Running the Race: Pursuing Spiritual Growth in Christ
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we explored the metaphor of a foot race to understand the Christian life, drawing from the Apostle Paul's teachings. Just as athletes focus on the finish line, Christians are called to passionately pursue spiritual growth and maturity, keeping their eyes on Christ. Paul frequently used athletic metaphors to illustrate the discipline, focus, and perseverance required in the Christian journey. He emphasized that while we are positionally righteous through faith in Jesus, we are not yet perfect and must continue to strive for spiritual maturity.
Paul's letter to the Philippians, particularly chapter 3, urges believers to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. This means not dwelling on past successes or failures but continually pressing on toward the goal of becoming more like Christ. Paul himself acknowledged that he had not yet attained perfection but was committed to pressing on because Christ had made him His own.
We are encouraged to follow the example of mature Christians and avoid those who are enemies of the cross. Paul warned against false teachers and bad examples that could lead believers astray. Instead, we should surround ourselves with godly examples who can help us grow in our faith.
The ultimate goal is to be with Christ and be like Him, a promise that is certain for all who have received the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus. Until that day, we are to run the race with perseverance, keeping our eyes on the prize and passionately pursuing spiritual growth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Focus on the Finish Line: Just as athletes focus on the finish line, Christians must keep their eyes on Christ. This focus helps us to run the race of faith with perseverance, knowing that our ultimate goal is to be with Christ and be like Him. Paul emphasized that he had not yet attained perfection but was committed to pressing on because Christ had made him His own. [45:29]
2. Forget What Lies Behind: Paul teaches us to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. This means not dwelling on past successes or failures but continually pressing on toward the goal of becoming more like Christ. Dwelling on the past can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from running the race effectively. [48:11]
3. Follow Godly Examples: Surrounding ourselves with mature Christians who model Christ-like behavior is crucial for our spiritual growth. Paul encouraged the Philippians to imitate him and others who follow Christ. Having godly examples helps us understand what it looks like to live a Christ-like life and provides us with practical ways to grow in our faith. [53:55]
4. Beware of False Teachers: Paul warned against false teachers and bad examples that could lead believers astray. These enemies of the cross can cause significant spiritual damage and lead us away from Christ. It is essential to discern and avoid such influences, focusing instead on those who genuinely follow Christ. [54:49]
5. Pursue Spiritual Growth Actively: Spiritual growth requires active participation. While God is the one who produces growth, we must be actively involved in our spiritual journey. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines, being part of a Christian community, and continually striving to know Christ better and be more like Him. [57:11]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [43:23] - Introduction to the Race
3. [44:32] - Focus on the Finish Line
4. [45:29] - Forgetting Past Performances
5. [46:26] - Paul's Athletic Metaphors
6. [47:23] - Crown of Righteousness
7. [48:11] - Passionately Pursue Spiritual Growth
8. [49:14] - The Hope of Being with Christ
9. [50:15] - The Good News of Salvation
10. [51:01] - Positional vs. Practical Righteousness
11. [53:00] - Pressing On Toward the Goal
12. [53:55] - Imitating Paul and Other Godly Examples
13. [54:49] - Warning Against Enemies of the Cross
14. [56:16] - The Disciples Path
15. [57:11] - Actively Pursuing Spiritual Growth
16. [58:09] - Instructions for Running the Race
17. [59:11] - Realizing We Haven't Arrived
18. [01:00:35] - Looking Forward to Glorification
19. [01:01:58] - Addressing False Teachings
20. [01:03:38] - The Danger of Perfectionism
21. [01:06:12] - The Reality of Sin
22. [01:08:03] - Keep Running the Race
23. [01:09:11] - Forgetting What Lies Behind
24. [01:12:26] - Keeping Your Eyes on Christ
25. [01:16:30] - Following Godly Examples
26. [01:23:43] - Avoiding Bad Examples
27. [01:28:09] - Final Instructions
28. [01:29:51] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:12-21
2. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
3. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 3:12-14, what does Paul say about his own spiritual journey and his approach to spiritual growth? [53:55]
2. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, what metaphors does Paul use to describe the Christian life, and what do these metaphors emphasize about how we should live? [46:26]
3. How does Paul describe the ultimate goal for Christians in Philippians 3:20-21? [54:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "forget what lies behind" and "strain forward to what lies ahead" in Philippians 3:13-14? How might dwelling on the past hinder spiritual growth? [44:32]
2. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul talks about running a race to obtain a prize. What does this prize represent in the context of the Christian life, and how should this influence our daily actions and decisions? [46:26]
3. Paul warns against false teachers and bad examples in Philippians 3:18-19. What characteristics does he attribute to these "enemies of the cross," and why is it important to avoid their influence? [54:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Paul encourages believers to keep their eyes on Christ as they run the race of faith. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus that you want to change? How can you minimize that distraction this week? [44:32]
2. Reflect on a time when dwelling on past successes or failures hindered your spiritual growth. How can you apply Paul's advice to "forget what lies behind" in your current spiritual journey? [45:29]
3. Paul urges believers to follow godly examples. Identify one mature Christian in your life who models Christ-like behavior. What specific actions or attitudes can you learn from them and incorporate into your own life? [53:55]
4. Considering Paul's warning about false teachers, how can you discern and avoid influences that might lead you astray from true Christian teaching? What steps can you take to ensure you are following sound doctrine? [54:49]
5. Spiritual growth requires active participation. What specific spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, Bible study, fellowship) can you commit to this week to actively pursue spiritual growth? How will you hold yourself accountable? [57:11]
6. Paul talks about the hope of being with Christ and being like Him. How does this future promise motivate you in your daily walk with Christ? What practical steps can you take to keep this hope at the forefront of your mind? [49:14]
7. Paul mentions the importance of community in spiritual growth. Are you currently involved in a small group or Christian community? If not, what steps can you take to join one, and if you are, how can you deepen your involvement and support others in their spiritual journey? [57:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Focus on the Finish Line
Christians must keep their eyes on Christ, just as athletes focus on the finish line. This focus helps us to run the race of faith with perseverance, knowing that our ultimate goal is to be with Christ and be like Him. Paul emphasized that he had not yet attained perfection but was committed to pressing on because Christ had made him His own. This commitment to the goal of spiritual maturity requires discipline, focus, and perseverance, much like an athlete training for a race. By keeping our eyes on Christ, we are reminded of the ultimate prize and are encouraged to continue our journey of faith with determination and hope. [45:29]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What are some distractions in your life that keep you from focusing on Christ? How can you actively set them aside to keep your eyes on Him today?
Day 2: Forget What Lies Behind
Paul teaches us to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. This means not dwelling on past successes or failures but continually pressing on toward the goal of becoming more like Christ. Dwelling on the past can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from running the race effectively. By letting go of what is behind, we free ourselves to fully engage in the present and future work that God has for us. This forward-focused mindset is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it allows us to continually strive to be more like Christ. [48:11]
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: Is there a past failure or success that you are holding onto? How can you release it to God and focus on the new things He is doing in your life?
Day 3: Follow Godly Examples
Surrounding ourselves with mature Christians who model Christ-like behavior is crucial for our spiritual growth. Paul encouraged the Philippians to imitate him and others who follow Christ. Having godly examples helps us understand what it looks like to live a Christ-like life and provides us with practical ways to grow in our faith. These examples serve as tangible reminders of what it means to live out our faith daily and inspire us to pursue spiritual maturity. By observing and learning from those who are further along in their faith journey, we can gain valuable insights and encouragement for our own walk with Christ. [53:55]
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV): "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
Reflection: Who are the godly examples in your life that you can learn from? How can you intentionally spend time with them or learn from their example this week?
Day 4: Beware of False Teachers
Paul warned against false teachers and bad examples that could lead believers astray. These enemies of the cross can cause significant spiritual damage and lead us away from Christ. It is essential to discern and avoid such influences, focusing instead on those who genuinely follow Christ. By being vigilant and discerning, we can protect our faith and ensure that we are following true and godly teachings. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a commitment to seeking truth, as well as the wisdom to recognize and avoid false teachings that can lead us away from the path of righteousness. [54:49]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: Are there any teachings or influences in your life that may be leading you away from Christ? How can you seek God's wisdom to discern and avoid them?
Day 5: Pursue Spiritual Growth Actively
Spiritual growth requires active participation. While God is the one who produces growth, we must be actively involved in our spiritual journey. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines, being part of a Christian community, and continually striving to know Christ better and be more like Him. By actively pursuing spiritual growth, we demonstrate our commitment to becoming more like Christ and allow God to work in and through us. This active participation includes prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and service, all of which contribute to our spiritual maturity and deepen our relationship with God. [57:11]
Colossians 1:10 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively pursue spiritual growth? How can you incorporate spiritual disciplines into your daily routine to grow closer to Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Believe it or not, we can learn a lot about the Christian life from watching a foot race. That's why the Apostle Paul used the metaphor of a foot race multiple times in Scripture. I think Paul was a sports fan. I mean, if you read his letters, he uses athletic metaphors multiple times. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he told them to run the race as if they're trying to obtain a prize." [45:29] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Brothers and sisters, we're all to run this race. With our eyes on the prize of being like Christ. Knowing that one day we will be. You see, that's the difference between an Olympic foot race and the race of the Christian life. In Christianity, there will be more than one winner. All who repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus. Will receive the prize of being with Christ. And one day being. Like Christ." [49:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus died on that cross to provide the forgiveness of sins. He was buried. And on the third day, he rose again. He defeated sin. He defeated death. And he brought with him out of that grave the hope of salvation for all who believe. This is the good news. It's good news because everyone who repents and place their faith in Jesus, they're given the righteousness of Christ." [50:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are positionally righteous in Christ. If you were to die right now, Christian, you would stand before God and be counted righteous because you've been, you've been given a righteousness that's not your own. He will look at you and see the righteousness of Jesus on you. But practically, as you live right now, you still live in the flesh. You still wrestle with sin. You still sin. We still are not yet where we need to be practically." [52:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Run the race, Christian. Strain toward the goal. Forget what lies behind. And with your eyes on that finish line, pursue, passionately pursue maturity in Christ until he comes again. That's when we're going to cross that finish line. These are easy instructions to follow. I hope you'll join me in pressing hard on this goal. Pushing hard. Running hard." [01:28:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul once again causes us to visualize a foot race as he calls us to run this Christian life like one of these races. Specifically here, Paul is telling us to passionately pursue spiritual growth. He's calling us yet again to imitate him. Passionately pursue Christ in this life until you cross that finish line. Until you receive the prize of being with Christ. And of being like Christ." [48:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want to help you grow and become more like Jesus. Now, we're always clear in this. I don't believe our path is that which helps you grow or makes you grow. God is the one who produces the growth, right? But we believe our path because it's packed with spiritual disciplines that are included in the word of God. We believe it puts you in a position to be grown by God. And we believe, as does Paul, that we need to be active in our spiritual growth." [57:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul knew his spiritual growth was not yet complete. He Christ. Christ knew him. He knew Christ. He understood that he was positionally righteous. But he knew practically he had a lot of growing to do. He was not spiritually perfect. He wanted to know Jesus in a greater way. He wanted to be more like Jesus in every way possible. But he knew he wasn't yet like Jesus. Not every way. He had been given the righteousness of Christ through faith, but he was not yet perfectly righteous." [01:00:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul wanted to know Christ in an even greater way. Be like him in every possible way. To do this, he focused on Christ. He ran the race with his eyes on the finish line. As we passionately pursue Jesus, desiring to know him better and be like him, we need to keep our eyes on him. He's the prize. He's the finish line. One day we're going to be with him. One day we'll know him better than we could have ever known him. One day we will be, as much as we possibly can, like him." [01:13:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul understood how important it was for Christians to have other Christians teach them about Christ and model for them what it looks like to follow Jesus. We need to run this race passionately pursuing Jesus with others who are passionately pursuing him. And some of them will not be as mature as you. Guess what? They get to learn from your example. You get to be the model for them. Some of them you're going to run with are going to be far more mature than us. We need them to learn from them, to see what it looks like to really live this Christ-like life." [01:18:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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