Sermon: “The Eightfold Goals Of A Christian’s Life!”
Presenter: Dr. JoAnne P. King
Good morning, Saints and Praise the Lord! Today, we are going to cover the “The Eightfold Goals of a Christian’s Life!” as recorded by Apostle Paul. After Apostle Paul’s encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and conversion, he went to Arabia where he was taught through divine revelation by Jesus for three years! (Gal. 1:11-12, 15-18) He is credited with authoring 14 of the 22 books of the New Testament. In addition to his prolific writings, he participated in three missionary trips where He ministered and preached the Gospel across Asia Minor, Greece and Rome.
The Apostle Paul had a zeal and determination that was like none other before his conversion and even more so, after seeing and being taught by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even after being imprisoned in jail or on house arrest, he constantly wouldn’t be deterred from ministering and encouraging the believers and churches with his Epistles then, and even today.
Naturally speaking before one starts on a project of any kind, there should be listed clear-cut steps to be taken in order to reach a goal. One will never be able to reach his/her goal without them. The eightfold goals listed today are goals that should be achieved by believers who are striving for perfection as cited in Hebrews 6:1. Hebrews 6:1 says: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.”
So, let’s get into today’s message that was sent to the Church and believers in Philippi. This is one of the messages that was sent while he was under house arrest in Rome. One of the goals listed will be easily recognized however, it is usually taught by itself.
“The Eightfold Goals of a Christian’s Life!”
Philippians 3:7-21
As we go over these verses today, recognize that Paul’s personal testimony is a reminder to each of us of the transforming power of an encounter with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Paul, who was once a persecutor of the early Christians, himself experienced a radical transformation on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), and his life was never the same. The story of his life demonstrates God’s grace and redemption and shows us that no one is out of the reach of God’s power to transform even the hardest heart.
Philippians 3:1-6 holds ageless messages about true joy, the greater importance of true faith over religious rituals, the fleeting importance of earthly accomplishments over knowing Christ and lives are transformed by the power of God’s grace. Paul is succinctly letting the Philippians know that what truly matters in our Christian-walk is to place our boasting and identity in Christ alone and not in ourselves and our so-called accomplishments. Saints, locate yourself on this Eightfold Ladder of Christian Goals and continue until you have completed them all!
EIGHTFOLD CHRISTIAN GOALS:
Philippians 3:7-21
- To win Christ – vs. 7-8 says: “But what things were gain to me, these I counted loss for Christ. Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
Paul starts by saying whatever I had gained in life, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. In this instance, Paul when looking over his life as a Pharisee and all he accomplished, the honor and respect which he held among the Jews, as well as, his future with them, and comparing that with his encounter with Christ, there was no comparison. You see a crucial shift in Paul’s life concerning his values had taken place. He recognized that all his earthly achievements didn’t amount to a hill of beans in comparison to the ultimate value of knowing Jesus Christ. The need to prioritize spiritual treasures over material gain, is a key theme in the Christian faith that must be gleaned by the believer.
Additionally in verse 8, Paul magnifies the value of knowing Christ above all else and is the foundation of his faith. His deep, personal relationship with Jesus drives and determines his every decision and action. Throughout the Bible it is repeated that “we should know Jesus.” In John 17:3 where eternal life is defined, it says: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent.” Oh, Jesus wants us to know Him, the Lover of our souls! This intimate knowledge of God is not just an intellectual understanding but a relationship that shapes one’s life completely.
- To be found in Christ– vs. 9 says: “And be found in him not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
Here Paul contrasts the righteousness based on following the law, which he had zealously pursued as a Pharisee, with the righteousness which comes through faith in Christ. The doctrine of Justification by Faith is a central theme of the New Testament which documents a shift in perspective from the Old Testament. Paul’s belief in righteousness through faith in Christ alone supports that salvation is a free gift of grace received by faith and not by works. Christianity is set apart from legalistic systems that rely on human effort (works) for salvation. Col. 2:9 says: “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
To be found in Christ means that you have a new identity, you are now a child of God. As a child of God, you have received salvation and have been forgiven of all your sins, past, present and future through faith in Jesus. Additionally, you are a new creation meaning, you have left your old self behind. A union has been made between you and Christ where you have received His Righteousness that does not rely on your works!
- To know Christ in power, sufferings, and death: vs. 10 says: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
Here Paul shares his deepest longing for a profound intimacy with Christ, not only in experiencing the power of His resurrection but also in sharing in His sufferings and conforming to His likeness. This verse echoes the central theme of identification with Christ’s death and resurrection found in Romans 6:5 Amp. which says: “For if we have become one with Him [permanently united] in the likeness of His death, we will also certainly be [one with Him and share fully] in the likeness of His resurrection.” 1 Peter 4:1-2 Amp. which says: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves like [warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world], so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God.”
Paul is telling us that partaking in Christ’s power, suffering and death means that we are to use our experiencing of His divine strength and power in our lives, to strengthen our resolve to stand. As well as, our trials can deepen our faith and reliance on Him as we overcome them.
This idea of dying to self and being united with Christ in His suffering and victory is at the core of Christian discipleship.
- To attain to the out-resurrection from among the dead: vv. 11-12 says: “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 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.”
Paul looks forward to the future hope of the resurrection, not as something to be earned by his efforts, but as a promise to be received through faith in Christ. In 1 Cor. 15:20-23, this hope in the resurrection is a central tenet of Christian faith where Christ’s resurrection is proclaimed as the guarantee of our own resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:20-23 Amp. says: “But now [as things really are] Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, [and He became] the first fruits [that is, the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body, foreshadowing the resurrection] of those who have fallen asleep [in death]. For since [it was] by a man that death came [into the world], it is also by a Man that the resurrection of the dead has come. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” This final victory over death is the ultimate culmination of the believer’s journey of faith and the fulfillment of God’s promise of eternal life.
In verse 12, Paul acknowledges that despite all he has achieved for Christ, he has not yet reached his ultimate goal in knowing Him fully. This admission by Paul is a profound reminder of the ongoing journey of faith and transformation for every believer. No matter how seasoned we may be in our walk with God, there is always more of Him to discover, more growth to experience, and more of His character to manifest in our lives.
However, this did not stop Paul from pursuing what had apprehended him and like Paul, we too must pursue what has apprehended us. As I have said many times, that God is the most purposeful person in the world. He has a plan and a purpose for all of our lives and it is our responsibility to seek until we find out what it is and then do it! One thing that we know for a fact is that God wants us to be conformed to the image of His Son! This is supported by Philippians 3:12 Amp. which says: “Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.”
We recognize that His death and resurrection, guarantees that we will be resurrected as well, and have already been given eternal life! We realize that a spiritual transformation is involved where we will move from a mortal earthly existence to a glorified eternal state! This realization encourages believers to persevere in their faith, knowing their future hope!
- To obtain the high-calling of God in Christ: vv. 13-14 says: “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.”
Saints, I think that you recognize that this is the scripture that I mentioned at the beginning of this sermon. I cannot emphasize enough as Paul said forgetting those things which are behind!!! There are some people who live in the past. All they talk about are what happened to them way back when, or what somebody said about them, did to them, or things they accomplished, etc. These things happened 20, 30 or more years ago! You cannot go forward looking backward! Satan loves to bring up the sins and/or failures of your past! When you came to the Lord, all of your sins were forgiven- past, present and future. Remember what happened to the Israelites after being delivered from Egypt, how they whined and complained about everything and wished to be back in Egypt—they all died in the wilderness with the exception of Joshua, Caleb and all who were 20 years and younger.
Paul says don’t look backward but press forward, because there are things that are before. The word press in the Greek means to agonize or to make an effort. He understands that his journey does not end with baptism or accepting Christ, nor does ours. Rather, it is a continuous journey towards spiritual maturity and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. He encourages believers to focus their energy and attention on the eternal prize that awaits them in Christ Jesus by using the metaphor of an athlete straining towards the finish line. In watching an Olympic race, when the runners almost reach the finish line, they are not standing erect. They lean their bodies forward with their necks outstretched and the one that stretches the most, wins the race.
Paul’s words remind us that our faith journey requires intentional effort and focus. We are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and to continually pursue a deeper relationship with Him. This forward-looking mindset challenges us to align our goals and aspirations with God’s purposes, seeking His kingdom above all else (Matt. 6:33).
The “goal” is not merely a distant target. No, it represents each milestone in our Christian journey such as: growing in understanding, increasing our love for others, and reflecting Jesus in our daily lives. The phrase “high calling of God” indicates that our purpose is divine in nature. Always remember, that we are Ambassadors for Christ and the work we do carries eternal significance. Active pursuit calls for intentional effort in prayer, study and obedience to God’s Word. The unique calling entrusted to each of us means that we recognize what living with intention is and fulfilling God’s unique plan for our lives through Christ.
Finally, the aspect of “prize” quite often is associated with eternal rewards. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul talks about receiving a crown of righteousness, one that the Lord will give to those who love Him. This prize denotes a relationship with God, not seen as a distant goal but one we are inching closer to every day. We should encourage one another in our pursuit, reminding ourselves of the hope we share as believers.
- To walk in unity: vv. 15-16 says: Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”
Paul’s exhortation emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and unity within the body of Christ. It highlights the need for believers to walk in pursuit of knowing Christ more deeply, pressing on towards spiritual maturity, and maintaining a forward-focused mindset rooted in faith. Paul’s words resonate across time and culture, inspiring believers to persevere in their walk with God, to prioritize eternal values over temporal gains, and to embody the love and unity that characterize the Kingdom of God.
In the spiritual sense, our walk as Christians in the world should be different from those around us. People should notice that our lives are marked by a certain type of conduct and holiness. Our speech, conduct and interests are different. We are called to walk worthy of an upward call. Yes, we all walk physically but when it comes to spiritually our walk should be very different. The Scriptures actually say quite a bit about our walk. I’ll list a few.
Eph. 4:1-3 Amp.: “So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]. With all humility forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].” To sum up this scripture, it says we are to walk with lowliness, gentleness, long-suffering, bear with one another, in love, unity of the Spirit, and the bond of peace.
Eph. 5:15 Amp.: “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage shunning those who tolerate and enable evil]. Not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people].”
1 Th. 4:11 Amp.: “and to make it your ambition to live quietly and peacefully, and to mind your own affairs and work with your hands, just as we directed you.”
- To follow apostolic example vv. 17-19 says: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
We are called to walk in the light, to walk in close communion with the Lord Jesus Christ. In doing so, we will have fellowship with one another and all sins are cleansed by the blood of Christ.
Many people walk in a different way and these people we should not follow. We are to follow Paul in the way he followed Christ.
There are many who walk as an enemy of the cross. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” The cross is central to Christianity but many are walking as enemies of it.
One of the enemies of the cross that Paul came across would have been Judaizers. To them, righteous living was to follow the law but the cross of Christ cut right across that. The cross brought freedom and grace as opposed to man’s effort to please God through the law. In 1 Corinthians 1:18 Amp., we see the same thought, “For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.”
Some look at the cross and ask what is the point of all that?
The natural man is opposed to the cross because it is a means of punishment and death. However, it is the way God chose to free the world from sin and death in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are perishing look at it and think it’s foolishness. They don’t see the wisdom in it or understand that God was reconciling the world to Himself through the Lord Jesus Christ as He was made sin for you, me and them! Christ was made sin and judged as the sin offering on the cross for the just and the unjust, the righteous and the unrighteous. They do not understand how anyone could put their trust in a person who hung on a cross and died for the sins of the world. It is the power of God to us who are being saved and to them it is foolishness.
Another enemy of the cross: 2 Cor. 11:13-15 Amp.: “For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. So, it is no great surprise if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness but their end will correspond with their deeds.”
Another enemy of the cross: Rom. 16:17-18: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Another enemy of the cross: 2 Peter 2:2: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
There are people we should not follow because their end is destruction. The word destruction means perdition. Everything that they live for will end in ruin and loss. They will spend eternity separated from God. They are ruled by their senses and led by their appetites. They soothe their bellies and everything is about feasts, parties, gluttony and giving the body whatever it desires. In other words, their bodies are their gods because that is what they are serving.
The Cross’ Way of Living
Here are a few examples of the Cross’ way of living.
Col. 3:1-4: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
Col. 3:5-8 Amp.: “So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. Because of these [sinful] things the [divine] wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience [those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts]. And in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ]. But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.”
You see the new man has a new way of living and walking in a completely different direction which is the upward call of God.
This upward call of God causes us to: 1) Follow the faith of the Apostles. 2) Demonstrate love and unity as emphasized in the Apostles’ letters. 3) Engage in prayer: prioritize prayers and communal worship as the Apostles did. 4) Spread the Gospel; actively share the message of Jesus, following the Apostles’ missionary efforts. 5) Live righteously: adhere to moral and ethical standards set forth by the Apostles and 6) Support of the Church community as the Apostles’ encouraged.
- To be glorified with Christ vv. 20-21 says: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
In conclusion, in the last two verses, you noticed a shift to the future hope of believers. Now their eyes are fixed on the ultimate goal of being with Christ in eternity, rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. The mention of Jesus transforming our lowly body to be like His glorious body points to the promise of resurrection and eternal life for those who are in Christ. This transformation signifies the ultimate victory over sin and death, culminating in believers being fully restored to the image of God.
These verses align with other biblical passages that speak to the hope and future glory that await those who remain faithful to Christ. Romans 8:18 echoes a similar sentiment, stating that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Likewise, the theme of citizenship in heaven also resonates with Hebrews 11:13-16 where believers are considered strangers and pilgrims on earth, seeking a heavenly homeland. This reminder serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith journey despite the challenges and trials they may face. Philippians 3:17-21 encompasses timeless truths about the importance of following Christ’s example, resisting the temptations of the world, and eagerly anticipating the future hope of eternal life in Christ. The passage serves as a poignant reminder for believers to prioritize their heavenly citizenship, strive for spiritual transformation, and remain steadfast in their faith as they await the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
In the following scriptures, Paul teaches us how we are to fight.
I Cor. 9:24-27 Amp.: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. Therefore, I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].”
I Tim. 6:12-21 Amp.: “Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil], take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and [in the presence] of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession [in his testimony] before Pontius Pilate, to keep all His precepts without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about in His own time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign [the absolute Ruler], the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords. He alone possesses immortality [absolute exemption from death] and lives in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal power and dominion! Amen. As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others]. In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. Oh, Timothy, (Saints) guard and keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge” – which some have professed and by doing so have erred (missed the mark) and strayed from the faith.”
Saints, through-out this chapter, our life in Christ is compared to a race, not a sprint or dash but to a marathon. So, don’t look or expect a quick turn-around to occur in situations but be prepared to endure with complete faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ following every detail as listed in the above scriptures. Remember, Ecclesiastes 9:11: “The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but to the one who endures to the end.” So, Endurers, (Saints of God) the victory will be yours! Amen, and so let it be done!