"Toward Christian Maturity: Philippians 3:7-16"

TOWARD CHRISTIAN MATURITY Philippians 3:7-16 William E. Hull Introduction: 1 . Good to have example of Christ, but must have more — how to mature despite failure and frustration. 2. Paul a good example, especially for older adults. He grew in his religion long after he was more religious than most of his contemporaries. 3. What elements in this passage contributed to his maturity? I. How to Give Up the PAST (3:7-8) A. In Paul’s Life 1 . What did Paul give up? His Jewish rights; status as Jewish leader; family and friends; future promise; especially his satisfaction with his religious righteousness (3:9). Sense of values changed. 2. Why did Paul do it? He was compelled by a stronger counter-claim: a higher status; finer fellowship and friends; nobler righteousness. B. In Our Lives 1 . Great bar to maturity is to clutch the past. Especially lethargy, satisfaction with status quo. Must have a change of values. 2. Need to forget past failures as well as past accomplishments. Some of us are in bondage to bitter memories. In Jesus there is a future for failures. 3. Christianity offers us a “reckless insecurity” that believes the best is yet to be. II. How to Cultivate the PRESENT (3:9-1 1) A. In Paul’s Life 1 . Not satisfied even with a great initial transformation. 2. Faith is a growing pilgrimage.