Ministering: Senior Pastor Shola Awobajo.
Text: Phil. 3:1-16.
” 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” KJV.
How we start is not as important as how we end in life. Paul in our above text exhorted on how his focus is on what lies ahead as against what happened in the past. There must be something every one of us is living for else life is but a wasted adventure. At every juncture, we must evaluate how much we have fulfilled God’s plan for our lives. Everyday should be a moment of reflection like Paul was doing in Phil. 3. Always remind yourself you are here for a reason not just to occupy space on Earth. Have the conviction that winning is your portion in Christ. There is no one born to be a failure in life. Though turbulence will come but be assured that the Greater One in you will make you overcome. Paul experienced all kinds of distasteful experiences but he was determined to win in life, and he actually did. (2 Cor. 11:23-30).
To win in life, you need power from on High continually. Paul mentioned at the end that he had fought a good fight and a crown was waiting for him. There is more to life than eating and drinking, God has sent you and I to the Earth on a mission. May we not disappoint Him for all the investment He has made in our lives in Christ Jesus. Realize you are created as a solution to a problem or situation in life. You are not just another statistics, Christ did not die for you and I to live an ordinary life. He redeemed us as a light to the World. Paul’s focus was to Know Christ and the fellowship of His suffering being made conformity to His death.
Realize that God has brought you to IGA for a reason. God never does anything without good reason. Take time to reflect on why God has you in that job, neighborhood, Family, etc. Paul’s purpose was to win the race of Life. Resolve that regardless of the obstacles on your way, I will win because God is with Me. No matter what you have achieved, God still has much more to accomplish through you. Old Age should not be a deterrent, God has an agenda for every stage of our lives – even in Old age, He says we will be fat (productive, fruitful) and flourishing. Ps. 92.
Secrets of Winning in Life
- Make every attainment a dissatisfier so that you can attain greater height. To be a dissatisfier does not mean you are ungrateful but that you are not complacent. Paul counted those things that were gain to him as loss for the purpose of growing in the Knowledge of Christ.
- You must also have a steadfast determination to win in life no matter the cost.
- Realize the God-Factor is your greatest asset. You must secure God’s Presence in all you do. He must be your companion and priority.
- Take instruction and direction from God on daily basis. Phil. 3:12
- Don’t rely on your past success – be thankful for it but don’t glory in it to the point you’re stuck at that level. Heb. 12:1-2
- Be Patient – don’t run ahead of God, there is a Glory ahead of You
- Keep Your Eyes on the Prize. Don’t focus on your mistakes, persist and press forward.
- Be a Man and Woman of Prayer. Matt. 17:21
In conclusion, Hag. 2:9 says “The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says The Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says The Lord of hosts.”
God Bless You!
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