WASTED LIFE [Phil. 3:1-11]

 

Sunday October 30, 2016

 

“WASTED LIFE!”

Pastor Enoch Hanokh

Scripture: Phil. 3:1-11

Introduction:

It is not a nice experience to have your family name stripped off you, to be called names and to be regarded as no more being worthy to be identified with. It is not easy to see everything that the world offers slip through your fingers, especially, when you have once received them as your treasures in life. And yet, it all would be worth it losing everything for the surpassing greatness of Christ.

 

1) Risking it all for the sake of Christ-vv. 5-6

▪ Giving up that which is fleshly-vv. 5-6

▪ Treasuring Christ above all this world could offer.

▪ Everything is worth the loss for the sake of Christ-v. 7

 

2) The surpassing greatness of knowing Christ-v. 8

▪ Suffering the loss of all things-v. 8

▪ Counting everything as dung-v. 8

▪ Gaining Christ-v. 8

 

3) Attaining the resurrection of the dead-vv. 9:11

▪ To be found in Him in His righteousness.

▪ Knowing Him

i.                 The power of His resurrection 

ii.               The fellowship of His sufferings

iii.             Conforming to His death

 

Conclusion:

             All things that we struggle to defend in this life; things this world has offered in competition with what God had made us in Christ are nothing but one BIG DUNG!

May we be willing to risk everything for the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ that we may attain the resurrection of the dead in Christ Jesus; who Himself is our example in all things. I encourage each one of us today to at least visit someone this week who no one would want identify with. It may be in the hospital, prison, on the street, old people’s home or in an orphanage. Let us count it a privilege to risk it all for Christ!

Based on today’s message, let us consider the following questions in sharing with one another the understanding and insight we have received from the Word of God. We are also encouraged to share with others how we want to apply the meaning of today’s message in our personal Christian life.

1. Name some of the treasures that the world offers, think and share with one other what they truly mean to you as a Christian.
2. How did Paul want to attain the resurrection of the dead?
3. How would you apply the truth you learned from today’s message to your Christian walk with God?