Ditch The Past And Develop A New Focus In Life

Bible Passage: Philippians 3:5-11

I. After Paul became a follower of Jesus Christ, he underwent a complete transformation in his life:

1. His former life was based on him and his achievements (vv. 5-6)
2. His present life is based on Christ and His achievements (vv. 7-11)
3. He de-emphasized his self-promoting heritage and personal achievements (vv. 5-6)
4. He did not place significance on things that would promote his “self” (vv7-8a)
5. Paul traded his inherited and acquired gains for life in Jesus Christ (vv. 7-8)
6. For Paul, “knowing Christ” was more valuable than the combined value of his former life (verse 8)

II. For Paul, “knowing Christ, his Lord” become the focus of his present and future life-(verses 7-14)

III. Paul seems to use the phrase “knowing Christ” broadly with five nuances

1. To respond personally in faith and obedience to God’s self-revelation (verses 7-8)
2. To continue to live with the righteousness that is imputed to him through the faithfulness of Christ (verse 9)
3. To be glorified through resurrection from the dead (verse 11)
4. To pursue (intentional pursuit) what Christ has already done for him (verse 12)
5. Therefore, he leaves behind all that hinder his progress (verses 13-14)

Take Away

Make “knowing Jesus Christ, your Lord” the new focus of your life