1. This verse contrasts being "carnally minded" with being "spiritually minded." 2. The end results emphasize the importance of being spiritually minded. 3. The apostle who wrote this verse [Paul] was a spiritually minded man. 4. In our lesson we are studying Paul's instructions in Philippians 3:12-16 that helped him to be spiritually minded so he could enjoy "life and peace." 5. As these verses also teach, "let us follow the example of Paul." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. PAUL WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH HIS PRESENT SPIRITUAL CONDITION (vs.12)
A. Paul had a goal that he was striving to achieve. 1. He mentioned his goal in vs.10-11. 2. He realized that he had not reached that goal and that he was not perfect. 3. Nevertheless, he kept his eyes focused on his goal. 4. His goal led him to make improvements in his life so he could achieve it. B. There is a sense in which Paul had learned contentment (4:11). C. Paul had his priorities in the right order. 1. He had learned to be content with his physical condition. 2. However, he was not satisfied with his spiritual condition. D. Because Paul was not satisfied with his present spiritual condition, he was led to do one thing (vs.13) which actually consisted of 2 activities.
II. THE FIRST ACTIVITY WAS FORGETTING THOSE THINGS THAT WERE BEHIND
A. We must remember that Paul was warning the Christians in Philippi against certain Jewish teachers (vs.2). 1. These teachers boasted of their accomplishments in the Jewish religion. 2. (vs.4-6) Paul listed his accomplishments as a Jew. 3. (vs.7) These are the things Paul forgot -- he counted them all loss for Christ. B. In forgetting these things, Paul did not completely remove them from his memory because he was still aware of them. 1. "Forget," as it is used here, means "to neglect, no longer care for." 2. In forgetting these things, they were no longer important to him. C. Perhaps the most difficult thing for Paul to forget was his persecution of the church before he became a Christian (vs.6a). 1. Paul remembered what he had done, but he did not allow what he had done in the past to control him. 2. He had been forgiven when he obeyed the Gospel, and he knew that God had taken away his sin. D. Thank God that when we take care of our sins we no longer have to bear the guilt of them (Psalm 103:12). E. After forgetting those things that were behind, . . .
III. PAUL REACHED FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE
A. (vs.11) Paul's goal was to attain unto the resurrection. B. Paul was diligent in achieving this goal. 1. (vs.13) He used the expression "reaching forth." 2. (vs.14) He also used the expression "pressing toward the mark." C. It is imperative for us to understand Paul's plan because . . .
IV. WE ARE TO IMITATE HIS EXAMPLE
A. (vs.15) We are to be "thus minded." B. (vs.16) We are to "walk by the same rule" and "mind the same thing." C. Let us not be satisfied with our spiritual condition; let us forget those things that are behind; and let us reach forth unto those things that are before.
Conclusion:
1. As a result of following this plan, Paul was spiritually minded, and he was ready to meet the Lord when his life ended (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 2. You and I can have this same confidence if we will follow Paul's example.
