Whatever we chase, we gain those things.
So, what is it that you chase after? Fame, fortune, vindication, validation, self-esteem? We may chase after a certain career or dream job. Sometimes they may be good things, but things are temporary.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:7-11
This is my take away from the sermon of Jon Porter at Milan Christian Church on March 26, 2023. Here is a link to his sermon which I urge you to listen to.
Paul is telling us that all the garbage that we have in our lives that we think is important is just rubbish. We need to get rid of all the things that get in the way of our relationship with Christ. Things that we are so proud of, but it means nothing.
A right relationship with God is by faith. That’s what will get us into heaven. Trusting and depending on him to save and restore and vouch for us. Surrendering your life in trust to him. This will cost you. The things in your life are all garbage and will have to go. But in return you will gain a righteousness that you can’t get on your own.
It’s not easy to get to the point that you are willing to make that decision of trusting God and giving of your life in service and in relationship. We die to ourselves so that we can be buried with Jesus Christ and gain his righteousness. Spiritual power that comes from Jesus will be ours when we make that commitment.
Because we spend the time to build this relationship by being on our knees in prayer and seeking his wisdom, we are given spiritual gifts that we are to use for his glory. It’s scary, because we may not have all the skills we need when we are called. Trust that God will supply all that you need. It may not all come at once, but as you need it doors will be opened. The more we embrace the role he has for us, the more we’ll be blessed with his power. This may come with some opposition, but the reward will be great.
When we begin to use the gifts, that’s when the power begins to flow. Not before. We have to take a step of faith to trust what he’s called us to. It takes time to develop the relationship, but when God’s timing is now, that’s when the power is received.
You step out and do. Because you know that if you do, God will provide. And God will! You’ve got to trust him.
This sermon really resonates with me because I’ve experienced this call to step out in faith to serve God and the church. I didn’t possess the skills to provide what I felt called to, but the more I’ve trusted God, the more he puts on my heart to grow. It’s not been easy. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone so many times, and I have come to know that he will provide. Sometimes it’s been through skills to complete a task, but just as often it’s been in the form of people to come along beside me in service. God does amazing things when we are willing to step up to the path he has planned for us. It may be something you never dreamed you’d do. If it’s his plan, it’s better than anything you could imagine. Embrace it and you will be blessed beyond measure. Satan won’t like it, but trust in God to guide you.
Do you want to be a part of putting the world back right? Know Christ through prayer, scripture, and be transformed by the resurrection and baptism. Be ready to die to all those things that you may hold important. Righteousness comes from imitating Jesus. Be the church the world needs.
The time has come. Let’s do this!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 