Reaching Forward To What Is Ahead Philippians 3

Reaching Forward To What Is Ahead Philippians 3: 12 -16

Past, Present, and Future Past Present Future Challenge: To think rightly about all three

Strong Language Philippians 3: 13 -- Reaching Forward Straining every nerve for that which lies in front –TCNT Stretching out to the things that are before – BBE Straining forward to what lies ahead – ESV Struggling for what is ahead – CEV All showing a vigorous pursuit

Reaching for the “End” 1 Peter 1: 9 Telos (end) the point aimed at as a limit, i. e. the conclusion of an act or state The Christian doesn’t dread death anymore than a runner dreads the finish line

Passages Utilizing “Telos” ²Romans 6: 22 ²Hebrews 3: 6 ²Hebrews 3: 14 ² 1 Peter 4: 7 ²Revelation 2: 26 All emphasize “reaching forward”

Healthy Attitude Toward The Future ²The next step is the most important ²The best is yet to come (Rom. 8: 18) ²Heaven is worth whatever it takes (Phil. 3: 7 -11)

Let’s Not Forget Today While our THINKING must be toward the future, our DOING must be done today We must be more than “dreamers”

Healthy Attitude Toward The Future ²Putting the EMPHASIS in the right place ²Adopting a basic PERSPECTIVE ²The example of Jesus (Phil. 2: 5 {in view of} Heb. 12: 2) What is ahead is the greatest!

Do We Really Believe It? To depart and be with Christ …is far better Philippians 1: 23

Where Is My Aim? ²Do I desire only God’s glory? § Philippians 1: 20 -21 ²Am I comfortable with God’s rule and righteousness? § Matthew 6: 33 ²Do I long to be with Christ, face to face? § John 14: 1 -3 ²Do I groan for heaven? § 2 Corinthians 5: 2