2020
That I May Know Him: Lesson 5 – Paul Identified His Purpose And Was Focused On It.
Lesson Five
HE IDENTIFIED HIS PURPOSE AND WAS FOCUSED ON IT.
Study verse.
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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV)
A. INTRODUCTION.
A focused person is someone who has identified his purpose and is doing everything not to allow distractions to shift his attention from it. Paul was evidently a focused person, who resolutely pursued his purpose to the end of his life.
B. IDENTIFICATION OF YOUR GOAL OR OBJECT OF FOCUS.
For anyone to become focused, he must first identify the goal and then be ready to sacrifice anything that may be competing with the goal.
i. Read Phil.3:7-14. What was the life goal of Paul? It may be summarized as “To know Jesus Christ and be found in Him”
What were the things that Paul did because of his goal?
ii. He counted everything that were gain to him to be loss for Jesus.(v7)
ii. He counted all other things as rubbish so that he might gain Christ.(v8)
iii. He did not rely on his own righteousness as found in the law but the righteousness which is in Christ.(v9)
iv. He kept committing himself to knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.(v10)
v. He kept pressing on.(v12)
vi. He forgot the dirty past and reaching forward to those things ahead.(v13)
vii. He kept his eyes on the goal.(v14)
viii. Have you identified your own goal in ministry or your walk with God?
C. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS TO SACRIFICE TODAY TO KNOW CHRIST AND BE FOUND IN HIM?
If we want to get the results that Paul got, we also have to take those steps he took, and more. The following are some of the scriptures that might be helpful.
i. Rom. 12:1&2. What are you asked to do in the above scriptures?
How may you offer yourself a living sacrifice to God? What does it mean not to be conformed to the world by renewing your mind?
ii. Heb.12:1&2. How will you explain these two verses?
iii.Phil.4:8&9. Explain those things you are asked to think on. How can they help you to remain focused?
From your experience, identify other things which one may need to sacrifice in other to remain focused on his/ her goal in this Christian race.
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CONCLUSION.
One of the greatest virtues that we may learn from the life of Paul is the ability to remain focused in spite of all distractions. This is a virtue which each and everyone of us must learn if we really want to finish well in our Christian race. Distractions must come but it takes someone who is as resolute as Paul to remain on course. Are you such a Christian?
