Philippians 3 - Purpose - Ally Edwards

How good has it been going through the letters written by Paul to the Philippians?  This last Sunday was chapter 3. I love how God’s word teaches us about His character and about ourselves at the same time. The two main points from Sunday were found in verse 8 and verse 12. Verse 8 ALL things are rubbish (dung, poop) outside of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Paul had many reasons to boast, from who he was, to his standing in the community and even his adherence to religious expectations, but he counted it all loss, as garbage, compared to what it means to have Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I want to ask you what gets in your way? What has higher priority in your life than Jesus? Because that is what is ruling your life instead of Him. I used a basic example of an app that I thought had value in my life, but when confronted with the choice between it and Jesus - after some strong discussion, I yielded to Jesus. For you, it could be work, finance, family, gaming, hobbies, sport, friends - yep, i had a slide for this but forgot to reference it - these are not necessarily bad things, but are they in the place of Jesus in your life? Verse 12Jesus has laid hold of each of us for a purpose. What is yours? We each have the same reasons,  the same as Paul - to be made new, to be made into His image, to be His witnesses, to help others to conversion, to join in His suffering, and thereby His resurrection.  But how that is outworked might be specific to you. Lay hold of that. Jesus has laid hold of you! Which is not a touch footy term, it is a grab and tackle to the ground action, there is no question about it. Love you church Ps Ally