? you want me to do with this?" Okay? Growing up starts when you stop Growing up starts when you stop Growing up starts when you stop pretending you've arrived and start pretending you've arrived and start pretending you've arrived and start being honest. But then after that, what being honest. But then after that, what being honest. But then after that, what we got to do is we got to focus. Okay?

we got to do is we got to focus. Okay? we got to do is we got to focus. Okay? The second way we got to grow up is we The second way we got to grow up is we The second way we got to grow up is we got to set our eyes on where we are got to set our eyes on where we are got to set our eyes on where we are going. Got to set your eyes on where going. Got to set your eyes on where going. Got to set your eyes on where you're going. What Paul says, Paul's not you're going. What Paul says, Paul's not you're going. What Paul says, Paul's not he he says, "Man, I'm not pretending I'm he he says, "Man, I'm not pretending I'm he he says, "Man, I'm not pretending I'm already mature if I'm being honest about already mature if I'm being honest about already mature if I'm being honest about where I am." Verse 13, he says, where I am." Verse 13, he says, where I am." Verse 13, he says, "Brothers, I don't consider that I've "Brothers, I don't consider that I've "Brothers, I don't consider that I've made it my own." But then here's the key made it my own." But then here's the key made it my own." But then here's the key phrase, "But one thing I do." See, Paul phrase, "But one thing I do." See, Paul phrase, "But one thing I do." See, Paul doesn't just say, "I'm not where I doesn't just say, "I'm not where I doesn't just say, "I'm not where I should be." No. Because Paul understands should be." No. Because Paul understands should be." No. Because Paul understands that maturity doesn't simply stop at that maturity doesn't simply stop at that maturity doesn't simply stop at confession. Maturity actually moves in a confession. Maturity actually moves in a confession. Maturity actually moves in a particular direction. And here's why particular direction. And here's why particular direction. And here's why this is important. Listen to this. this is important. Listen to this. this is important. Listen to this. Because honesty without direction Because honesty without direction Because honesty without direction just becomes self-awareness without just becomes self-awareness without just becomes self-awareness without actual growth. It becomes another form actual growth. It becomes another form actual growth. It becomes another form of naval gazing. And man, is this of naval gazing. And man, is this of naval gazing. And man, is this absolutely rampant today. Like y'all, we absolutely rampant today. Like y'all, we absolutely rampant today. Like y'all, we we know our issues, right? We can name we know our issues, right? We can name we know our issues, right? We can name all of our dysfunctions and then some. all of our dysfunctions and then some. all of our dysfunctions and then some. And I'm grateful for the conversation And I'm grateful for the conversation And I'm grateful for the conversation around all this stuff, but we've got around all this stuff, but we've got around all this stuff, but we've got language for trauma and triggers and language for trauma and triggers and language for trauma and triggers and generational diagnoses and personality generational diagnoses and personality generational diagnoses and personality types. We've got inagram numbers and types. We've got inagram numbers and types. We've got inagram numbers and love languages and MyersBriggs and love languages and MyersBriggs and love languages and MyersBriggs and Hogwarts houses. Like, we are not short Hogwarts houses. Like, we are not short Hogwarts houses. Like, we are not short on self-awareness.

on self-awareness. on self-awareness. But self-awareness by itself does not But self-awareness by itself does not But self-awareness by itself does not make you mature. At some point, you got make you mature. At some point, you got make you mature. At some point, you got to take that selfawareness and aim it to take that selfawareness and aim it to take that selfawareness and aim it somewhere. You got to you you got to somewhere. You got to you you got to somewhere. You got to you you got to stop using self-awareness as just an stop using self-awareness as just an stop using self-awareness as just an insight, as a hiding place, and you got insight, as a hiding place, and you got insight, as a hiding place, and you got to start using that self-awareness as a to start using that self-awareness as a to start using that self-awareness as a doorway to spiritual growth and maturity doorway to spiritual growth and maturity doorway to spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. And Paul tells us how to do in Christ. And Paul tells us how to do in Christ. And Paul tells us how to do it. Look at the end of verse 13. He it. Look at the end of verse 13. He it. Look at the end of verse 13. He says, "But one thing I do, this is how says, "But one thing I do, this is how says, "But one thing I do, this is how you do it. You got to forget what lies you do it. You got to forget what lies you do it. You got to forget what lies behind, strain forward to what lies behind, strain forward to what lies behind, strain forward to what lies ahead." And then verse 14, in doing so, ahead." And then verse 14, in doing so, ahead." And then verse 14, in doing so, I press on toward the goal for the I press on toward the goal for the I press on toward the goal for the prize. Here it is. of the upward call of prize. Here it is. of the upward call of prize. Here it is. of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. God in Christ Jesus. God in Christ Jesus. Direction and focus means I leave what Direction and focus means I leave what Direction and focus means I leave what is behind. I lean forward to what is is behind. I lean forward to what is is behind. I lean forward to what is ahead and ultimately I live for what is ahead and ultimately I live for what is ahead and ultimately I live for what is eternal. And so let's kind of take those eternal. And so let's kind of take those eternal. And so let's kind of take those piece by piece. Number one, man, you you piece by piece. Number one, man, you you piece by piece. Number one, man, you you got to focus by leaving what is behind. got to focus by leaving what is behind. got to focus by leaving what is behind. It's where you got to set your eyes. Now It's where you got to set your eyes. Now It's where you got to set your eyes. Now forgetting what is behind is not about forgetting what is behind is not about forgetting what is behind is not about erasing your past. It's not about, you erasing your past. It's not about, you erasing your past. It's not about, you know, pretending bad things never know, pretending bad things never know, pretending bad things never happened. We're not people with happened. We're not people with happened. We're not people with spiritual amnesia. Nobody heals by just spiritual amnesia. Nobody heals by just spiritual amnesia. Nobody heals by just acting like nothing ever happened and acting like nothing ever happened and acting like nothing ever happened and lying to ourselves. No. Forgetting what lying to ourselves. No. Forgetting what lying to ourselves. No. Forgetting what lies behind means refusing to let your lies behind means refusing to let your lies behind means refusing to let your past control the only thing that Jesus past control the only thing that Jesus past control the only thing that Jesus gets to have, which is authority over gets to have, which is authority over gets to have, which is authority over your identity. For Paul, for Paul your identity. For Paul, for Paul your identity. For Paul, for Paul himself, he had to forget all of his himself, he had to forget all of his himself, he had to forget all of his successes. That's what we looked at last successes. That's what we looked at last successes. That's what we looked at last week. All his resume, all his religious week. All his resume, all his religious week. All his resume, all his religious achievements, all his accomplishments.

achievements, all his accomplishments. achievements, all his accomplishments. But on the flip side, you got to realize But on the flip side, you got to realize But on the flip side, you got to realize what he was leaving behind. He also what he was leaving behind. He also what he was leaving behind. He also needed to leave behind and forget all of needed to leave behind and forget all of needed to leave behind and forget all of his failures. Man, before he was Paul, his failures. Man, before he was Paul, his failures. Man, before he was Paul, he was Saul. He was a persecutor of the he was Saul. He was a persecutor of the he was Saul. He was a persecutor of the church. And Paul had to leave behind all church. And Paul had to leave behind all church. And Paul had to leave behind all those shames, all that regret, all those those shames, all that regret, all those those shames, all that regret, all those sins that could have kept him stuck and sins that could have kept him stuck and sins that could have kept him stuck and not growing in Christ. Because what Paul not growing in Christ. Because what Paul not growing in Christ. Because what Paul knows is that you and I can never move knows is that you and I can never move knows is that you and I can never move forward if we're busy staring backwards. forward if we're busy staring backwards. forward if we're busy staring backwards. Y'all, there's a reason that your car's Y'all, there's a reason that your car's Y'all, there's a reason that your car's windshield is way bigger than your windshield is way bigger than your windshield is way bigger than your rearview mirror. Like, don't get me rearview mirror. Like, don't get me rearview mirror. Like, don't get me wrong, you need the rearview mirror. You wrong, you need the rearview mirror. You wrong, you need the rearview mirror. You You need to learn from your past. You You need to learn from your past. You You need to learn from your past. You need to remember God's faithfulness in need to remember God's faithfulness in need to remember God's faithfulness in the past. You need to see where you've the past. You need to see where you've the past. You need to see where you've been so you can know where you're going. been so you can know where you're going. been so you can know where you're going. But while your past may help explain But while your past may help explain But while your past may help explain you, hear me, your past does not get to you, hear me, your past does not get to you, hear me, your past does not get to define you. Some of you are so busy define you. Some of you are so busy define you. Some of you are so busy trying to follow Jesus with your eyes trying to follow Jesus with your eyes trying to follow Jesus with your eyes fixed on the rear view mirror. You're so fixed on the rear view mirror. You're so fixed on the rear view mirror. You're so busy replaying old shames and old busy replaying old shames and old busy replaying old shames and old failures and old wounds and old failures and old wounds and old failures and old wounds and old relationships and old what-ifs. But the relationships and old what-ifs. But the relationships and old what-ifs. But the good news of the gospel, listen, is that good news of the gospel, listen, is that good news of the gospel, listen, is that if you are in Christ, y'all, your sin if you are in Christ, y'all, your sin if you are in Christ, y'all, your sin ain't just behind you. Your sin is ain't just behind you. Your sin is ain't just behind you. Your sin is beneath the blood of Jesus.

beneath the blood of Jesus. beneath the blood of Jesus. Your past is not sitting in heaven on a Your past is not sitting in heaven on a Your past is not sitting in heaven on a shelf waiting to be used against you shelf waiting to be used against you shelf waiting to be used against you when you arrive there one day. No. when you arrive there one day. No. when you arrive there one day. No. Colossians chapter 2:14 says, "The Colossians chapter 2:14 says, "The Colossians chapter 2:14 says, "The record of debt that stood against you record of debt that stood against you record of debt that stood against you was cancelled when it was nailed to the was cancelled when it was nailed to the was cancelled when it was nailed to the cross." And so, if Jesus buried that cross." And so, if Jesus buried that cross." And so, if Jesus buried that thing, you got to quit resurrecting it. thing, you got to quit resurrecting it. thing, you got to quit resurrecting it. You can't sing Jesus paid it all, but You can't sing Jesus paid it all, but You can't sing Jesus paid it all, but then keep punishing yourself for the then keep punishing yourself for the then keep punishing yourself for the very sin that you say he cleared. Y'all, very sin that you say he cleared. Y'all, very sin that you say he cleared. Y'all, your shame is not your name anymore. You your shame is not your name anymore. You your shame is not your name anymore. You got to leave it behind. Your failures got to leave it behind. Your failures got to leave it behind. Your failures are not your future anymore. So, you got are not your future anymore. So, you got are not your future anymore. So, you got to leave those things behind. Your worst to leave those things behind. Your worst to leave those things behind. Your worst day or your worst decision does not get day or your worst decision does not get day or your worst decision does not get to define you anymore because what my to define you anymore because what my to define you anymore because what my Bible says is whom the son sets free, he Bible says is whom the son sets free, he Bible says is whom the son sets free, he or she is free indeed. And if Jesus says or she is free indeed. And if Jesus says or she is free indeed. And if Jesus says you are free, then by the grace of God, you are free, then by the grace of God, you are free, then by the grace of God, you need to walk forward and live like you need to walk forward and live like you need to walk forward and live like you are free. [applause] you are free. [applause] you are free. [applause] Which is why Paul says we strain forward Which is why Paul says we strain forward Which is why Paul says we strain forward to what lies ahead. So that's the second to what lies ahead. So that's the second to what lies ahead. So that's the second thing we do. We don't just focus by thing we do. We don't just focus by thing we do. We don't just focus by leaving what's behind. We focus by leaving what's behind. We focus by leaving what's behind. We focus by leaning forward to what is ahead.

leaning forward to what is ahead. leaning forward to what is ahead. And y'all, what's ahead for the And y'all, what's ahead for the And y'all, what's ahead for the Christian? [snorts] It it's not just a Christian? [snorts] It it's not just a Christian? [snorts] It it's not just a slightly better, slightly upgraded slightly better, slightly upgraded slightly better, slightly upgraded version of this life with like, you version of this life with like, you version of this life with like, you know, a little less stress and a little know, a little less stress and a little know, a little less stress and a little more emotional balance and health. It's more emotional balance and health. It's more emotional balance and health. It's not just streets of gold and fluffy not just streets of gold and fluffy not just streets of gold and fluffy clouds and angels playing harps and clouds and angels playing harps and clouds and angels playing harps and unlimited free Chick-fil-A. That'd be unlimited free Chick-fil-A. That'd be unlimited free Chick-fil-A. That'd be awesome. And like hopefully it's not awesome. And like hopefully it's not awesome. And like hopefully it's not less than that, but it's so much more. less than that, but it's so much more. less than that, but it's so much more. No, what lies ahead for the believer is No, what lies ahead for the believer is No, what lies ahead for the believer is that we get to see Jesus face to face. that we get to see Jesus face to face. that we get to see Jesus face to face. It's the day our faith becomes sight. It's the day our faith becomes sight. It's the day our faith becomes sight. The day when that sin that you hate is The day when that sin that you hate is The day when that sin that you hate is finally gone. When that disease that finally gone. When that disease that finally gone. When that disease that holds sway over your body is no more. holds sway over your body is no more. holds sway over your body is no more. When that anxiety is no longer When that anxiety is no longer When that anxiety is no longer crippling. No more lust twisting your crippling. No more lust twisting your crippling. No more lust twisting your desires. No more bitterness replaying desires. No more bitterness replaying desires. No more bitterness replaying old wounds. No more fractured old wounds. No more fractured old wounds. No more fractured relationship. No more divided heart that relationship. No more divided heart that relationship. No more divided heart that wants Jesus but also desperately wants wants Jesus but also desperately wants wants Jesus but also desperately wants the things of this world. the things of this world. the things of this world. What's ahead for us is that we get to What's ahead for us is that we get to What's ahead for us is that we get to see Christ and we get to become like see Christ and we get to become like see Christ and we get to become like him. That our lowly bodies, our sin him. That our lowly bodies, our sin him. That our lowly bodies, our sin infected bodies from the inside out will infected bodies from the inside out will infected bodies from the inside out will be transformed to be like his glorious be transformed to be like his glorious be transformed to be like his glorious body. Y'all, that's what's ahead for us.

body. Y'all, that's what's ahead for us. body. Y'all, that's what's ahead for us. And so what Paul says is he says, "I'm And so what Paul says is he says, "I'm And so what Paul says is he says, "I'm leaning toward that day. I'm straining leaning toward that day. I'm straining leaning toward that day. I'm straining toward that future and I'm not there toward that future and I'm not there toward that future and I'm not there yet." He says, "But I can see the finish yet." He says, "But I can see the finish yet." He says, "But I can see the finish line." And so verse 14, he says, "So I line." And so verse 14, he says, "So I line." And so verse 14, he says, "So I press on toward the goal for the prize." press on toward the goal for the prize." press on toward the goal for the prize." Here it is of the upward call of God in Here it is of the upward call of God in Here it is of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Y'all, we don't just leave Christ Jesus. Y'all, we don't just leave Christ Jesus. Y'all, we don't just leave what's behind. We don't just lean toward what's behind. We don't just lean toward what's behind. We don't just lean toward what's ahead. No, we focus by living for what's ahead. No, we focus by living for what's ahead. No, we focus by living for what is eternal. what is eternal. what is eternal. The goal for the prize. Again, when Paul The goal for the prize. Again, when Paul The goal for the prize. Again, when Paul uses that phrase, the church at Philippi uses that phrase, the church at Philippi uses that phrase, the church at Philippi would have conjured up again the Olympic would have conjured up again the Olympic would have conjured up again the Olympic Games back to their mind. And in the Games back to their mind. And in the Games back to their mind. And in the games, whoever won would kind of ascend games, whoever won would kind of ascend games, whoever won would kind of ascend the steps. They'd stand before the the steps. They'd stand before the the steps. They'd stand before the judge, and the judge would pronounce judge, and the judge would pronounce judge, and the judge would pronounce that person's name, their father's name, that person's name, their father's name, that person's name, their father's name, their country, and then they would place their country, and then they would place their country, and then they would place a wreath on their head. And Paul says, a wreath on their head. And Paul says, a wreath on their head. And Paul says, "Man, that's how I want to live. I want "Man, that's how I want to live. I want "Man, that's how I want to live. I want to run toward the day. And I want to run to run toward the day. And I want to run to run toward the day. And I want to run in a way that the day I stand before the in a way that the day I stand before the in a way that the day I stand before the true judge, when I stand before the true judge, when I stand before the true judge, when I stand before the eternal king, I want to receive the eternal king, I want to receive the eternal king, I want to receive the prize." And the prize is not just prize." And the prize is not just prize." And the prize is not just heaven. Again, the prize is Christ. It's heaven. Again, the prize is Christ. It's heaven. Again, the prize is Christ. It's seeing him and knowing him and becoming seeing him and knowing him and becoming seeing him and knowing him and becoming like him. Everything we just talked like him. Everything we just talked like him. Everything we just talked about and that's where Paul is headed.

about and that's where Paul is headed. about and that's where Paul is headed. That's his finish line. And what he's That's his finish line. And what he's That's his finish line. And what he's telling us is that kind of future should telling us is that kind of future should telling us is that kind of future should give us focus and direction for how we give us focus and direction for how we give us focus and direction for how we participate today. participate today. participate today. And so, Ken, really practically tomorrow And so, Ken, really practically tomorrow And so, Ken, really practically tomorrow morning, here's what I want you to do. I morning, here's what I want you to do. I morning, here's what I want you to do. I want you to ask yourself three want you to ask yourself three want you to ask yourself three questions. Question number one, what do questions. Question number one, what do questions. Question number one, what do I need to leave behind that Jesus has I need to leave behind that Jesus has I need to leave behind that Jesus has already buried? already buried? already buried? And maybe for you it's some failure or a And maybe for you it's some failure or a And maybe for you it's some failure or a shame or a regret or a resentment or an shame or a regret or a resentment or an shame or a regret or a resentment or an old identity old identity old identity or maybe for you it's like the Apostle or maybe for you it's like the Apostle or maybe for you it's like the Apostle Paul. Maybe it's some sense of Paul. Maybe it's some sense of Paul. Maybe it's some sense of achievement or success. achievement or success. achievement or success. I mean, what do you need to leave I mean, what do you need to leave I mean, what do you need to leave behind? And then question number two, behind? And then question number two, behind? And then question number two, what do I need to lean toward that Jesus what do I need to lean toward that Jesus what do I need to lean toward that Jesus is calling me into? is calling me into? is calling me into? Is there something you need to confess Is there something you need to confess Is there something you need to confess or is there an area of obedience or or is there an area of obedience or or is there an area of obedience or forgiveness or reconciliation or forgiveness or reconciliation or forgiveness or reconciliation or repentance? repentance? repentance? And then question number three, what's And then question number three, what's And then question number three, what's one thing I can do today that will still one thing I can do today that will still one thing I can do today that will still matter in eternity? One thing, not 12 matter in eternity? One thing, not 12 matter in eternity? One thing, not 12 things. Paul says, but one thing.

things. Paul says, but one thing. things. Paul says, but one thing. Maybe it's just you spend time praying. Maybe it's just you spend time praying. Maybe it's just you spend time praying. Maybe it's open your Bible. Maybe it's Maybe it's open your Bible. Maybe it's Maybe it's open your Bible. Maybe it's your choosing sexual purity for the next your choosing sexual purity for the next your choosing sexual purity for the next 24 hours. 24 hours. 24 hours. Maybe it's generosity. Maybe it's Maybe it's generosity. Maybe it's Maybe it's generosity. Maybe it's evangelism. You need to finally go share evangelism. You need to finally go share evangelism. You need to finally go share Jesus with that person that he's put in Jesus with that person that he's put in Jesus with that person that he's put in your heart. What's one thing you can do your heart. What's one thing you can do your heart. What's one thing you can do today that will still matter in today that will still matter in today that will still matter in eternity. So that's the second way we eternity. So that's the second way we eternity. So that's the second way we grow up. Here's the third way we grow grow up. Here's the third way we grow grow up. Here's the third way we grow up, man. We got to choose carefully who up, man. We got to choose carefully who up, man. We got to choose carefully who we follow. You want to grow up, you want we follow. You want to grow up, you want we follow. You want to grow up, you want to mature in Christ, you got to choose to mature in Christ, you got to choose to mature in Christ, you got to choose carefully who you follow. Verses 15 and carefully who you follow. Verses 15 and carefully who you follow. Verses 15 and 16, Paul says, "Let those of us who are 16, Paul says, "Let those of us who are 16, Paul says, "Let those of us who are mature think this way." Verse 16, join mature think this way." Verse 16, join mature think this way." Verse 16, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on in imitating me and keep your eyes on in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example those who walk according to the example those who walk according to the example you have in us. Here's why he says this. you have in us. Here's why he says this. you have in us. Here's why he says this. You know, the Bible's timeless. He says You know, the Bible's timeless. He says You know, the Bible's timeless. He says this because one of the biggest lies of this because one of the biggest lies of this because one of the biggest lies of his age and of our age is that you and I his age and of our age is that you and I his age and of our age is that you and I can observe things without actually can observe things without actually can observe things without actually being affected by them. A few years ago, being affected by them. A few years ago, being affected by them. A few years ago, I read this article. It was right out of I read this article. It was right out of I read this article. It was right out of CO. So, this article was in 2021, and it CO. So, this article was in 2021, and it CO. So, this article was in 2021, and it was fascinating cuz what was happening was fascinating cuz what was happening was fascinating cuz what was happening is a whole bunch of American parents is a whole bunch of American parents is a whole bunch of American parents started realizing that their kids were started realizing that their kids were started realizing that their kids were starting to speak with like English starting to speak with like English starting to speak with like English accents, like British accents. And so, accents, like British accents. And so, accents, like British accents. And so, like they'd stop to get gas and they like they'd stop to get gas and they like they'd stop to get gas and they kids would be like, "Mommy, why are we kids would be like, "Mommy, why are we kids would be like, "Mommy, why are we getting pro?" And they're like, "I don't getting pro?" And they're like, "I don't getting pro?" And they're like, "I don't like instead of tomato, they're like to like instead of tomato, they're like to like instead of tomato, they're like to like mommy, let's give it a go." And like mommy, let's give it a go." And like mommy, let's give it a go." And like it was so weird. Um, and these like it was so weird. Um, and these like it was so weird. Um, and these parents were just baffled. They they parents were just baffled. They they parents were just baffled. They they they had no idea why this was happening.

they had no idea why this was happening. they had no idea why this was happening. Well, what they realized out of COVID, Well, what they realized out of COVID, Well, what they realized out of COVID, right? So the TV became a lot of our right? So the TV became a lot of our right? So the TV became a lot of our babysitters. What they realized is that babysitters. What they realized is that babysitters. What they realized is that their kids had been watching too much their kids had been watching too much their kids had been watching too much Peppa the Pig. So these kids started Peppa the Pig. So these kids started Peppa the Pig. So these kids started talking like Peppa. You see, they were talking like Peppa. You see, they were talking like Peppa. You see, they were just exposed to it over and over until just exposed to it over and over until just exposed to it over and over until it actually began shaping how they it actually began shaping how they it actually began shaping how they talked to the point that they started talked to the point that they started talked to the point that they started calling it the Peppa effect. See, what calling it the Peppa effect. See, what calling it the Peppa effect. See, what Paul is showing us is that you and I Paul is showing us is that you and I Paul is showing us is that you and I don't have to choose something don't have to choose something don't have to choose something consciously in order for it to shape us consciously in order for it to shape us consciously in order for it to shape us deeply. We say this all the time. What deeply. We say this all the time. What deeply. We say this all the time. What you behold, you eventually become. What you behold, you eventually become. What you behold, you eventually become. What you watch and who you follow and what you watch and who you follow and what you watch and who you follow and what you listen to, those things are not you listen to, those things are not you listen to, those things are not neutral. Those are all things that are neutral. Those are all things that are neutral. Those are all things that are windows into the type of person you are windows into the type of person you are windows into the type of person you are becoming. And so what we try to do, we becoming. And so what we try to do, we becoming. And so what we try to do, we try to fool ourselves by saying things try to fool ourselves by saying things try to fool ourselves by saying things like, "Well, no, no, no, I'm not like, "Well, no, no, no, I'm not like, "Well, no, no, no, I'm not becoming I don't actually do that. Like, becoming I don't actually do that. Like, becoming I don't actually do that. Like, I'm just listening or I'm just watching I'm just listening or I'm just watching I'm just listening or I'm just watching or I'm just hanging out. I'm just or I'm just hanging out. I'm just or I'm just hanging out. I'm just scrolling. I'm not actually scrolling. I'm not actually scrolling. I'm not actually participating in that." But the reality participating in that." But the reality participating in that." But the reality is as you are doing that you are being is as you are doing that you are being is as you are doing that you are being formed. You you don't have to call formed. You you don't have to call formed. You you don't have to call someone or something your mentor in someone or something your mentor in someone or something your mentor in order for them to form you. You got to order for them to form you. You got to order for them to form you. You got to know your algorithm is forming you. The know your algorithm is forming you. The know your algorithm is forming you. The friends you choose are forming you. Your friends you choose are forming you. Your friends you choose are forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your favorite podcast is forming you. Your appetites are forming you. The things appetites are forming you. The things appetites are forming you. The things you spend money on are forming you. The you spend money on are forming you. The you spend money on are forming you. The question is not am I being formed. The question is not am I being formed. The question is not am I being formed. The question is who and what is forming me?

question is who and what is forming me? question is who and what is forming me? because formation is happening all the because formation is happening all the because formation is happening all the time. time. time. So the question you should be asking So the question you should be asking So the question you should be asking yourself is who am I becoming without yourself is who am I becoming without yourself is who am I becoming without even realizing it. even realizing it. even realizing it. That's why Paul says that we got to That's why Paul says that we got to That's why Paul says that we got to choose our examples carefully. Again, choose our examples carefully. Again, choose our examples carefully. Again, you got to realize that nobody you you got to realize that nobody you you got to realize that nobody you follow is neutral. Man, every single follow is neutral. Man, every single follow is neutral. Man, every single person you follow is preaching a version person you follow is preaching a version person you follow is preaching a version of what to love and what to chase and of what to love and what to chase and of what to love and what to chase and what your heart should desire and what what your heart should desire and what what your heart should desire and what you should envy and what should be you should envy and what should be you should envy and what should be normal in your life. Every single person normal in your life. Every single person normal in your life. Every single person you follow is teaching you a version of you follow is teaching you a version of you follow is teaching you a version of what they consider to be the good life. what they consider to be the good life. what they consider to be the good life. And they're trying to say the good life And they're trying to say the good life And they're trying to say the good life can be found right here in this world. can be found right here in this world. can be found right here in this world. So these are the things you need to So these are the things you need to So these are the things you need to participated in. These are the things participated in. These are the things participated in. These are the things you need to accumulate. you need to accumulate. you need to accumulate. This is fascinating. I I listened to This is fascinating. I I listened to This is fascinating. I I listened to this interview recently. Um I become this interview recently. Um I become this interview recently. Um I become like obsessed with all things by Arthur like obsessed with all things by Arthur like obsessed with all things by Arthur Brooks, the sociologist. Just think he's Brooks, the sociologist. Just think he's Brooks, the sociologist. Just think he's brilliant. And it was fascinating brilliant. And it was fascinating brilliant. And it was fascinating because Arthur Brooks was essentially uh because Arthur Brooks was essentially uh because Arthur Brooks was essentially uh talking about why happiness levels in talking about why happiness levels in talking about why happiness levels in the United States have continued to just the United States have continued to just the United States have continued to just decrease year-over-year, decrease, decrease year-over-year, decrease, decrease year-over-year, decrease, decrease, decrease even though comfort decrease, decrease even though comfort decrease, decrease even though comfort and options and accessibility in and options and accessibility in and options and accessibility in entertainment continues to increase. So, entertainment continues to increase. So, entertainment continues to increase. So, so the things that this world would say so the things that this world would say so the things that this world would say get these things and they'll provide you get these things and they'll provide you get these things and they'll provide you happiness. He says the more we have of happiness. He says the more we have of happiness. He says the more we have of those available to us actually what the those available to us actually what the those available to us actually what the data shows is that happiness levels have data shows is that happiness levels have data shows is that happiness levels have decreased. And he summarized his decreased. And he summarized his decreased. And he summarized his findings by saying that the reason he findings by saying that the reason he findings by saying that the reason he thinks people are not happy is because thinks people are not happy is because thinks people are not happy is because they are living according to these are they are living according to these are they are living according to these are his words a dark and worldly formula. He

his words a dark and worldly formula. He his words a dark and worldly formula. He calls it the dark triad. He he said in calls it the dark triad. He he said in calls it the dark triad. He he said in the dark worldly formula, what we're the dark worldly formula, what we're the dark worldly formula, what we're told to do is to love things, told to do is to love things, told to do is to love things, use people, and worship ourselves. use people, and worship ourselves. use people, and worship ourselves. Y'all tell me that's not Philippians Y'all tell me that's not Philippians Y'all tell me that's not Philippians 3:19. God is their belly, glory is their 3:19. God is their belly, glory is their 3:19. God is their belly, glory is their shame, mindset on earthly things. The shame, mindset on earthly things. The shame, mindset on earthly things. The the dark triad is, man, you want to be the dark triad is, man, you want to be the dark triad is, man, you want to be happy, accumulate as many things as you happy, accumulate as many things as you happy, accumulate as many things as you can, man. Just love things. Use people can, man. Just love things. Use people can, man. Just love things. Use people so they can, you know, get you can get so they can, you know, get you can get so they can, you know, get you can get as far along in life as you can. Just as far along in life as you can. Just as far along in life as you can. Just use people. And then you just got to use people. And then you just got to use people. And then you just got to worship yourself. Be the true you. Like worship yourself. Be the true you. Like worship yourself. Be the true you. Like it's all about you. But man, it's not it's all about you. But man, it's not it's all about you. But man, it's not working. And so Brooks goes on to working. And so Brooks goes on to working. And so Brooks goes on to explain that he says we will only find explain that he says we will only find explain that he says we will only find joy actually when we reverse that joy actually when we reverse that joy actually when we reverse that formula into what he calls the light formula into what he calls the light formula into what he calls the light formula. And in the light formula, he formula. And in the light formula, he formula. And in the light formula, he said we are to use things, love people, said we are to use things, love people, said we are to use things, love people, and worship. His words, the divine. Like and worship. His words, the divine. Like and worship. His words, the divine. Like man, we're we're to use things like man, we're we're to use things like man, we're we're to use things like enjoy things. God is the giver of all enjoy things. God is the giver of all enjoy things. God is the giver of all good gifts. Yesterday, I hope you good gifts. Yesterday, I hope you good gifts. Yesterday, I hope you enjoyed a fat steak. I hope you enjoyed enjoyed a fat steak. I hope you enjoyed enjoyed a fat steak. I hope you enjoyed the pool. I hope you enjoyed like what the pool. I hope you enjoyed like what the pool. I hope you enjoyed like what your boat like whatever. Like use your boat like whatever. Like use your boat like whatever. Like use things. Things are awesome as long as things. Things are awesome as long as things. Things are awesome as long as they don't use us. But we use things. We they don't use us. But we use things. We they don't use us. But we use things. We love people. Love one another. Love one love people. Love one another. Love one love people. Love one another. Love one another. Love one another. And then we another. Love one another. And then we another. Love one another. And then we worship God. Y'all tell me that is not worship God. Y'all tell me that is not worship God. Y'all tell me that is not the way of Christ. Use things. Love the way of Christ. Use things. Love the way of Christ. Use things. Love people. Worship God. But the problem is people. Worship God. But the problem is people. Worship God. But the problem is that way of life is not natural to us.

that way of life is not natural to us. that way of life is not natural to us. And that's definitely the formula, not And that's definitely the formula, not And that's definitely the formula, not the formula that the world tries to tell the formula that the world tries to tell the formula that the world tries to tell us is going to bring us joy. No. So what us is going to bring us joy. No. So what us is going to bring us joy. No. So what Paul is saying is, hey, this Christlike Paul is saying is, hey, this Christlike Paul is saying is, hey, this Christlike model has to actually be modeled. You model has to actually be modeled. You model has to actually be modeled. You got to see somebody that's living it got to see somebody that's living it got to see somebody that's living it out. It has to be learned. And so he out. It has to be learned. And so he out. It has to be learned. And so he says, you got to keep your eyes on those says, you got to keep your eyes on those says, you got to keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you who walk according to the example you who walk according to the example you have in us. In other words, the question have in us. In other words, the question have in us. In other words, the question you should be asking is not simply, do I you should be asking is not simply, do I you should be asking is not simply, do I like this person, but do I want to like this person, but do I want to like this person, but do I want to become like this person? become like this person? become like this person? What am I intaking and what is it What am I intaking and what is it What am I intaking and what is it forming me into? And so again, this week forming me into? And so again, this week forming me into? And so again, this week I want you to audit kind of three I want you to audit kind of three I want you to audit kind of three things. Okay? Number one, I want you to things. Okay? Number one, I want you to things. Okay? Number one, I want you to audit who has my ear. audit who has my ear. audit who has my ear. Like who am I listening to that's Like who am I listening to that's Like who am I listening to that's influencing my thinking, my mind? influencing my thinking, my mind? influencing my thinking, my mind? Number two, who has my eyes? Number two, who has my eyes? Number two, who has my eyes? Who am I watching and admiring that is Who am I watching and admiring that is Who am I watching and admiring that is actually influencing my desires? actually influencing my desires? actually influencing my desires? Who am I looking at on Instagram and I'm Who am I looking at on Instagram and I'm Who am I looking at on Instagram and I'm saying, "Man, I want that life." And saying, "Man, I want that life." And saying, "Man, I want that life." And then you're trying to attain it. And then you're trying to attain it. And then you're trying to attain it. And then lastly, who has my calendar?

then lastly, who has my calendar? then lastly, who has my calendar? Am I prioritizing godly examples or am I Am I prioritizing godly examples or am I Am I prioritizing godly examples or am I prioritizing worldly ones? prioritizing worldly ones? prioritizing worldly ones? Because see, whoever has your ear, Because see, whoever has your ear, Because see, whoever has your ear, whoever has your eyes, and whoever has whoever has your eyes, and whoever has whoever has your eyes, and whoever has your calendar, probably has the future your calendar, probably has the future your calendar, probably has the future version of you. version of you. version of you. Growing up, maturing in Christ means Growing up, maturing in Christ means Growing up, maturing in Christ means choosing examples of things and people choosing examples of things and people choosing examples of things and people that are forming you into the type of that are forming you into the type of that are forming you into the type of person that you want to become in person that you want to become in person that you want to become in Christ. So, that's the third thing. And Christ. So, that's the third thing. And Christ. So, that's the third thing. And then here's our last way we grow up. then here's our last way we grow up. then here's our last way we grow up. Number four is you and I got to learn to Number four is you and I got to learn to Number four is you and I got to learn to wait for the right savior. wait for the right savior. wait for the right savior. And Paul ends this, I love it because he And Paul ends this, I love it because he And Paul ends this, I love it because he says, "You want to grow up, there's says, "You want to grow up, there's says, "You want to grow up, there's actually nothing you need to do except actually nothing you need to do except actually nothing you need to do except for wait for the right savior." [snorts] for wait for the right savior." [snorts] for wait for the right savior." [snorts] And man, what I I love that he ends this And man, what I I love that he ends this And man, what I I love that he ends this because, man, this weekend our country because, man, this weekend our country because, man, this weekend our country celebrated his 250th birthday. And celebrated his 250th birthday. And celebrated his 250th birthday. And listen, I hope you went all out, y'all. listen, I hope you went all out, y'all. listen, I hope you went all out, y'all. Like Like I got the bald eagle hat. I Like Like I got the bald eagle hat. I Like Like I got the bald eagle hat. I got the America shirt. I got these cut got the America shirt. I got these cut got the America shirt. I got these cut off jean shorts that my wife off jean shorts that my wife off jean shorts that my wife simultaneously hates and loves. Um and simultaneously hates and loves. Um and simultaneously hates and loves. Um and man, I go after those things and I'm man, I go after those things and I'm man, I go after those things and I'm pumping the music like God bless you. pumping the music like God bless you. pumping the music like God bless you. like we are going crazy for this because like we are going crazy for this because like we are going crazy for this because man there are a lot of things you and I man there are a lot of things you and I man there are a lot of things you and I have to be grateful for. We have have to be grateful for. We have have to be grateful for. We have freedoms and opportunities and freedoms and opportunities and freedoms and opportunities and protections and blessings that much of protections and blessings that much of protections and blessings that much of the modern world has never known. And we the modern world has never known. And we the modern world has never known. And we should be beyond thankful for that. And should be beyond thankful for that. And should be beyond thankful for that. And we should celebrate it. Like we can we should celebrate it. Like we can we should celebrate it. Like we can build businesses and raise our kids and build businesses and raise our kids and build businesses and raise our kids and speak freely and vote according to our speak freely and vote according to our speak freely and vote according to our conscience. We can gather. I mean this conscience. We can gather. I mean this conscience. We can gather. I mean this morning like we can gather together. I morning like we can gather together. I morning like we can gather together. I can open this book. I can stand on top can open this book. I can stand on top can open this book. I can stand on top of this building and shout the name of of this building and shout the name of of this building and shout the name of Jesus without fear. And I hope you Jesus without fear. And I hope you Jesus without fear. And I hope you realize that those freedoms are rare and realize that those freedoms are rare and realize that those freedoms are rare and those freedoms have been purchased at a those freedoms have been purchased at a those freedoms have been purchased at a tremendous price.

tremendous price. tremendous price. Yet, Yet, Yet, even with all that we have to be even with all that we have to be even with all that we have to be grateful for in this amazing country, grateful for in this amazing country, grateful for in this amazing country, and you should be grateful, Philippians and you should be grateful, Philippians and you should be grateful, Philippians chapter 3 reminds us that America is not chapter 3 reminds us that America is not chapter 3 reminds us that America is not our ultimate home. our ultimate home. our ultimate home. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven. The Bible does not end with stars and The Bible does not end with stars and The Bible does not end with stars and stripes. It ends with every tribe and stripes. It ends with every tribe and stripes. It ends with every tribe and tongue and nation gathered around the tongue and nation gathered around the tongue and nation gathered around the throne of the lamb. And so Paul says in throne of the lamb. And so Paul says in throne of the lamb. And so Paul says in verse 20, man, our citizenship is in verse 20, man, our citizenship is in verse 20, man, our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await our savior, heaven and from it we await our savior, heaven and from it we await our savior, the lord Jesus Christ. And so you got to the lord Jesus Christ. And so you got to the lord Jesus Christ. And so you got to understand the context here because in understand the context here because in understand the context here because in Rome again who Philippi belonged to, Rome again who Philippi belonged to, Rome again who Philippi belonged to, Caesar was the one who everybody called Caesar was the one who everybody called Caesar was the one who everybody called savior. Caesar was the one who everybody savior. Caesar was the one who everybody savior. Caesar was the one who everybody called lord. Caesar was the one who they called lord. Caesar was the one who they called lord. Caesar was the one who they thought was going to bring them peace thought was going to bring them peace thought was going to bring them peace and protection and joy and identity and and protection and joy and identity and and protection and joy and identity and security. And what Paul is saying is no, security. And what Paul is saying is no, security. And what Paul is saying is no, no, no, no, no. Your savior is not Rome. no, no, no, no. Your savior is not Rome. no, no, no, no. Your savior is not Rome. Your savior is not Caesar. Your savior Your savior is not Caesar. Your savior Your savior is not Caesar. Your savior does not come from any earthly empire or does not come from any earthly empire or does not come from any earthly empire or earthly thing because this world can earthly thing because this world can earthly thing because this world can only offer up saviors who in the end are only offer up saviors who in the end are only offer up saviors who in the end are going to end up needing saving. At best, going to end up needing saving. At best, going to end up needing saving. At best, this world cannot offer you any this world cannot offer you any this world cannot offer you any political savior or any career savior or political savior or any career savior or political savior or any career savior or any earthly relationship savior or any any earthly relationship savior or any any earthly relationship savior or any body image savior or any comfort savior.

body image savior or any comfort savior. body image savior or any comfort savior. But every earthly savior eventually But every earthly savior eventually But every earthly savior eventually collapses under the weight of what only collapses under the weight of what only collapses under the weight of what only Jesus can carry. And so if your hope Jesus can carry. And so if your hope Jesus can carry. And so if your hope rises or falls with elections or markets rises or falls with elections or markets rises or falls with elections or markets or a scale or your kid's success or your or a scale or your kid's success or your or a scale or your kid's success or your reputation, then what Paul is saying is reputation, then what Paul is saying is reputation, then what Paul is saying is that functionally you are waiting on and that functionally you are waiting on and that functionally you are waiting on and worshiping the wrong savior and one day worshiping the wrong savior and one day worshiping the wrong savior and one day that savior will crumble. No, as that savior will crumble. No, as that savior will crumble. No, as Christians, he says, as those who are Christians, he says, as those who are Christians, he says, as those who are heavenly citizens, he says, "We await a heavenly citizens, he says, "We await a heavenly citizens, he says, "We await a savior." And then he names him, I love savior." And then he names him, I love savior." And then he names him, I love it, the Lord Jesus Christ. And y'all, it, the Lord Jesus Christ. And y'all, it, the Lord Jesus Christ. And y'all, the Lord Jesus Christ is not fragile. He the Lord Jesus Christ is not fragile. He the Lord Jesus Christ is not fragile. He is not temporary. He is not corruptible. is not temporary. He is not corruptible. is not temporary. He is not corruptible. He is not limited. And y'all, he ain't He is not limited. And y'all, he ain't He is not limited. And y'all, he ain't up for reelection. No army can come up for reelection. No army can come up for reelection. No army can come against him. No election can dethrone against him. No election can dethrone against him. No election can dethrone him. No government can overrule him. No him. No government can overrule him. No him. No government can overrule him. No market can bankrupt him. No disease can market can bankrupt him. No disease can market can bankrupt him. No disease can outlast him. No demon can overpower him.

outlast him. No demon can overpower him. outlast him. No demon can overpower him. And it just keeps getting better. No And it just keeps getting better. No And it just keeps getting better. No weakness can exhaust him. No sin can weakness can exhaust him. No sin can weakness can exhaust him. No sin can surprise him. No sorrow can intimidate surprise him. No sorrow can intimidate surprise him. No sorrow can intimidate him. And ain't no enemy can stop him. him. And ain't no enemy can stop him. him. And ain't no enemy can stop him. Not even death. He is not pacing heaven Not even death. He is not pacing heaven Not even death. He is not pacing heaven worried about the future or his approval worried about the future or his approval worried about the future or his approval ratings or how the vote is going to turn ratings or how the vote is going to turn ratings or how the vote is going to turn out. know right now he is the risen, out. know right now he is the risen, out. know right now he is the risen, reigning, ruling and one day to be reigning, ruling and one day to be reigning, ruling and one day to be returning king. And that is the king we returning king. And that is the king we returning king. And that is the king we wait on. [applause] wait on. [applause] wait on. [applause] [music] See, Paul says this heavenly savior is See, Paul says this heavenly savior is coming. coming. coming. And when he does, verse 21, he's going And when he does, verse 21, he's going And when he does, verse 21, he's going to transform our lowly bodies to transform our lowly bodies to transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. to be like his glorious body. to be like his glorious body. And he's going to do it by the power And he's going to do it by the power And he's going to do it by the power that enables him even to subject all that enables him even to subject all that enables him even to subject all things to himself. things to himself. things to himself. See what he's saying? See what he's saying? See what he's saying? He's saying the same power that brings He's saying the same power that brings He's saying the same power that brings end every enemy under the feet of Jesus end every enemy under the feet of Jesus end every enemy under the feet of Jesus is the same power that he's going to use is the same power that he's going to use is the same power that he's going to use to one day make you whole.

to one day make you whole. to one day make you whole. That means you and I, as he writes, we That means you and I, as he writes, we That means you and I, as he writes, we can stand firm now knowing that no can stand firm now knowing that no can stand firm now knowing that no earthly weakness gets the final word in earthly weakness gets the final word in earthly weakness gets the final word in our lives. our lives. our lives. Your aging body does not get the final Your aging body does not get the final Your aging body does not get the final word. word. word. Your cancer does not get the final word. Your cancer does not get the final word. Your cancer does not get the final word. Your grief does not get the final word. Your grief does not get the final word. Your grief does not get the final word. Your body is not always going to be this Your body is not always going to be this Your body is not always going to be this weak. Your temptations are not always weak. Your temptations are not always weak. Your temptations are not always going to be this strong. Your anxiety is going to be this strong. Your anxiety is going to be this strong. Your anxiety is not always going to be this viscerable. not always going to be this viscerable. not always going to be this viscerable. That heartbreak will not last forever That heartbreak will not last forever That heartbreak will not last forever because your savior is coming. And he's because your savior is coming. And he's because your savior is coming. And he's not just coming to kind of manage the not just coming to kind of manage the not just coming to kind of manage the decay of what is and smack some paint on decay of what is and smack some paint on decay of what is and smack some paint on the walls and make it look better. No, the walls and make it look better. No, the walls and make it look better. No, he's coming to transform it all and to he's coming to transform it all and to he's coming to transform it all and to make all things new. And the point Paul make all things new. And the point Paul make all things new. And the point Paul is making is that if he can hold the is making is that if he can hold the is making is that if he can hold the entire universe together, then surely he entire universe together, then surely he entire universe together, then surely he can hold you together until the day that can hold you together until the day that can hold you together until the day that he comes he comes he comes family. That's the good life. family. That's the good life. family. That's the good life. The good life is not pretending you're The good life is not pretending you're The good life is not pretending you're perfect. perfect. perfect. It's not feeding the flesh, calling it It's not feeding the flesh, calling it It's not feeding the flesh, calling it some type of freedom. It's not steer some type of freedom. It's not steer some type of freedom. It's not steer star staring in the rearview mirror just star staring in the rearview mirror just star staring in the rearview mirror just ruminating on all the things that have ruminating on all the things that have ruminating on all the things that have happened in your life. It's not being happened in your life. It's not being happened in your life. It's not being formed by all the ways that the world formed by all the ways that the world formed by all the ways that the world tells you to find joy and peace.

tells you to find joy and peace. tells you to find joy and peace. It's not waiting for some earthly savior It's not waiting for some earthly savior It's not waiting for some earthly savior that's going to come make your life that's going to come make your life that's going to come make your life whole. whole. whole. It's living now like heaven is your It's living now like heaven is your It's living now like heaven is your home. home. home. Not earth, not even America. Not earth, not even America. Not earth, not even America. Now, the good life is pursuing Jesus Now, the good life is pursuing Jesus Now, the good life is pursuing Jesus here [music] until we get to see him and here [music] until we get to see him and here [music] until we get to see him and become like him there. become like him there. become like him there. For now, we got to start growing up. For now, we got to start growing up. For now, we got to start growing up. That happens as we tell the truth about That happens as we tell the truth about That happens as we tell the truth about where we are, as we set our eyes on where we are, as we set our eyes on where we are, as we set our eyes on where we're going, as we choose where we're going, as we choose where we're going, as we choose carefully [music] who we follow, and as carefully [music] who we follow, and as carefully [music] who we follow, and as we stand firm as we await on our savior. we stand firm as we await on our savior. we stand firm as we await on our savior. And until that day, church, by grace, we And until that day, church, by grace, we And until that day, church, by grace, we press on. And so, Father God, I thank press on. And so, Father God, I thank press on. And so, Father God, I thank you for the blood of Jesus. I thank you you for the blood of Jesus. I thank you you for the blood of Jesus. I thank you that because of it, we are no longer that because of it, we are no longer that because of it, we are no longer strangers of God, [music] but we are strangers of God, [music] but we are strangers of God, [music] but we are citizens of heaven. citizens of heaven. citizens of heaven. Father, I pray that you would remind all Father, I pray that you would remind all Father, I pray that you would remind all of us that this world is not our of us that this world is not our of us that this world is not our permanent home. Would you give us the permanent home. Would you give us the permanent home. Would you give us the faith to look forward to our heavenly faith to look forward to our heavenly faith to look forward to our heavenly home that is to come and live according home that is to come and live according home that is to come and live according to those values? But for now, we press to those values? But for now, we press to those values? But for now, we press on. We await our savior. And it's in his on. We await our savior. And it's in his on. We await our savior. And it's in his precious [music] and holy name we pray.

precious [music] and holy name we pray. precious [music] and holy name we pray. Amen. And amen.