GUIDELINES FOR A REWARDING LIFE
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Borrowed

I. INTRODUCTION:

A. Paul gives us in our text, the means to accomplish what God wants.
B. There are at least three things mentioned by the apostle that prove to be significant guidelines for a rewarding life that are pleasing to God.

II. BODY:

A. We must forget the past. Vs. 13.

1. What Paul meant by forget: 1) to forget 2) neglecting, no longer caring for 2) forgotten, given over to oblivion, i.e. uncared for.
2. What things did he forget? Note Vs. 4-6.

a. He forgot the middle wall of partition. Eph 2:11-13.
b. He took no account of financial standing. Php 4:11.
c. He had no care for social position. Acts 24, 25, 26, before Felix the governor, Festus the next governor and King Agrippa and all of the king's retinue.

3. How did he manage to cease caring about the past (Acts 26:9-11; 7:58; 8:1-3; 9:1)? 2 Tim 1:12: For the which cause I also suffer these things nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. {believed: or, trusted}

a. When God forgives sin, it is forgotten. Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
b. We need to live our lives as ones who are dead to sin. Rom 6:1-4.

B. We must be energetic about service. Php 3:13,14.

1. Man was designed to work. Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

a. We must be careful about resting on our laurels of those of any one else for that matter. The rich farmer in Luke 12:16-21.

2. We have Paul as an example of following the footsteps of Christ. 1 Cor 11:1; Acts 17:16-17.

a. The task of Christ was self proclaimed. Luke 19:10.
b. We have the example of Christ. John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father 's business?
c. We also have his commands. Gal 6:10.

3. We have marching orders from the risen Saviour. Matt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15,16.
4. We have much to do, there is work on every hand. John 4:33,34: Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

C. We must commit our lives to seeking the right goals. 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

1. We must set our sights on the goal Paul used: "...the high calling...": 2) a call, invitation 2a) to a feast 2b) of the divine invitation to embrace salvation of God.
2. The Christian reward is likened unto a marriage feast. Matthew 22:1-14.

a. Those bidden, did not come; one that came at the second invitation was not wearing the proper garment and was evicted.
b. We have this time to accept the invitation to the feast, and to prepare the proper garment. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Matt 11:28; Eph 5:27; Acts 22:16; Rev 1:5;7:14.

3. We must take note of the cost. Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

a. We will sacrifice our here and now (Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me), for what comes later (Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.).

III. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:

A. We are starting a New Year. We can make any changes necessary to make this next year better than any previous.
B. It is our choice, but it starts with a decision.

IV. INVITATION: