Aligning Our Lives: Found in Christ
Summary
In our gathering today, we focused on the profound call to be "found in Christ," as articulated by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3. This call is not merely about salvation but about living a life fully aligned with Christ, walking in the Spirit, and being in right standing with God. We began by acknowledging the importance of dealing with our past appropriately. The past can trap us in cycles of failure or nostalgia, hindering our progress toward the goal of being found in Christ. Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind and press forward, emphasizing that our past should not dictate our future.
Living in the present fully is another crucial aspect of being found in Christ. Paul warns against following ungodly examples, which can lead to self-destruction. Instead, we are to seek godly examples, those who live according to the pattern of Christ. This involves recognizing that our deepest desires can only be fulfilled in Christ, not in the insatiable appetites of the world.
Finally, we are called to focus on the future with expectancy. Like the shipwrecked sailor who prepared for his future reign, we are to invest in our eternal future by laying up treasures in heaven. This involves a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit, as our old nature tends to leak. By dealing with the past, living fully in the present, and looking to the future with hope, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience the joy of being found in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Dealing with the Past: The past can be a significant hindrance if not dealt with appropriately. It can trap us in cycles of failure or nostalgia, preventing us from moving forward. Paul teaches us to forget what lies behind and press toward the goal of being found in Christ, emphasizing that our past should not dictate our future. [30:51]
2. Living in the Present: To be found in Christ, we must live fully in the present, following godly examples and avoiding the pitfalls of worldly desires. Our deepest fulfillment comes from Christ, not from the insatiable appetites of the world. This requires a conscious effort to align our lives with God's will. [35:25]
3. Focusing on the Future: Our future in Christ should be approached with expectancy and preparation. Like the sailor who prepared for his future reign, we are to invest in our eternal future by laying up treasures in heaven. This involves a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit to guide us. [38:56]
4. The Role of Godly Examples: Paul emphasizes the importance of following godly examples to live a life found in Christ. These examples help us navigate the complexities of life and keep us aligned with God's purpose. We are encouraged to seek out and emulate those who live according to the pattern of Christ. [38:56]
5. Continuous Filling of the Holy Spirit: Our journey to be found in Christ requires a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit. Our old nature tends to leak, and we need the Spirit's guidance daily to walk in alignment with God's will. This ongoing process helps us deal with the past, live in the present, and focus on the future. [44:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:56] - Children's Church Prayer
- [30:51] - Dealing with the Past
- [35:25] - Living in the Present
- [38:56] - Focusing on the Future
- [44:20] - Continuous Filling of the Holy Spirit
- [44:20] - Holy Communion Preparation
- [44:20] - Nicene Creed Declaration
- [44:20] - Prayer and Worship
- [44:20] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:13-14: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press onward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he is "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"? How does this relate to being "found in Christ"? [30:51]
2. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of following ungodly examples, and how does this affect our present living? [35:25]
3. How does the story of the shipwrecked sailor illustrate the concept of focusing on the future with expectancy? [38:56]
4. What role does the continuous filling of the Holy Spirit play in our journey to be found in Christ? [44:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does dealing with the past appropriately help us in our spiritual journey to be found in Christ? What are some practical steps one might take to address past issues? [30:51]
2. In what ways can living fully in the present, as Paul describes, help us avoid the pitfalls of worldly desires? How does this align with the idea of seeking godly examples? [35:25]
3. What does it mean to invest in our eternal future by laying up treasures in heaven, and how can this perspective change our daily actions? [38:56]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can maintain a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit, and why is this necessary for aligning with God's will? [44:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a past event or habit that might be hindering your spiritual growth. What steps can you take this week to address it and move forward? [30:51]
2. Identify a godly example in your life whom you can emulate. What specific qualities or actions do they exhibit that you can incorporate into your own life? [35:25]
3. Consider your current lifestyle and desires. Are there any worldly appetites that you need to surrender to find deeper fulfillment in Christ? How will you start this process? [35:25]
4. Think about your future goals. How can you begin to lay up treasures in heaven through your daily choices and actions? What is one specific change you can make this week? [38:56]
5. How can you ensure a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit in your life? What daily practices or prayers can help you stay aligned with God's will? [44:20]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What was the cause, and how can you prevent this from happening again by staying "found in Christ"? [44:20]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to focus on being found in Christ? What role can you play in supporting their spiritual journey? [38:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Letting Go of the Past to Embrace the Future
Dealing with the past is crucial for spiritual growth. The past can often hold us back, trapping us in cycles of failure or nostalgia. These cycles prevent us from moving forward and fully embracing the life that God has planned for us. The Apostle Paul teaches us to forget what lies behind and press toward the goal of being found in Christ. This means that our past should not dictate our future. Instead, we are called to release the burdens of our past and focus on the new life that Christ offers. By doing so, we can move forward with confidence and hope, knowing that our identity is found in Him. [30:51]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one specific memory or past failure that you need to release to God today? How can you begin to let go and trust Him with your future?
Day 2: Living Fully in the Present with Christ
To be found in Christ, we must live fully in the present, following godly examples and avoiding the pitfalls of worldly desires. Our deepest fulfillment comes from Christ, not from the insatiable appetites of the world. This requires a conscious effort to align our lives with God's will. By seeking out and emulating those who live according to the pattern of Christ, we can navigate the complexities of life and remain steadfast in our faith. Living in the present means being intentional about our choices and actions, ensuring that they reflect our commitment to Christ. [35:25]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: Identify one worldly desire that often distracts you from living fully in the present with Christ. How can you redirect your focus to seek the things that are above?
Day 3: Preparing for an Eternal Future
Our future in Christ should be approached with expectancy and preparation. Like the sailor who prepared for his future reign, we are to invest in our eternal future by laying up treasures in heaven. This involves a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit to guide us. By focusing on the future with hope, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience the joy of being found in Christ. This preparation is not passive but requires active engagement in spiritual disciplines and a commitment to living a life that honors God. [38:56]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to invest in your eternal future? How can you begin to lay up treasures in heaven?
Day 4: Following Godly Examples
Paul emphasizes the importance of following godly examples to live a life found in Christ. These examples help us navigate the complexities of life and keep us aligned with God's purpose. We are encouraged to seek out and emulate those who live according to the pattern of Christ. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who reflect Christ's character, we can be inspired and challenged to grow in our faith. This involves being intentional about the relationships we cultivate and the influences we allow into our lives. [38:56]
Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Reflection: Who is one godly example in your life that you can learn from? How can you intentionally seek their guidance and emulate their faith in your own life?
Day 5: The Necessity of the Holy Spirit's Filling
Our journey to be found in Christ requires a continuous filling of the Holy Spirit. Our old nature tends to leak, and we need the Spirit's guidance daily to walk in alignment with God's will. This ongoing process helps us deal with the past, live in the present, and focus on the future. By inviting the Holy Spirit to fill us continually, we can experience transformation and empowerment to live a life that honors God. This requires a daily surrender to the Spirit's work in our lives and a willingness to be led by Him. [44:20]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit today? How can you invite Him to guide and empower you in that area?
Quotes
"Father, now we ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit, fill this place with your glory, with your presence, fill us with your presence, and set us free to genuinely, passionately, energetically worship you. Help us, Father, not to just lift our voice and our hands, but to give to you, to lift to you our very lives, which Paul says is our only reasonable act of worship. Come, Holy Spirit. We ask all of this in the name and the authority of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And all of God's people said, Amen." [00:08:30] (36 seconds)
"Paul said, that is what it means to be found in Christ. And Paul provides us in this passage a step-by-step formula, beginning with the first step you've got to make to be found in Christ is to deal appropriately with the past. Look at verse 13. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press onward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. And again, what is the goal is to be found in Christ." [00:30:04] (47 seconds)
"So Paul says that the past is something we have to deal with. You realize that the past can trap us into ruts of failure. I think one half of knowing what you want is knowing what you have to give up in order to get that. A lot of what must be given up in order to be found in Christ consists of baggage from our past. Jack Hayford in his book, Taking Hold of Tomorrow, said this, the past is a dead issue and we can't gain any momentum moving toward tomorrow if we're dragging the past behind us." [00:30:51] (42 seconds)
"But then Paul goes a step further. He says, next, the goal of being found in Christ also means to live in the present fully. And if you look down at verse 18, a little past where we read this morning, but Paul writes this, for I have often told you before, and now say again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross. Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." [00:32:36] (40 seconds)
"To be found in Christ means that we have to live appropriately in the present and living appropriately requires that we follow godly examples and we don't follow ungodly examples. The ungodly man in verse 19, it says that they feed their appetites. Their God is their stomach. In other words, those, those desires, those cravings that we have, they simply begin to try to feed those things. And the problem is, of course, the real desire, the deepest desire in all of our hearts is to be found in Christ." [00:33:16] (36 seconds)
"Well, following the negative examples that will make the goal of being found in Christ impossible, Paul says, instead of following those guys, instead, find good godly examples. Verse 17, join with others in following my example, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. We're to live up to what we know by following godly examples. Paul recognizes that we need models to be found in Christ. And certainly Paul himself was worth emulating as he pressed toward the goal of being found in Christ." [00:37:34] (40 seconds)
"Jesus, obviously, is the best example. Jesus knew where he came from, why he was here, and what he was supposed to accomplish. And when he came down to heaven, he came not to do his own will, but the will of the Father. That determination controlled every decision that Jesus made. As a result, he was not distracted by the trivia of this world. He was never, never driven by crisis. What mattered ultimately was whether the Father's will was being done. His clearly defined goal simplified his decision." [00:38:19] (37 seconds)
"So we press forward by not letting the past become our anchor. We deal with the past appropriately. We press forward by following godly examples. We live in the present fully. And finally, Paul says that we press forward by focusing on the future with expectancy. Verse 20. Sigmund Freud had a favorite story. It was about a shipwrecked sailor who ended up." [00:39:57] (42 seconds)
"Paul tells us that our goal, our target, the thing that we are to aim at is to be found in Christ, to walk in the light, to walk in the spirit. That's our goal. And he said, not that I've already apprehended. And he says that because frankly, to be filled with the spirit of God is problematic for all of us because our old sin nature is still there. And frankly, we leak. And so Paul tells us to be filled. Don't be drunk with wine. We're in success, but be filled with the Holy Spirit. And the tense of the word that he uses there in the Greek means be filled on a continuous and an ongoing basis." [00:42:38] (48 seconds)
"Because we leak every day, we start our day by asking God to fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit. Our goal throughout that day is to walk in that spirit, to be found in Christ, but to do that, we deal with our past appropriately. We live in the present fully and we look to the future expectantly. That'll keep us in that place that God wants us to be in his relationship with him. Let's stand together. Holy father, I thank you so much for this passage of scripture. It is so amazingly powerful and so clear." [00:43:46] (38 seconds)
"And so holy father this morning, if there are places in our lives individually where we've missed the mark, where we've leaked, we ask you father to put your finger on that, to search us and shine the light on those areas and give us the courage to yield that afresh to you. Because ultimately, father, the joy of life is to be found in Christ. Thank you, Lord. The praise team is going to lead us in a song. This is what we call our ministry time. And there'll be prayer ministers that are going to be back in this back corner. They're there to pray with you about any need in your life." [00:44:20] (40 seconds)
"Almighty God Our Heavenly Father Who in his great mercy Promised forgiveness of sins To all those who sincerely repent And with true faith turn to him Have mercy upon you Pardon and deliver you from all your sin Confirm and strengthen you in all goodness And bring you to everlasting life Through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen Let me invite you to stand And join with me As we declare our faith In the Nicene Creed We believe in one God The Father of the Almighty The maker of heaven and earth Of all that is seen and unseen We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ The only Son of God Eternally begotten of the Father God from God Light from light True God from true God Begotten not made Of one being with the Father Through him all things were made For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven And by the power of the Holy Spirit He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary And was made man For our sake he suffered under Pontius Pilate He suffered death and was buried On the third day he rose again In accordance with the scriptures He ascended to heaven And he's seated at the right hand of the Father He will come again in glory To judge the living and the dead And his kingdom will have no end We believe in the Holy Spirit The Lord the giver of life Who proceeds from the Father and the Son With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified He has spoken through the prophets We believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins We look for the resurrection of the dead And the life of the world to come Amen" [00:50:03] (123 seconds)
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