What can you do for the Lord 2013

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Php 3:12-20  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. 

Php 3:12 (a) Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:

What did you do for the Lord last year?

1.       NOTHING that should cause you to be puffed up.

2.      Paul did many things for God year after year and yet he said this verse 12.

Php 3:12 (b) but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

What can we do for the LORD in the year 2013?

1.       Paul was apprehended by Christ

2.      He wants to apprehend that perfect state and apprehend the Gentiles with the same arrest action that Christ gave him

3.      You can arrest people for the Lord this year 2013

4.      But you should be arrested first of the Lord

What changes should you do to your life for the coming year 2013?

(13)  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

1.       Stop counting

a.       Stop grabbing credit. 

b.      Stop feeling loss for not being credited. 

c.       Stop feeling loss for not successfully winning a soul, just evangelize. 

d.      Stop feeling loss for not benefiting from a soul you have won to Christ

e.      Stop counting your accomplishments and fruits and give God all the glory. 

Act_20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

1Co_3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Joh_4:38  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

2.       PUT IT BEHIND YOU

Are you still rejoicing about your past accomplishments for the Lord?  FORGET IT

Are you still telling people how ten years ago you were a former BIBLE teacher? MOVE ON

Are you in the habit of pointing out how you won the Best Soul winner award?  PUT IT BEHIND

Vs. 13 (b) but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before

3.       REACH OUT AND REACH FORTH

a.       PAUL reached forth to the Apostolic calling and task

b.      Then he reached out to the Gentiles

c.       Reaching forth today means to think of more ways to serve Jesus

d.      Reaching out today means thinking and doing more ways to serve your fellowmen

4.       PRESS ON

(14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

What do you think will you be after 5 years, if things on earth continue as is?

Do you envision yourself as following the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?

For some this high calling will be being born again

For some this high calling will be being baptized

For some this high calling will be giving sacrificially week after week, year after year

For some this high calling will be suffering laughter and being an outcast (after 5 years)

For some this high calling will be always inviting, being used and abused for God

For some this high calling will be being a Pastor or Missionary or deacon

For some this high calling will be death

Whatever it could be, PRESS ON

(14)  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.