Focus on the Goal: Living by Divine Values in Christ

In a world where secular values often overshadow the divine, it is crucial to keep our eyes fixed on the true goal—Jesus Christ. Drawing from Philippians chapters 3 and 4, the call is to anchor our lives in God’s Word and not be swayed by the shifting standards of society. Whatever happens, whether good or bad, we are to trust that God has a plan and is present in every circumstance. Even when people disappoint or hurt us, our response must be to lean into God, remembering that our worth and security are found in Him, not in the approval or actions of others.

Paul’s example is powerful: though he had every reason to boast in his heritage, achievements, and strict adherence to the law, he counted all of it as worthless compared to knowing Christ. The only way to endure life’s challenges is to focus on the goal—Jesus as Lord. This means humbling ourselves, refusing to rely on our own efforts, and recognizing that any good in our lives is the result of God’s grace, not our own merit.

The resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is available to every believer, not just to apostles or preachers. We are invited to ask God to activate this power in our lives, to pray boldly for healing, provision, and transformation, trusting that God is able. Yet, this power is not just for moments of crisis; it is for daily living, for standing firm when life tries to crush us, and for pressing on even when we feel weak or unworthy.

Letting go of the past is essential. While memories and regrets may surface, we are called to look forward, to press on toward the upward call of God in Christ. Focusing on ourselves leads to discouragement and isolation, but calling ourselves to Christ brings peace, perspective, and renewed strength. We must hold on to the progress God has already given us, thank Him for His faithfulness, and fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy.

Generosity, gratitude, and community are also highlighted. Just as the Philippian church cared for Paul in his need, we are to care for one another, seeing such acts as extensions of Christ’s love. Ultimately, our reward is eternal life in Christ, and our hope is not in what we have done, but in what He has done for us. So, focus on the goal—Jesus Christ—and let everything else fall into its proper place.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Trust God’s Plan in Every Circumstance No matter what happens—good or bad—God is present and has a purpose. Our faith is tested not by the absence of trouble, but by our willingness to trust God through it. Even when we are hurt or disappointed by others, we are called to lean into God’s sovereignty, believing that He is working all things for our good. [01:32]
• 2. Value Knowing Christ Above All Achievements All worldly accomplishments, status, or recognition are worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Jesus. True fulfillment is not found in what we have done, but in our relationship with Christ. This perspective humbles us and keeps us focused on what truly matters—God’s glory, not our own. [10:24]
• 3. Activate Resurrection Power Through Faith The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to every believer. We are invited to ask God to activate this power in our lives—not just in crisis, but every day. This means praying boldly, expecting God to move, and living with the confidence that His Spirit is at work within us. [12:39]
• 4. Let Go of the Past and Press Forward Dwelling on past failures or hurts only hinders our progress. We are called to forget what is behind and reach forward to what lies ahead, focusing on the future God has for us. This forward-looking faith frees us from regret and empowers us to help others and pursue God’s calling. [20:37]
• 5. Fix Your Thoughts on What Honors God Our thought life shapes our spiritual health. By intentionally focusing on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, we guard our hearts and experience God’s peace. This discipline shifts our perspective from anxiety and negativity to gratitude and hope, aligning our minds with Christ. [29:45]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:32] - Whatever Happens: Trusting God’s Plan
• [02:37] - God’s Awareness in Our Suffering
• [03:34] - Watch Out for Evil Intentions
• [05:31] - No Confidence in Human Effort
• [06:25] - Paul’s Credentials and Humility
• [08:05] - Focusing on the Goal: Jesus is Lord
• [10:24] - All Accomplishments are Worthless Without Christ
• [11:42] - Experiencing Resurrection Power
• [13:44] - Suffering and Standing Firm in Faith
• [16:13] - Praying Boldly for God’s Power
• [18:23] - Pressing On Toward Perfection
• [20:37] - Forgetting the Past, Looking Forward
• [22:53] - Calling Yourself to Christ, Not Self
• [26:41] - Holding On to Spiritual Progress
• [27:22] - Pray About Everything, Thank God
• [29:45] - Fixing Thoughts on What is Worthy
• [31:33] - The Philippian Church’s Generosity
• [33:03] - The Upward Call and Eternal Reward
• [35:12] - Focusing on the Goal: Hope in Christ

Bible Reading

Philippians 3:7–14 (ESV) — > But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
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> Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:6–9 (ESV)
> Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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> Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Observation Questions

1. According to Philippians 3, what did Paul say about his heritage and achievements before knowing Christ? How did he view them after coming to faith? [06:25]
2. In Philippians 3:10–11, what does Paul say he wants to experience, and how does he describe the power available to believers? [11:42]
3. What instructions does Paul give in Philippians 4:6–8 about how to handle anxiety and what to focus our thoughts on? [27:22]
4. How did the Philippian church show generosity to Paul during his imprisonment, and why did he see this as significant? [31:33]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul consider all his past achievements and status as “worthless” compared to knowing Christ? What does this reveal about his priorities and values? [10:24]
2. The sermon mentions that the same resurrection power that raised Jesus is available to every believer, not just apostles or preachers. What does it mean to “activate” this power in daily life? [12:39]
3. Paul talks about “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Why is it important for believers to let go of the past, and what are some consequences of holding onto regrets or past hurts? [20:37]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. How does this practice affect our spiritual health and daily living? [29:45]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Whatever happens in our lives, we're prepared for it because we're going to trust God to see us through.” Think of a recent situation—good or bad—where you struggled to trust God’s plan. What would it look like to lean into God’s sovereignty in that situation? [01:32]
2. Paul had every reason to boast about his background, but he chose humility and valued knowing Christ above all. Are there areas in your life where you tend to rely on your own achievements or seek approval from others? How can you shift your focus to Christ’s worth instead? [06:25]
3. The sermon encourages us to pray boldly for God’s power, not just in crisis but every day. Is there an area in your life where you need to ask God to activate His resurrection power? What specific prayer could you start praying this week? [16:13]
4. Letting go of the past is described as essential for moving forward. Is there a memory, regret, or past hurt that keeps resurfacing for you? What practical step can you take to “press on” and focus on what God has ahead for you? [20:37]
5. The sermon challenges us to “fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy.” What are some negative or anxious thoughts you struggle with? How can you intentionally redirect your mind to things that honor God? [29:45]
6. Paul was grateful for the generosity and care of the Philippian church. Who in your life or community could use encouragement or practical help right now? What is one way you can show Christ’s love to them this week? [31:33]
7. The sermon says, “Focusing on ourselves leads to discouragement and isolation, but calling ourselves to Christ brings peace, perspective, and renewed strength.” When you’re feeling discouraged, what helps you shift your focus from yourself to Jesus? Is there a habit or reminder you could put in place to help with this? [22:53]