Knowing Christ - The Goal of Life
Most of us as Christians have missed the Life-Principles the apostle Paul was trying to impart here, pertaining to Grace and Righteousness; sharing the sufferings and Victories of Christ in part of our living; Running a Race and Devoting our energies to receiving a Glorious Prize at the end of it. And having a Prize to win - most Christians are spiritually lethargic and distracted from that.
From Philippians 3
Verse Nbs in Blue Symbol Letters in Red
Paul says in verse 4 - 6 how the righteousness (based on law) he sought to achieve with God was futile and how he accepted the Work of Christ in place of it, describing his passion and full commitment to Him throughout his days.
7 But whatever things were J gain to me, those things I have counted G as loss I for the sake of Christ. 8 K More I than that, I count all things to be loss I in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things I, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain D Christ, 9 and may be found D in Him, not having a righteousness of my K own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from J God I on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain D to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become G perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold D of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold G of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead I, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have A this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living A by that same I standard to which we have attained.
20 For our I citizenship is in Heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the Power that He has A even to subject D all things I to Himself.
Hebrew and Greek are unique languages that have certain emphasis on certain words we write and speak. This Bible Software program is different to others in this way - a wonderful blessing to the Body of Christ.
A Picture ongoing (continual, habitual, constant) action.
The context determines the precise sense of the continuing activity.
D Picture complete (holistic) action to be checked off.
G Imagine the ongoing result of the finished action.
K identifies words which are emphasised by their "strengthened
(grammatical) form"
J at the left-hand corner of a highlighted word indicates that the emphasis of
that word was determined on the basis of context as well as its position
I Lord as our great I God means He is infinitely great – not just a little!
The above paragraphs come from BIBLE DISCOVERY Software!
In verse 4-6 (not here) Paul speaks of his works of the Law and says they are in vain, it only leads to self righteousness, so we must look to Jesus instead.
Knowing Christ Verse 7-11
Reaching Forward to God’s Goal Verse 12-16
The Truth New Testament
7 I used to think all these things were to my credit, unyet now I have Christ, I realise I gained nothing from them.
8 so now I regard those things as worthless compared to the greatest privilege of all, of knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord. For His sake,
I have left everything of the past behind and have considered those things as rubbish so that I could have Christ and live in Him.
9 Seeking my own righteousness by obeying the Law was futile when compared to the righteousness I have now through faith in Christ.
This is the true righteousness that comes as a Gift from God and can only be received through faith in Christ.
10 I want to know Christ and His Resurrection Power. I am prepared to be at one with Him by sharing in His sufferings.
14 Yes I press on toward my goal, which is to lay hold of the prize God has for me when He calls me home to Heaven in unity with Christ Jesus.
16 At least, continue to live in the good of what you have already received and do not slip back.
New Jerusalem Bible
14 I am racing forward to what lies in front, I am racing toward the finishing-point to win the prize of God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus should be thinking, and if you are thinking differently in any way, then God has yet to
make this matter clear to you.
16 Meanwhile, let us go forward from that point we have each attained.
20 Our Homeland is in Heaven, and it is from there we are expecting a Savior Jesus Christ
21 who will transform this wretched body of ours, into the mould of His glorious body, through the working of the Power that He has, even to bring all things into His Mastery.
THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM PHILIPPIANS 3
It's sad to say, most people these days, are introduced to Christ without the Need for Repentance (a change of heart that takes place, when receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior) and the realisation the SALVATION that JESUS offers US is by FAITH in His GRACE, Not by WORKS of LAW. And following that DECISION - the Free Salvation He Gives Us in Response to Faith, He calls us to Live a Life of Commitment where we have a Constant DESIRE to be Like Jesus. Not religiously speaking, but having daily victory over self-desire and worldly desires, Placing more Value on JESUS and Heavenly Treasures when it comes to who and what we want the MOST.
Many Christians think or have been led to believe that Grace and Salvation mean No Strings Attached and Jesus wants me to tell you today, that there is........ HEART-STRINGS.
He desires Our Heart-Strings like a lover - no less than we would have if we were newly married.
Many marry for 'better or worse' many don't even do that these days.
The picture is of a couple who love each-other so much, they embrace each-other in Good times and moments and not-so-good times and moments........and nothing changes or diminishes their Bond of Love.......
it continues to GROW and it just becomes RICHER.
I see a Spiritual Love Story here in the heart of Paul. And JESUS wants that to be the Story of Each One of US. He Really Does! Can you See this?
Choice Privileges don't apply to wayward children, you know that?
Unyet preachers keep telling you that they do - yes, they keep telling you ways to Get Things out of God.......and.......Get Your Prayers Answered.......does that sound familiar? Well sometimes, my friend, that is False-Teaching, and it's dangerous - it can cause you to lose your PRIZE in HEAVEN and it can also cause many to lose their Eternity with Jesus. Many times, it is an 'ear tickling' deceitful doctrine
from a deceitful preacher OR at best, one who needs to get his/her heart right with God. Make no mistake about it.
Paul said "So let all who are fully mature have this same passion, and if anyone is not yet gripped by these desires, God will reveal it to them." They are not mature! Do you remember Paul's words "If anyone preaches a different gospel?" The Holy Spirit is saying to you today "don't follow that kind of teaching/preaching, no matter what kind of scriptures they use, come and let Me guide and govern your hearts. Search the Scriptures yourselves and purpose
to live them." JESUS is saying "SEEK TO KNOW ME" again. YES!
If we only love Jesus when things are good, what kind of love is that?
Truly, our love does not fluctuate with our spouse, our parents, our children, when things aren't going well, does it?
In fact, sometimes it feels even richer. That's the substance Jesus is looking for in our Love FOR HIM.
There are many preachers who appeal to THE FLESH and many who SEEM SPIRITUAL.
The Apostle Paul was neither of these kind of preachers He spent 14 years Living the Life before he delivered the Words of The Lord to Philippians, Colossians and Ephesians etc
Verse 10,11 Think of all your sufferings (things we experience) as gains – when you see them the right way – because when we do, they tally up in Heaven as part of our Rewards. They take on new meaning when we see them this way – not seeing them as pains (in life) but gains – we feel better this way!
Many Christians want to be used by God.......do exploits for Jesus etc when they won't even master sin in their lives and some things seem spiritually attractive to them. They don't really know the first thing about Philippians 3 - not really. I don't want you to be one of them. Neither does Paul and certainly not Jesus.
We're not called to live a "happy happy" life and something is wrong if we don't.
But we can live with contentment in plenty and other like Paul did
with nothing affecting our JOY.
Happiness comes and goes, depending on circumstances.
The Joy of the Lord can be experienced every day
when our eyes are on Jesus.
Read more in We Find Peace This Way Philippians 4.
Peace and Joy are interchangable!
The Lord be with your spirit.
Good News!
I have provided multiple webpages on my new website
with the above translations and more - these are direct access pages!
Go to www.worship-jesus.com
Discovery Bible is a special Software program I use separately.
I have more Info on the above mentioned website about it.
Lots of Resources you will find there!
I would like to share a few things about understanding
Family Members and Friends with a Christian Perspective
in this Stressful Day and Age when we seem to be getting more
sensitive about each-other's shortcomings than we were in years gone by.
You may find some things make a lot of sense when you
read this post like family members and friends are not
'out to upset you'......and some helpful tips.
THIS ARTICLE IS COMPRISED MOSTLY OF A 15-18 PART POEM.
THIS WILL MAKE FOR A LIGHT-HEARTED APPROACH.
Understanding Each-Other
Sometimes this takes a certain art
sometimes this is a daunting task
but with God, we can make a start.
Parents, Sons and Daughters. Brothers.
Sisters and Friends -
Often we are so different
how do we understand?
My Brother, Sister or Friend
does not see my point of view
just to be different is what they choose.
My Parent or Friend dominates a conversation
unflinching, they offer no resignation.
My kids are resistant to reason
sometimes this comes and goes in seasons.
Depends on how much something appeals
sometimes they make a big deal.
Or they think I am
so my words are like sand
slipping through their hands
Friends can be this way too
something else is what they choose.
No matter what our reason could be
they have an inability to see.
What is wise has no appeal to them
so hesitant, their ears they won't lend.
People can be proud
and their words stout
When there's something they don't like
we can go for a hike.
What started all this contention with man
weren't we all made by our Creator's hand?
This is what I think, believe it or not
controversial thoughts, there are lots
about the Nature of Man and God's Plans.
Please don't go to astrology for the wisdom this brings
they will complicate you with all sorts of things.
This is based on observation
we often encounter these manifestations
Family members and friends born in different months
give me more than just a hunch.
We all have certain traits good and bad
the bad ones often make us sad.
Sometimes, they're yours and sometimes they're mine
that often break out and we're out of line.
This is the wisdom I feel God showed to me
that makes sense of these realities.
He made the Good Traits - the Fall of Man, the Bad
when you realise this, you don't feel so sad.
Our Creator is so Amazing
and shows an Order in All Things.
There are 24 hours in a day
we cannot change this, try we may.
There are 4 seasons to a year
Autumn and Spring fill us with cheer.
There are 7 days to a week
this sometimes helps when feeling bleak.
(WE'LL HAVE A FRESH START)
He had an order when He made us
and He did not make us to fret and fuss.
There are 12 disciples,12 Tribes of Israel
and 12 months in a year
that much is certain, it's perfectly clear.
There seems to be 12 sets of character traits
but I do not confer or delegate
these things to the world or astrology
it only hinders, it does not make free.
Like the Garden of Eden, Truth was mixed with a Lie
this should not come as a surprise
that the Enemy hid this truth from us
there's so much fretting and so much fuss.
We sometimes seek to understand
but miss it time and time again.
With our Sisters and Brothers, our Parents and Friends
our ways for another's, we will not bend.
We all have Good Traits from God
upon this earthly sod:
BUT
Some are stubborn and not given to reason.
Some are dominant, they like to run everything.
Some keep a grudge, they'll not forgive for days or months.
Some are easily angered, their temper is quick to fly.
Some are depressing, they will get you down with gossip
that simply is not sound.
Some will blame you and make you feel blue.
So seek to understand each one
without compassion, it is no fun.
Something even astrologists miss
- their much knowledge is so mixed -
good things and bad things, you'd learn there
do not, their images wear.
Just know that each one of us have traits that offend
us as well as our family and friends.
We can leave our bad traits on the Cross
surrender them to Christ, we will not suffer loss.
(WHO WANTS TO KEEP BAD TRAITS?
For God had a plan in His mind before the Fall
this should be Good News to All.
We don't have to live in our sin-nature
the Nature of Christ can be in us greater.
We will need to grow in Him day by day
this is the best and excellent way.
Know that others don't mean to upset you
this will help you not to feel jaded and blue.
We're all affected by the Fall
the Mercy and Grace of God calls.
Do not give in like Adam and Eve
to astrology, it does deceive.
But if we will make allowance for each-other
seek to understand our sisters and brothers.
Sometimes we need to make boundaries, this helps too
seek for wisdom which one you will choose.
(WITH EACH SITUATION)
Then you'll be gentle and sometimes wise
not easily given to lies.
For we do not need to know everything in detail
and we sometimes can curtail
behavior that is not from Him
and in this way we win:
Seek to clothe yourself with Christ
(HIS NATURE IN US)
Seek to live in the Fruit of the Spirit
and follow His promptings.
Seek to prayer-read His Words
the best I have heard.
Seek to treat each-other as you wish to be treated.
Seek His Presence for Grace and Strength.
Seek to keep things simple
and your heart nimble to:
The wooings of His Spirit balanced with His Words.
The wisdom in Proverbs, great things you can learn.
The essence of Trust in Prayer our Faith depends on.
Faith and Trust go together
this world can never sever
a heart that is fixed wholly on Him
He will fill you to the brim.
Our Father is One in whom you can confide
seek to come to Him and reside.
His ways are higher than man's
He had a perfect plan of Salvation for man
He made from the first, through Jesus
who came by virgin-birth.
Prince of Peace, He brings release.
He said that life in this world would not be easy
but we can come to Him and He gives freely
of Comfort and Wisdom to all His children.
Look to Him, you will not be disappointed
He is the chosen anointed.
(HE HAS THE POWER TO MAKE US FREE)
He said "Follow Me and you will be Free"
I HOPE THIS POEM HELPS TO BRING PEACE IN YOUR HEART AND RELATIONSHIPS.
SO TRUE, THE WORDS OF JESUS__ THERE'S SO MUCH UNREST IN THIS WORLD
JUST LIKE HE SAID THERE WOULD BE, DO WE NEED MORE IN OUR FAMILY
AND FRIENDSHIPS? I THINK NOT.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ABOVE IS NOT MEANT TO BE A TEACHING, BUT
SOME THOUGHTS BASED ON OBSERVATION AND CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.
TAKE CARE AND BE WISE IF YOU SHARE IT, BETTER IF YOUR FRIENDS READ.
A small amount may be controversial, depending on how you read/take it.
I can assure you that I wish always to direct you to The Lord
and Scripture. You have seen a caution to be careful when it comes
to getting help from the world when we can seek God instead.
New Post coming soon with a Poem called:
Comparing Our Shortcomings
It has touches of humor and makes for light reading
it should lighten many of my readers up
and give them a sense of hope and optimism:)
TAGS: Relating Better, Poem On Life, Why Do We Offend?
Televangelist's Sins Are Heaping Up High To The Heaven's, Their Greed Is
Worse Than Ever. Their Crafty Ways To Twist And Distort God's Words
To Their Own End Goes On Unchecked In Believer's Hearts And Minds.
JESUS SAYS "FOLLOW ME"
Not The Preacher, Hear His Counsel - A Call To Prudence!
This is a word that is seldom heard these days. It has to do with good judgement,
practicing caution - especially with matters concerning money - and applying God's Wisdom to what we hear......not just taking things at face value.
Friend, you are doing that each time you accept everything you hear because
"THE PREACHER SAID IT"
Please have more respect for the pages of your Bible than that.
You have a Bible too, please use it.
The Lord keeps showing me that Christians are getting hurt because they are
not acquainted with the Scriptures. Also because some of you are thinking
"The preacher knows better than me, I will do what he says."
And in fact, so many are caught in a state of "Overwhelm" where you can't think
for yourself and act on impulse, thinking "this is the answer!"
The Lord doesn't want you to be naive......He wants to protect you.
Like the Apostle Paul in Scripture, who gave implicit instructions about
these things. How is it that one will go to seek advice on investments
yet leave their bible-pages unturned to check things out?
It's all written there. Scriptures like:
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly--not for what
you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly
2 Corinthians 8:12
New International Version For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
English Standard Version For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
Choices and Voices
I would rather have God’s Mercy on me if I was needy than God’s wrath if I am greedy.
His Mercy for those who Fear Him (respect His Ways) is everlasting, so is His punishment for Reckless Wayward Preachers who know right from wrong but their vision is rapidly failing them – as they are so steeped in Sin. Their ears fail to hear the tugs of His Spirit to shun those things they are so attached too, like a magnet that grabs the whole man or woman, not just part of him or her.
No wonder The Lord says “Not to eat bread with the Wicked”…….aren’t you doing that when you take so-called spiritual food from them?
The Holy Spirit just instructed me to tell you that. I looked up ‘bread of the wicked’ for you and this is what I found:
Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies; ... Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men.
So whose the Sinner in need of Repentance
the Christian or the Preacher?
Please do your homework.
I can think of two godly preachers this minute from years ago.
Peter Vacca from Australia, who used to say "Don't just take everything as gospel because I said it, do your homework this week"
AND
Mark Rutland from USA who said "Christians are taking all manner of nonsense because it comes over the platform. This is a call to maturity."
True prophetic ministries are given by Jesus to the Body of Christ
for our protection, to call a spade a spade and direct our focus on JESUS.
Some observations through the years
JESUS encourages us to give Generously
MINISTERS make us give Painfully
NEW TESTAMENT encourages Giving to the Poor
MINISTERS attempt to Make you Poor
PAUL counsels us to give wisely as we are able
MINISTERS empty your pockets, even if you have debts
PAUL said to decide in your heart how much to give
MINISTERS tell you how much you must give
PAUL says not to give grudgingly
MINISTERS enforce and encourage it
PAUL says not to give out of compulsion
TELEVANGELISTS have all manner of enticements
SCRIPTURE says not to give out of covetousness
MINISTERS do the very things they preach against
PAUL said as we have purposed in our hearts
MINISTERS tell you to pray first so your hearts are disturbed
and you give more!
Not all preachers are like the above.
TAGS: Need for Wisdom, Preachers and Money.